Learning style is the way individuals concentrate on, absorb, and retain new or difficult information or skills. It is not the materials, or strategies that people use to learn: those are the resources that complement each person's style. Style comprises a combination of environmental, emotional, sociological, physical, and psychological elements that permit individuals to receive, store and use knowledge or abilities.
Exceptional Children, Vol. 49, No. 6, April 1983
Every student has a unique learning style. According to Jody Whelden, a psychotherapist, counselor and teacher, "Each learning style is like an instrument in an orchestra. Students need to know what instrument is theirs and how they fit into the orchestra."
Each student learns differently, at a different rate, using different learning styles. Everyone has a learning style. Our style of learning, if accommodated, can result in improved attitudes toward learning and an increase in academic achievement. By identifying your learning style, you will identify how you learn best. Learning styles do not reflect levels of achievement or academic ability. No one style is better than the other.
Researchers have done experiments with at least 21 elements of learning style. They have found that most people respond strongly to between six and fourteen elements.
The element chart indicates perceptual strengths as being tactile/kinesthetic, visual or auditory learners. After you take the test, score it and print your score so you can complete your assignment.
By becoming familiar with learning style theory, you will be able to recognize your students' style and you will be able to make suggestions on how they can use that strength to help them study. Be sure to look at the suggestions.
Look at these sites to learn more about learning styles:
- Why learning your style can maximize success (University of Michigan-Dearbon)
- 4 Types of Learning Styles: How Do Students Learn Best? (Bay Atlantic University)
- Different Types of Learners: What College Students Should Know (Rasmussen University)
Have you taken even an introductory course in psychology? If you have, then you have probably taken a personality test. There are several personality models of varying usefulness and accuracy. The personality system in the Keirsey Sorter is based on Jung's theory of personality type. It was converted into a practical instrument by Myers and Briggs and is used extensively in education and career guidance. This test attempts to identify a person's personality "type." Personality influences the preferred approaches to acquiring and integrating new information. Take the personality test. The test measures extroversion versus introversion, sensing versus intuition, thinking versus feeling, and judging versus perception. There are 16 different personality types.
Knowing your learning style preferences and your personality type can help you plan for activities that take advantage of your natural skills and inclinations. It will help you to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and to capitalize on the strengths and to compensate for the weaknesses. It will also help you become a better tutor.
