Learning Styles: Getting the most out of your study time Mary Ellen Price University of Phoenix

Why Learning Styles? Different study techniques work for different learners (Rochford, 2003). Different study techniques work for different learners (Rochford, 2003). You can become a more effective student by using the study techniques that work best for you! You can become a more effective student by using the study techniques that work best for you!

What Learning Style Are You? There are many ways to categorize learners, but we will discuss one of the most common, based on how people like to encounter new material. There are many ways to categorize learners, but we will discuss one of the most common, based on how people like to encounter new material. The three learning styles are: The three learning styles are: Visual Visual Auditory Auditory Tactile/Kinesthetic Tactile/Kinesthetic

Visual Learners Visual learners take in new information through their eyes. Visual learners take in new information through their eyes. Rochford’s (2003) Examples of ways that visual learners like to learn are: Rochford’s (2003) Examples of ways that visual learners like to learn are: Reading Reading Watching a video Watching a video Looking at pictures Looking at pictures

Auditory Learners Auditory learners take in new information through their ears. Auditory learners take in new information through their ears. Examples of ways that auditory learners like to learn are: Examples of ways that auditory learners like to learn are: Listening to an instructor (Rochford, 2003). Listening to an instructor (Rochford, 2003). Reading out loud (Frazee, 2004). Reading out loud (Frazee, 2004).

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners take in new information by involving their bodies. Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners take in new information by involving their bodies. Examples of how tactile/kinesthetic learners like to learn are: Examples of how tactile/kinesthetic learners like to learn are: Taking notes (Connor, 2004). Taking notes (Connor, 2004). Using cards and puzzles (Rochford, 2003). Using cards and puzzles (Rochford, 2003). Using simulations or hands-on Using simulations or hands-on practice (Frazee, 2004).

Using the Learning Styles Studies show that people retain much more information when they are taught using their preferred learning style as compared to their least favorite learning style (Rochford, 2003). Studies show that people retain much more information when they are taught using their preferred learning style as compared to their least favorite learning style (Rochford, 2003).

Using the Learning Styles Others suggest using multiple learning styles while you study to increase retention of information (Frazee, 2004). Others suggest using multiple learning styles while you study to increase retention of information (Frazee, 2004). For example, flashcards use the tactile/kinesthetic style when you write the information on the card and the visual style when you read the card. You could also say the information on the card out line to incorporate the audio style. For example, flashcards use the tactile/kinesthetic style when you write the information on the card and the visual style when you read the card. You could also say the information on the card out line to incorporate the audio style. Pig Oink

Learning Styles Activity Match the learning style with the study technique. Tactile/Kinesthetic Visual Auditory Watching a video Reading out loud Taking notes

Learning Styles Activity: Answer Match the learning style with the study technique. Tactile/Kinesthetic Visual Auditory Watching a video Reading out loud Taking notes

Know your learning style. Use your favorite style, as well as other styles for reinforcement. To study effectively…

References Connor, M.L. (2004). Learn more now: 10 simple steps to learning better, smarter, and faster. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved September 8, 2004, from Frazee, B. (2004, May). Cross the finish line: Tips for winning the IT race. Certification Magazine, 6(5), Retrieved September 8, 2004, from the EBSCOHost database. Rochford, R.A. (2003, September). Assessing learning styles to improve the quality of performance of community college students in developmental writing programs: A pilot study. Community College Journal of Research & Practice, 27(8), Retrieved September 8, 2004, from the EBSCOHost database.