Learning styles and preferences
- 1. Learning styles and preferences Knowing these can make you a more effective teacher
- 2. What is meant by learning styles? Howard Gardner (1983) revealed that people are not just clever in one way. They are intelligent in many, many ways. Gardner showed that people have learning preferences and learn in a range of ways. Ultimately, not all students learn best in situations that restrict them to desks. Some learners do best when moving, tasting, exploring, constructing, measuring, reading and listening.
- 3. Visual and spatial learners 1 Like visually presented information such as charts, pictures, images, keywords display, memory and concept mapping. 2 Have very good visual recall and will be able to remember scenes, objects or faces for many years. 3 Often respond well to watching performance video, photography and film, and to the use of colour.
- 4. Musical or aural learners 1 Able to rehearse or anticipate situations by “hearing” them played out in their heads. 2 Have good auditory recall 3 Respond well to a variety of sounds including environmental sounds, music and the human voice. Enjoy sound tracks, scores, songs, sound effects, storytelling, and music in general.
- 5. Kinesthetic learners 1 Learn best by doing, where physical movement aids memory. 2 Use the body in highly differentiated and skilled ways. 3 May be restless and like to move about during learning activities. Respond well to experimenting, practicing and opportunities to feel, touch and handle and make things.
- 6. Interpersonal learners 1 Respond quickly to changes in mood and adjust behaviour accordingly. 2 Able to understand and work with others. 3 Enjoy discussions and group work. 5 Are good at giving and receiving feedback. Likely to respond well to discussion and group activities.
- 7. Intrapersonal Learners 1 Like time for quiet reflection and the opportunity to develop thoughts and express these. 2 Are self-motivated and have a high degree of self–knowledge. 3 Enjoy spending time alone, researching, thinking and reflecting on the experience before talking about this to others.
- 8. Linguistic learners 1 Attracted to work in museums, libraries and archives. 2 Sensitive to the meaning of words, to their order, their sounds, rhythm and inflection, and to their capacity to change mood, persuade or convey information. 3 May respond well to sequences built upon conversation, story, poetry, rhyme, words.
- 9. Mathematical learners 1 Readily see patterns and relationships in the world around them 2 Problem solvers who construct solutions non-verbally 3 Like information to be sequenced in a logical order and to make strong connections between concepts Choreography may also be an exciting prospect for you
- 10. Naturalist learners 1 Have a strong sense what is fair and want to think through the impact of their actions on those around them. 2 Enjoy being outside and notice patterns and rhythms in nature. 3 Enjoy spaces that are airy with natural light, and will appreciate the opportunity to spend some time outside buildings.
- 11. Task Create a choreographic task for your students to respond to. 1 What information must be provided? How will you break down this information? Work out how you might change your instruction according to 4 of the learning styles. 2 3
- 12. More questions about Learning styles and preferences? Write your questions down and we’ll address them in the tutorial or chat.