Sensory Preferences and Learning Style Three Basic Learning Modalities Only take notes of slides with this symbol.

Learning Style We take in and begin to process information through our senses. Our preferences in the way we take in information influences our ability to learn in different environments. Sensory Modalities Auditory Visual Kinesthetic/Tactile

Auditory Learner enjoys oral discussion studies by talking aloud requires oral explanations has trouble with written direction reinforces a task by talking him/herself through it

More Auditory Traits from USD* sit where they can hear but needn't pay attention to what is happening in front may not coordinate colors or clothes, but can explain why they are wearing what they are wearing and why hum or talk to themselves or others when bored acquire knowledge by reading aloud remember by verbalizing lessons to themselves (if they don't they may have difficulty reading maps or diagrams or handling conceptual assignments like mathematics). *source online: University of South Dakota –

Visual Learner remembers visual details follows along when others read prefers to see what’s to be learned needs written instruction has trouble following lectures

More Visual Traits from USD* take numerous detailed notes tend to sit in the front are usually neat and clean often close their eyes to visualize or remember something find something to watch if they are bored like to see what they are learning benefit from illustrations and presentations that use color are attracted to written or spoken language rich in imagery prefer stimuli to be isolated from auditory and kinesthetic distraction find passive surroundings ideal *source online: University of South Dakota –

Kinesthetic Learner has to do it to know it prefers activity-based learning studies by writing over and over may be restless in class

More Kinesthetic Traits from USD* need to be active and take frequent breaks speak with their hands and with gestures remember what was done, but have difficulty recalling what was said or seen find reasons to tinker or move when bored rely on what they can directly experience or perform activities such as cooking, construction, engineering and art help them perceive and learn enjoy field trips and tasks that involve manipulating materials sit near the door or someplace else where they can easily get up and move around are uncomfortable in classrooms where they lack opportunities for hands-on experience communicate by touching and appreciate physically expressed encouragement, such as a pat on the back *source online: University of South Dakota –

The Wagner Preference Inventory Brain hemisphere dominance is reported to effect learning style. People that are: left brain-dominant are primarily auditory learners right brain-dominant are primarily visual learners. The Wagner Preference Inventory was used to determine brain hemisphere dominance.

Brain Orientation - Thinking Preference & Learning Style Two Sides to the Brain Activity #2

Analytic Learner Global Learner Left Brain Characteristics Right Brain Characteristics looking at details focusing on one thing giving direct answers organization individual competition establishing routines working through ideas following schedules seeing the “big” picture cooperating in groups giving and receiving praise reading body language going with the flow doing several things at once focusing on ideas/themes listening sincerely to others reading between the lines

Left Brain Cognitive Processing  Linear - Processing information from part to whole; in a straight forward logical progression.  Sequential - Processing information in order from first to last.  Symbolic - Processes symbols; likes to use letters, words and mathematical symbols.  Logical - Processes information piece by piece using logic to solve a problem.  Verbal - Processes thoughts and ideas with words.  Reality-Based - Processes information based on reality; focuses on rules and regulations

Right Brain Cognitive Processing  Holistic - Processing information from whole to part; sees the big picture first, not the details.  Random - Processing information with out priority, jumps form one task to another.  Concrete - Processes things that can be seen, or touched - real objects.  Intuitive - Processes information based on whether or not it feels right know answer but not sure how it was derived.  Nonverbal - Processes thought as illustrations.  Fantasy-Oriented - Processes information with creativity; less focuses on rules and regulations

You Almost Always Left Brain (Analytic)Traits do things the same way like a neat environment are self-motivated value facts over feelings ask “how do I do it?” Right Brain (Global)Traits visualize the future think fast on your feet have good rapport with others see many solutions accept many types of people try to avoid conflict

These Frustrate You Left Brain TraitsRight Brain Traits not knowing the purpose not understanding how a teacher grades dealing with generalities having an opinion expressed as fact having to find personal meaning in what you learn working in groups questions with no right answer having to explain things step by step not getting a chance to explain accept criticism without taking it personally people who are insensitive not knowing the meaning for doing something keeping detailed records re-doing anything once it is done having to chose one answer

Questions You Ask: Left Brain TraitsRight Brain Traits What facts do I need to know? What should it look like? When is it due? What does this have to do with me? How can I make a difference? How much of this is really necessary?

The Potential of Your Brain  Three basic learning modalities  Eight intelligences  Trillions & trillions of brain cells  100 billion neurons in “thinking brain”  20,000 possible connections between neurons  Three brains in one  Two sides to the brain

Multiple Intelligences & Learning Style “It’s not about how smart you are, but how you are smart!” Eight Intelligences Activity #3

Gardner’s Intelligence “... an ability to solve problems or fashion products that are useful in a particular cultural setting or community.” image source: images/ff_pics/ff2000/speakers/howard.jpg

Multiple Intelligence Theory -The Seven Eight Intelligences Howard Gardner Verbal/Linguistic Logical/Mathematical Visual/Spatial Bodily/Kinesthetic Musical/Rhythmic Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist +Existential Interest may = Aptitude, Strength & Preference vs Disinterest may = Ineptitude, Weakness & Prejudice

Verbal – Linguistic Word/Book Smart Strength reading, writing, telling stories, memorizing dates, thinking in words Best Learning Style reading, hearing and seeing words speaking, writing, discussing, and debating image source:

Logical – Mathematical Number/Logic Smart Strength math, reasoning, logic, problem solving, patterns Best Learning Style working with patterns and relationships, classifying, categorizing, working with the abstract image source:

Visual – Spatial Art/Picture Smart Strength reading, maps, charts, drawing, mazes, puzzles, imaging things, visualization Best Learning Style working with pictures and colors, visualizing, using the "mind’s eye", drawing image source:

Bodily – Kinesthetic Body/Movement Smart Strength athletics, dancing, acting, crafts, using tools Best Learning Style touching, moving, processing knowledge though body sensations image source:

Musical – Rhythmic Music/Sound Smart Strength singing, picking up sounds, remembering melodies, rhythms Best Learning Style rhythm, melody, singing, listening to music and melodies image source:

Interpersonal People/Group Smart Strength understanding people, leading, organizing, communicating, resolving conflicts, selling Best Learning Style sharing, comparing, relating, interviewing, cooperating image source:

Intrapersonal Self/Introspection Smart Strength understanding self, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, setting goals Best Learning Style working alone, doing self- paced projects, having space, reflecting image source:

Naturalist Nature/Environment Smart Strength categorizing, organizing a living area, planning a trip, preservation, and conservation Best Learning Style sharing, comparing, relating, cooperating and interviewing image source:

What kind of student are you? What kind of student do you want to be? Self-Evaluation Activity #5