Learning Styles Freshmen Seminar

Learning Styles Learning Style: Example: Observers vs. Participants How you prefer to gather information and then what you do with it Example: Observers vs. Participants Observers prefer to think Participants prefer to learn firsthand Reflects how you absorb info in the world and how you process and deal with it Also influences the way you deal with different teaching styles

Sequential Learner Tend to be more logical, step-by-step approach to learning Enjoy theory Want order and structure in things Value being on time Desire details when gathering info Like reading and lectures Need to be in control

Sequential Learner Qualities Critical thinker Neat papers Efficient Keeps good records

Random Learner Learning in a less structured manner Favor discussion in things like history, current events, and literature Like sports and activities such as band/choir Needs examples and comparisons Like graphs and pictures See the “big picture” and not the facts and details

Random Learner Qualities Participation Do things your own way Dislike routine and authority Creative Broad range of interests

Teaching Styles It’s your job to understand your teacher and for them to understand you Sequential Teachers: Interested in data over people Likes organization, facts and details Wants efficiency – no partial credit Random Teachers: Enjoys people and discussion Role playing Imaginative assignments

Learning from different styles You can develop more well-rounded sense of the material if your teacher has a different style than you Creates tolerance and appreciation for differences

Left Brain/Right Brain Theory Theory: You brain has 2 hemispheres, a left side and a right side Known as hemisphericity Left-brain: Tends to resemble a sequential learner Right-brain: Tends to resemble a random learner

Sensory Theory Theory: states that we all have a preference in taking in our info either through our eyes, ears, or body movement Visual learners: prefer to learn with their eyes Auditory learners: prefer to learn with their ears Kinesthetic learners: prefer to learn with their body Read-Write: Learners who prefer data be given to them in writing. Processes better when reading and writing down info

Visual Learners Learn best by data and information presented to them visually, in the form of demonstrations, charts and pictures.

Auditory Learners Learn by listening and verbalizing data.

Kinesthetic Learners Learn best through hands-on approaches. (enjoys using all of their senses)

Read-Write Learners Learners who prefer data be given to them in writing. Processes better when reading and writing down info.

Social and Independent Learning Theories Some people prefer to learn by themselves – introverted Some people prefer to learn in groups – extroverted