Learning Styles

1
Learning Styles

• Anne Barnette Zalubowski
• February 20, 2008

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Learning Styles Inventory

• Many times children inherit the learning styles
  of their parents.
• Please take a few minutes to complete this
  inventory (blue paper) to learn your best style.
  
• After completing the inventory please score it
  (green paper).

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Visual Learner Characteristics

• Need to see it to know it they like to see what
  they are learning
• Have a strong sense of color and benefit from
  illustrations and presentations that use color
• May be artistic
• Are usually neat and clean
• Often close their eyes to visualize or remember
  things
• Often attracted to written or spoken language
  rich in imagery
• Find passive surroundings ideal and prefer
  stimuli to be isolated from auditory and
  kinesthetic distraction

4
Visual Learner Characteristics

• Often have difficulty with following oral
  directions
• May over-react to sounds
• May have trouble following lectures
• Often misunderstand words
• Take numerous detailed notes
• Can get distracted without visual stimuli

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Auditory Learner Characteristics

• Need to hear it to know it
• Acquire knowledge by listening or reading aloud
• Remember by verbalizing lessons to themselves
• Sit where they can hear but may not pay attention
  to demonstrations
• Shouldnt need to hear directions more than once
  to perform action
• Frequently confided in by friends and family
  because of their listening skills

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Auditory Learner Characteristics

• May have difficulty with reading and writing
• Often have difficulty with written directions
• Often misunderstand body language and facial
  expressions
• Hum or talk to themselves

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Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics

• Need hands on approach to know it
• Often can assemble parts without reading
  directions
• Learn better when physical activity is involved
• May be very well coordinated and have athletic
  ability
• Enjoy field trips and tasks that involve
  manipulating materials
• Speak with their hands and with gestures
• Appreciate physically expressed encouragement
  (ex. pat on the back)

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Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics

• Have difficulty sitting still
• Need to take frequent breaks
• Can remember what was done, but have difficulty
  recalling what was said or seen
• Find reasons to tinker or move when bored
• Rely on what they can directly experience or
  perform struggle with listening or visual
  lessons

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Visual Learning Tips

• Use graphics charts, organizers, diagrams,
  illustrations
• Color code notes and possessions
• Ask for written directions
• Use diagrams and webs for note taking
• Practice visualizing or picturing words and
  concepts in your head
• Make to-do lists and use agenda or assignment
  book
• Use flash cards

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Auditory Learning Tips

• Use tape recorder for lectures, brainstorming
  ideas, or writing
• Participate in class discussions
• Ask for directions to be read aloud
• Repeat spelling words or information aloud to
  memorize
• After you read something, summarize it and recite
  it aloud.

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Kinesthetic Learning Tips

• Do as much hands-on as possible models, lab
  work, role plays, posters, etc.
• Take frequent, short study breaks
• Trace letters and words to learn spelling and
  remember facts (sand paper, play-doh, pudding)
• Use the computer for projects
• Memorize or drill while walking or exercising
• Express abilities through dance, drama, or sports
• Take notes on everything
• To learn facts write them several times and
  make study sheets
• Associate class material with real-world things

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Final thoughts

• Many of the kinesthetic tips can be used with all
  elementary aged children due to lower attention
  spans and maturity levels
• Help your children understand their learning
  styles and how to advocate for themselves.
• Thank you!