WHAT’S MY LEARNING STYLE?! 7TH GRADE GUIDANCE LESSON #1

QUICK QUIZ Raise your hand if: You know your learning style (Tactile, Visual or Hearing). You know how to use your learning style to study effectively. You know how your learning style can benefit you personally – help you interact with others?

“Know Thyself.” - Socrates

Let’s take the inventory! Directions: To get a better understanding of how you learn, take this learning styles inventory. Answer each question as honestly as you can. Then add up your points to find out whether you’re an auditory, visual or tactile learner—and how you can make your personal style work in the classroom.

VISUAL LEARNERS The most common type of learner, about 65 percent of the population. Relate most effectively to written information, notes, diagrams and pictures. You might not even absorb information if someone just tells you. It’s almost as if it didn’t exist unless you see it written down. Needs to see it to know it.  Strong sense of color.  May have artistic ability.  Difficulty with spoken directions.  Overreaction to sounds.  Trouble following lectures.  Misinterpretation of words.

STUDY TIPS for VISUAL LEARNERS Take notes even when you’ve been given handouts or printed course notes. Look at—don’t just listen to—all study materials and directions. Use or make your own charts, maps, notes and flashcards. Practice visualizing (Close your eyes and picture) or picturing words and concepts in your head. Write everything down for frequent and quick visual reference. Color code to organize notes Include illustrations as you take notes in class. Sit in the front of the class – Facial cues and body language. Study in a place free from visual distraction – NO TV or music. Watch videos about topics you are studying in class. When reviewing information, rewrite or draw the information from memory. Type your notes using different fonts, bold, italics, and different colors. When solving math problems that involve a sequence of steps, uses boxes.

AUDITORY LEARNERS You are the second most common type of learner, accounting for an estimated 30 percent of the population. As an auditory learner, you relate most effectively to the spoken word. You tend to listen to a lecture, then take notes afterward or rely on printed notes. Written information will have little meaning until it has been heard. It may help auditory learners to read written information aloud. Prefers to get information by listening, needs to hear it to know it.  Prefers spoken directions to written directions. Doesn’t prefer reading and writing. Sometimes has difficulty reading body language, facial expressions.

STUDY TIPS for AUDITORY LEARNERS Read your assignments and study materials aloud—even if you feel a little silly at first. Sit at the front of the classroom where you can hear well. Participate in study groups where you can talk things out. Work out math problems aloud, explaining the steps you are doing to yourself. Repeat facts and definitions over and over with your eyes closed. Create songs or jingles to remember information. Dictate assigned papers and type them after. Participate in class discussion as much as possible. Look for books on tape or other audio materials. Study in a place free from auditory distractions – NO TV or music. When you learn a new word, sound it out syllable by syllable. Read aloud when proofreading.

TACTILE LEARNERS You’re a rare breed—one of only about 5 percent of the population. Tactile learners prefer a hands-on approach, learning through touch and movement. You learn skills by imitation and practice. Prefers hands-on learning.  Can assemble parts without reading directions.  Difficulty sitting still.  Learns better when physical activity is involved.  May be very well coordinated and have athletic ability. You may take a little longer to learn some skills since most information isn’t presented in a way that suits your learning style.

STUDY TIPS for TACTILE LEARNERS Be physically active when you study. Occasionally, walk back and forth with your notes as you read the information aloud. To decrease fidgeting when you study, listen to music while you study. Use the computer and internet. Touching the keyboard will keep your mind active. Take extensive notes in class. Edit and type them later. Study in short blocks of time with frequent, short breaks. Do something physical as you study, such as tapping a pencil or squeezing a stress ball. Use your finger as a guide while reading. Act out things whenever possible. Build models whenever possible. Try lying on your back or stomach while studying. When trying to memorize, close your eyes and write the information in the air. Use concrete objects to help with math concepts.

CHALLENGE Now that you know your learning style, will you change or improve your study habits? How can knowing your learning style, help you interact with others?

QUICK QUIZ Raise your hand if: You know your learning style (Tactile, Visual or Hearing). You know how to use your learning style to study more effectively. You know how your learning style can benefit you personally – help you interact with others?

THANK YOU!

RESOURCES USED https://wvde.state.wv.us/counselors/links/students/documents/9.8.1- Learning_styles_assessment.pdf http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills-articles/your-preferred-learning- style.asp