Running head: LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Learning Styles and Their Importance X. L. Example (# 4000001) Dr. James Smith, RQ2951 June 18, 2008

Thanks to Jason Bentley, RQ295 I033 Spr 2008, for his assistance in preparing this model paper.

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE Table of Contents (optional)

Abstract............................................................................................................................................3 Learning Styles and Their Importance.............................................................................................4 References........................................................................................................................................8

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE Abstract (optional) A persons understanding of his or her learning style, or cognitive style, and the ability to apply it are extremely important if his or her goal is to be a more proficient learner. Teaching methods

need to be matched to learning styles, and students need to adjust their learning styles to teaching styles.

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE Learning Styles and Their Importance Over the years, there have been many different studies and theories on learning. These have generated many studies of different learning styles, or cognitive styles. Overall, no one learns in the exact same way as another person. Everyone is different and it shows through individual methods of learning. Students who do not understand their learning style, and are not comfortable in their learning environment are often unaware or lack the knowledge of their individual learning style. Understanding of personal learning style and the ability to apply it are extremely important if the goal is to be a more proficient learner. Learning in an uncomfortable

manner and environment can inhibit someones learning ability. Learning styles are important, in that they build proficiency in information retention, and not just in the formal learning environment. How a persons basic learning style is determined is anyones guess. However, Valiente (2008) states, The use of different learning styles and strategies may develop from the demands made on the student and the circumstances in which they are carrying out their cognitive activity (p. 5). Understanding ones own learning style can allow adjustment of the learning environment to make it ideal for ones individual characteristics. There are numerous styles of learning and numerous combinations of different learning styles. There are basic types of learning styles: Auditory, Visual, and Tactile/kinesthetic (Conner, 2004, p. 38). Although some people may not fit into the category of one of these learning styles, they have characteristics of one, if not all of them. Jahiel (2008) states that varying and using different learning styles will increase the brains ability to retain information, thereby resulting in huge strides in learning (p. 3). Knowing, understanding, and being able to apply learning styles are the basis for someone who is seeking success in any learning environment.

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE One of the main styles of learning is the Auditory learning style. People who prefer the Auditory learning style are best at learning by hearing the information. Auditory learners can learn in many environments. They benefit from lectures or spoken information. There are two types of auditory learners, auditory listeners and verbal processors. Auditory listeners prefer to

learn from sounds and words. Loud noise or distractions may be a constant problem for auditory listeners. Verbal processors prefer to repeat information over to themselves until they are able to retain it. They may say it aloud, or think about the information to themselves. Auditory learners have an advantage in todays learning environment because the majority of information is passed through verbal conversation or lecture. They may take a large amount of notes, so that they can review the information repeatedly. Most auditory learners cannot retain information from hearing it only once or twice. When working with auditory learners, it is important to be patient, slow down, and repeat information from time to time (Conner, 2004, p. 42-46). Another prominent type is the Visual learner. Visual learners prefer to see information they are learning. They learn most effectively through their eyesight. Pictures, videos, and demonstrations are extremely helpful to visual learners. They sometimes learn by gathering information and creating mental pictures of what it should look like. Most visual learners do not communicate well when they cannot see with whom they are talking, such as a telephone conversation. Visual learners are excellent at internet research because they can physically see the information and often have pictures and charts to use as references. An instructor trying to appeal to visual learners should be sure to use visual references that will catch their eye (Conner, 2004, p. 38-41). Many people in modern day society are Tactile/kinesthetic type learners who prefer to learn by simply doing. They thrive in a learning environment where touch, movement, and

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE hands-on activity are required to learn. Tactile/kinesthetic learners usually have trouble sitting still and learning, so the normal classroom environment could make their learning process difficult. Both auditory and visual learners, even though they may not realize it, learn using the tactile/kinesthetic learning process. Often referred to as muscle memory (Bell, 2008), Tactile/kinesthetic learning involves learning by using they senses. Most people do not really think about it, but every time they do any sort of hands-on task, they are learning this way. For

example, every time a homeowner cuts the grass, he or she becomes better at it. This comes from muscle memory and the senses telling ones instinct what to do. Tactile/kinesthetic learning involves learning through experience: one simply learns by doing. This is why experience is important when it comes to learning ones job (Conner, 2004, p. 46-50). Understanding ones learning style optimizes learning efficiency and effectiveness. Most people do not realize what helps them learn, and without understanding their learning style, they will more than likely struggle to learn new information, especially in a formal learning environment. Everyone learns something on a constant basis, and probably do so using the learning style that best fits them. The trouble is that most people do not understand their learning style and how to best use it. For the person teaching or passing along information, it is necessary to understand the differences in learning habits so that each person trying to learn has an equal understanding of the information (Rosenfeld & Rosenfeld, 2008, p. 245-272). For teachers, or anyone else trying to teach something to someone, taking time to understand other learning styles will help to understand how other people learn and why everyone retains information differently. Burris (2008) states, In understanding learning styles, teachers can understand common learning needs within groups of students. Student learning styles can impact a variety of areas in the classroom such as environment, student praise or

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE reinforcement, class structure, and teaching methods (p. 2). The process of learning is always

changing, with new classes, advanced technology, and new teaching methods. This will require a better understanding of learning abilities and patterns. This is why learning styles are important to everyone involved in the learning process.

LEARNING STYLES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE References Bell, J. (2008, August). Muscle memory up! Bow & Arrow Hunting, 46(6), 50-56. Burris, S., Kitchel, T., Molina, Q., Vincent, S., & Warner, W. (2008). The language of learning styles. Techniques. 83(2), 44-48. Conner, M. L. (2004). Learn more now: 10 simple steps to learning better, smarter & faster. Hoboken (NJ): John Wiley & Sons. Jahiel, J. (2008). Whats your learning style? Practical Horseman, 36(3), 32-37. Rosenfeld, M., & Rosenfeld, S. (2008). Developing effective teacher beliefs about learners: The role of sensitizing teachers to individual learning differences. Educational Psychology, 28(3), 245-272. doi: 10.1080/01443410701528436 Valiente, C. (2008). Are students using the wrong style of learning?: A multicultural scrutiny for helping teachers appreciate differences. Active Learning in Higher Education, 9(2), 73. doi: 10.1177/1469787407086746