Different Learning Styles: Learning about Learning

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There are many people in the world, but only three key learning styles. Learning styles can be defined as a preferred way of acquiring knowledge and processing information. A learning style affects understanding, solving problems, participating in different activities, reacting in a group, and relating to others around us. Most individuals have a dominant learning style. There are many varieties of learning styles, but they are categorized into three main groups: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic (Lamarche-Bisson):

1. “Auditory learners learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.”

2. “Visual learners learn best through seeing the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated textbooks, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and handouts. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.”

3. “Kinesthetic learners learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written informatio...

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http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm

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