Learning Styles and the Three R’s of Memory

What are Learning Styles?  Learning Styles are the ways we perceive and process experiences and information.  There are three ways in which we perceive and process experiences and information Visual Visual Auditory Auditory Kinesthetic Kinesthetic

Knowing Your Learning Style  Everyone has a preferred learning style  Most people, however, don’t depend entirely on one learning style. They use all three in different situations.  Knowing your learning style can help you to study more effectively.  (Learning Style Inventory/Learning Style Guide)

Visual Learners  Mind sometimes strays during verbal activities  Observe rather than talk or act  Organized approach to tasks  Like to read  Good spellers  Not too distractible  Find verbal instructions difficult  Have good handwriting  Remember faces  Use advanced planning  Doodle  Quiet by nature  Meticulous, neat in appearance  Notice details

Auditory Learners  Talk aloud to self  Enjoy talking  Easily distracted  Have difficulty with written instructions  Like to be read to  Enjoy listening  Memorize steps in sequence  Whisper to self while reading  Hums or sings  Outgoing by nature

Kinesthetic Learners  Like physical rewards  Dress for comfort  In motion most of the time  Like to touch people when talking to them  Tap pencil or foot while studying  Poor speller  Enjoy handling objects  Like to solve problems by physically working them through  Will try new things  Outgoing by nature; expresses emotions through physical means  Use hands while talking

The Three R’s of Memory  Reception – You can’t retain or recall what you don’t experience or understand. You’ve got to be open, aware, ready to learn.  Retention – You have to want to learn in order to make learning easy and fun.  Recollection – Help your self create ways to call up stored memories.

Some Tips for Improving your Reception  Become more attentive and observant.  Use as many senses as possible.  Ask questions to aid your understanding.  Before you read a textbook, survey it.

Some Tips for Improving Retention  Become an active reader  Review frequently  Recite  Do All your homework assignments  Find a reason to remember

Recollection Aids  Organize your study materials  Use your preferred sensory mode  Give yourself practice tests  Go over old tests and classroom assignments

Retention Curve  (Overhead!)