The Value of Learning Styles

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The Value of Learning Styles Learning styles and their value have been debated for some time. Students may have a preferred style but this doesn’t mean that educators should use just one form to accommodate an individual’s style. Using a multitude of styles will keep a student’s interest and will ensure a more solid understanding of the information presented. Many researchers believe that everyone has a preferred learning style and have developed a list of questions and if answered truthfully, are designed to indicate what preferred style the learner has. The basic learning styles are auditory, visual and kinesthetic. The auditory learners prefer information presented in a lecture format; Visual learners will do best with images or video; Kinesthetic learners prefer something physical that can be touched. (Guterl, S., 2013, p.2). The learning styles are not the only way learners can be categorized; there are individual learning types. Type one learner is imaginative, they like to feel and watch, they seek personal associations and need to find meaning as well as involvement. (McCarthy, B. & O’Neil-Blackwell, J, 2007, p.7). Type two learners like to listen and reflect about the information. They work through problems by thinking about ideas and listening to what the experts have to say. (McCarthy, B. & O’Neil-Blackwell, J, 2007, p.7). Type three learners are tinkerers and use common sense. They will think and do by experimenting, building and then creating something usable. (McCarthy, B. & O’Neil-Blackwell, J, 2007, p.7). Type four learners are dynamic; they do and feel by seeking hidden possibilities and exploring. Type four learners learn by trial and error or self-discovery. (McCarthy, B. & O’Neil-Blackwell, J, 2007, p.7)... ... middle of paper ... ...oaches to learning it would be in the students’ best interest to develop programs that capture their interest and engages them in multiple styles. Combining learning styles and utilizing an understanding that students will need to stretch their learning styles is necessary for them to be successful. Teachers should think outside the box and give students multiple avenues of opportunity to excel. Works Cited Guterl, S. (2013). Is Teaching to a Student’s “Learning Style” a Bogus Idea? Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-teaching-to-a-students-learning-style-a-bogus-idea/ McCarthy, B. & O’Neil-Blackwell, J. (2007). Hold On, You Lost Me. Alexandria, Va: ASTD Press. Paul, A. M., (2013). Forget about learning styles here is something better. Retrieved from http://anniemurphypaul.com/2013/10/forget-about-learning-styles-heres-something-better/#

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