Learning Styles

What is a learning style? “Learning styles are different ways people can learn. It is commonly believed that most people favor some particular method of interacting with, taking in, and processing information.”

Terms Have you ever heard someone say “I am a visual learner”? This means that that person learns best through seeing. People are often described at visual, auditory, and tactile learners.

Multiple Intelligence Linguistic Logical-Mathematical Spatial Bodily-Kinesthetic Musical Interpersonal Intrapersonal

Linguistic Intelligence To do with words, spoken or written. People who specialize in this area are generally good at writing and learning from lectures. They also tend to have broad vocabularies and learn languages very easily.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence The capacity to use numbers effectively. Those who favor this intelligence generally excel in mathematics and computer programming, and are often jacks of all trades by virtue of logic. Careers might include those involving science and computer programming.

Spatial Intelligence To do with visual perception and spatial judgment. People in this group are generally possessed of high hand-eye coordination, can interpret art well and can tessellate objects (as in loading a truck) easily. Such people might work as artists, artisans and engineers.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence To do with muscular coordination and movement. In this category, people generally are more adept at sports and dance, and work better when moving. In addition, they learn better by doing things and interacting with them physically. Most dancers, gymnasts and athletes are in this category. Includes typing or playing an instrument, so musicians are also within this category

Musical Intelligence To do with hearing. Those good with this tend to be better singers and have better pitch, in addition to liking music more. Music also helps people in this category work better, and those here will also learn better from lectures. Also, most have the ability to play one or more musical instruments with exceptional ease and style, or to compose music of exceptional quality.

Interpersonal Intelligence To do with interaction with others. People categorized here are usually extroverts, and good with people. They can be charismatic and convincing and diplomatic. They tend to learn better when people are involved, e.g., in discussions. People in these fields often become politicians or educators.

Intrapersonal Intelligence To do with oneself. People categorized here are most often introverts and have very complex philosophies. Intrapersonal intelligence is first and foremost the ability to objectively examine and judge oneself, including one's own weaknesses and strengths, motivations and desires. It is in basic terms, a sense of insight into one's nature. Reflecting is an important skill that all intrapersonal thinkers have. They reflect on their own work or ideas, not so much that of others.

What does this mean? We all have a different style and are stronger in different areas of learning. When you know your learning style you can adapt you study habits to best take in information. Role Play/Skits Take notes/read notes/read them aloud Study by speaking out loud by yourself or with someone else

Studying for tests, taking tests & recovering from them

What to do before a test Let go of ANXIETY Study Daily Weekly review your notes before & after class this should take 5-10 minutes Weekly Create tools that help you to review (see next slide) 1 hour per subject Major reviews Use tools created in weekly review Re-read text, review notes, work with another student(s) 2-5 hours in the day before the exam

REVIEW TOOLS Study checklists (studying to-do list) Text Pages covered in this unit Names of supplemental readings provided Dates of lecture notes Skills & problems that need mastery Vocabulary Theories Formulas Equations

Mind Map summary sheets REVIEW TOOLS Mind Map summary sheets Create from notes Create from memory Create from vocabulary lists Create as a study group *********See HANDOUT

Flash Cards REVIEW TOOLS On one side write questions, on other answers Use for: formulas, definitions, theories, key words, dates, world language phrases, hypotheses & sample problems

REVIEW TOOLS Plan a strategy Do a dry run- create your own test & take it Look at study guides & past quizzes Ask the instructor what to expect What type of questions will be on the test? What topics will be emphasized? How can I best allocate my review time? What am I allowed to bring into the exam? (calculator)

What to do during a test ARRIVE EARLY READ DIRECTIONS SLOWLY JOT DOWN MEMORY NOTES (brain dump) ANSWER EASIEST QUESTIONS FIRST PACE BREATHE LET GO OF ANXIETY

THE TEST IS TOMORROW & I DIDN’T STUDY!!!!!!! How to CRAM- even though you shouldn’t Let go of ANXIETY DETACH Recognize attachment Pay attention to emotions & physical sensations Practice Perspective

LET GO OF ANXIETY Deal with your thoughts Daydream- substitute thoughts of doom with visions of doing something you like to do. Visualize success- create detailed pictures of what it will be like when you succeed Focus- on an object (desk) notice the sounds in the room, texture of the desk & breathe Praise yourself- “I am doing a great job” Consider the worst until it is absurd

LET GO OF ANXIETY Deal with feelings Breathe Scan your body Tense & relax Use guided imagery Describe it Exercise aerobically Get help

IMAGINE BEING HERE…