Learning Styles

Learning styles The different ways in which individuals learn Preferred and consistent sets of behaviors and approaches to learning

Processes of learning 1. Cognition Acquire knowledge 2. Conceptualization Process information make connections 3. Affective Motivation Decision-making style Values, emotional preferences

Students have… Different levels of motivation Different attitudes about teachng and learning Different responses to learning environments and instructional methods

Diversity reflected in teaching and learning 1. Learning styles Taking in and processing information 2. Approaches to learning Surface, deep, strategic 3. Intellectual development levels Attitudes about knowledge How it is acquired, evaluated

Instruction is most effective if it is designed to address a broad spectrum of learning styles.

Some theories of learning styles….

Kolb’s Theory of Learning Styles Concrete experience Reflective observation Abstract conceptualization Active experimentation

Kolb’s Theory of Learning Styles Concrete experience Labs Field work Observations Films, tapes Reflective observation Logs Journals Brainstorm Abstract conceptualization Lectures Papers Analogies Active experimentation Simulations Case studies Independent work

Approach to task Processing continuum Perception continuum Kolb

Approach to task Processing continuum Perception continuum Feeling Watching Thinking Doing Kolb

Learning style types Processing continuum Perception continuum Feeling Watching Thinking Doing ActivistReflector TheoristPragmatist Kolb

Activist (Description) Hands-on Intuition (rather than logic) Practical Experiential approach

Reflector Looks from different perspectives Sensitive Watcher Gathers information Uses it to solve problems

Theorist Concise Logical approach Ideas and concepts important Requires clear explanation

Pragmatist Solve problems Use learning to apply to solutions Practical issues Technical tasks Less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Extraverts Sensors Thinkers Judgers

Extraverts Try things out, focus on the outer world Introverts Think things through, focus on the inner world of ideas

Sensors Practical, detail-oriented, focus on facts and procedures Intuitors Imaginative, concept-oriented, focus on meanings and possibilities

Thinkers Sceptical, make decisions based on logic and rules Feelers Appreciative, decisions based on personal and humanistic considerations

Judgers Set and follow agendas, seek closure even with incomplete data Perceivers Adapt to changing circumstances, postpone reaching closure to obtain more data

Felder and Silverman Model 1. Sensory/intuitive What type of information does the student preferentially perceive? Concrete,practical: abstractions 2. What type of sensory information is most effectively perceived? Visual: verbal 3. How does the student prefer to process information? Actively: reflectively 4. How does the student progress toward understanding Sequentially: globally

How Medical Students learn R Hilliard 1995 Learning approaches correlated with… motives to “do well” study methods academic performance Study methods were determined by the assessment methods

Sum Up Everyone has an individual learning style It would be impossible to design instruction for all learning styles Designing learning experiences to appeal to several learning styles is helpful Students can accommodate their learning to the teaching styles they experience Felder & Silverman look at how students work with information.

Learning Style Indicator What kind of learner are you?