Monday 10 March 2014

Learning Styles: Three ways to process information

Today we’re talking about “Learning styles” and we choose a text written by Susan Baxter who is a writer, independent scholar, educator and speaker. She has focused her labor on deconstructing the complex underpinnings of health, medicine and science.

“When working through a problem, do you prefer to make a list or talk it out? Do you hum along to the music, or tend to tap your foot? Would you rather look at a map, or read turn-by-turn driving directions? Would you choose to take an art class or an exercise class? When you're happy do you grin, or jump for joy? Your answers indicate some of the ways in which you choose to interact with the world around you, and your preferences might have something to do with your learning style.

Everyone takes information through their senses this it isn’t new, you can use your senses to learn and teach.[…] We are going to talk about the three main categories.[…] There are three basic styles: Aural, Visual and Kinesthetic. […]Understanding the way you or your child prefers to take in information can help you maximize learning opportunities inside and outside the traditional classroom.




Aural (or Auditory) Learners
These learners generally prefer to hear information. They will typically learn most easily from lectures, group discussions, music, web chats, or talking things through. […]Often people with this style will process things by talking about them, rather than talk about things after they've processed them.

Visual Learners
Maps, charts, diagrams, graphic organizers, patterns and shapes—these are some of the best tools for visual learners. They tend to be "big-picture" people and are often interested in layout and design.  Individuals who prefer this learning style generally can learn more quickly when it is organized graphically.
This category also includes learners who prefer learning through reading and writing. We can find two kind of visual learners: […] the first one is a Visual Learners and the other one Read/Write Learners. […] Both types of visual learners tend to take detailed notes. […]They close their eyes in order to visualize or remember something.

Kinesthetic Learners
The word kinesthetic is related to a Greek word that means movement, and certainly these learners prefer to learn by doing something physical (such as a hands-on activity or a field trip).  However, demonstrations, exhibits, case studies, and concrete applications also appeal to kinesthetic learners. […] Interestingly, movies and videos (particularly videos of "real" things) align with this the kinesthetic style more than with the visual style, as video connects learning to a simulated "real" experience. Kinesthetic learners will benefit by using all of their senses (taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing) to ground their learning in real experience.”

Researchers caution that these learning styles are not destiny, and they are not set in stone. They are just preferences. In fact, most people favor two or more of the styles, depending on the situation.

Understanding the ways you prefer to take in and remember information can help with learning and retaining information, particularly when you're dealing with something that is difficult for you. Alternatively, when you have the opportunity to work with something that comes easily, you might choose to practice using methods from different styles. 

This new information and new ways to learn is a good chance for the teachers who can present information in a variety of different ways, allowing for students with different preferences and learning needs.[…]”

Here we share with you some interesting videos wich explain in diferents ways this interesting method.

Then, If you are interest in what is you learning style here you have a webside where you can do a questionnare and find more information.


Find your learning style and enjoy learning! 

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