FB-Unit 4-Learning Styles (1).pptx

University of Niwaa College of Arts & Sciences Department of Foreign Languages EDUC 103 Unit 4 Learning Styles By Dr. Farah Bahrouni Summer 2024 In this unit, you will learn about the different learni...

University of Niwaa College of Arts & Sciences Department of Foreign Languages EDUC 103 Unit 4 Learning Styles By Dr. Farah Bahrouni Summer 2024 In this unit, you will learn about the different learning styles Definition of a learning style Learning style preferences refer to the “characteristic strengths and preferences in the ways (people) take in and process information” (Felder, 1996). It is an individual's natural or habitual pattern of acquiring and processing information in learning situations. A core concept is that individuals differ in how they learn. The idea of individualized learning styles originated in the 1970s, and has greatly influenced education. Learning styles refer to the characteristic way a person processes information and behaves in a learning environment. Generally, they are overall patterns that provide direction to learning and teaching. Learning style can also be described as a set of factors, behaviors, and attitudes that facilitate learning for an individual in a given situation. Styles influence how students learn, how teachers teach, and how the two interact. Each person is born with certain tendencies toward particular styles, but these biological or inherited characteristics are influenced by culture, personal experiences, maturity level, and development. Each learner has distinct and consistent preferred ways of perception, organization and retention. These learning styles are characteristic cognitive, affective, and physiological behaviors that serve as pretty good indicators of how learners perceive, interact with, and respond to the learning environment. Students learn differently from each other and it has been determined that brain structure influences language structure acquisition. It has also been shown that different hemispheres of the brain contain different perception avenues. Some researchers claim that several types of cells present in some brains are not present in others. Types of Learning styles According to the latest findings by several leading psychologists, there are seven specific types of learning styles. No student is exclusively one style or another and most utilize a variety of modalities when learning. It is important to expand their abilities to use as many learning styles as possible. It is possible to have more than one style of learning, particularly in the intrapersonal and interpersonal categories, which have traditionally been interpreted as personality types. We all have elements of each learning style. But the truth is that one or two types stand out in each of us. Types of Learning styles 1. Verbal (linguistic) Preference in using words –both in speech and writing. This type of learner loves to read, write, and tell stories. They tend to memorize places, dates, names, and trivia very easily, and are always mesmerizing you with their incredible tales. They have a remarkable ability to repeat back everything you have ever told them, word for word. These students learn best by saying, hearing, and seeing words. Encourage them to participate in spelling bees and creative writing courses. You could have another Shakespeare on your hands! 2. Visual (spatial): These are the visualizers. They prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding. They learn best by experiencing rich visual images, and watching others perform new skills. They spend most of the day dreaming, watching movies, and staying as far away from reality as possible. They are very good at working with colors, pictures, graphic visual presentation, and using the "mind's eye". These types of learners are very artistic, although they often have problems expressing it. 3. Aural (auditory-musical): This type of learners prefer using sound and music; they learn best by experiencing rich sound stimuli. If your child is always walking around the house humming a tune, or always needs music to study by, then he/she is likely a musical learner. This type of learner is best at noticing details, pitches, and rhythms that escape the normal listener. They are excellent at keeping tune, and are adept at turning the abstract into concrete objects. They learn best through rhythm, melody, and music. 4. Kinesthetic (physical or Bodily): This type of learners is always on the move: they prefer using their body, hands and sense of touch. They constantly walk around, they have to touch everything, and they use body language to convey their feelings. They would rather play sports or do a craft than sit down and read a book. They need active education: to keep them moving. These are the learners who can do more than one thing at a time. They are generally confused with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Many are misdiagnosed. Better to allow them to use all of that extra energy to learn, and change subjects frequently. Interdisciplinary lessons are very successful with these types of learners. 5. Logical (mathematical): This learner is very mathematically inclined: He/She prefers using logic, reasoning and systems. They enjoy solving problems, particularly if they are math related; they are very logical, straight-forward types of learners. They will plague you with questions on how things work, how things relate to one another, and why things are here. Their favorite toys as young children were likely building blocks, and pattern puzzles. Answer their ongoing questions with as much patience as one day they may likely become engineers. This type of student learns best by categorizing, classifying, and working with abstract patterns or relationships. 6. Social (interpersonal): These are the "social butterflies". They adapt easily to any type of social situation, have many friends and are excellent leaders. They are patient, understanding, and very empathetic, which makes them a favorite among their playmates. They generally make good leaders because of their ability to mediate conflict, and are often referred to as "the Peacemaker" of the family. This type of learner will do best in a group situation as they compare, share, relate, and interview other people. They prefer to learn in groups or with other people. 7. Solitary (intrapersonal): These strong-willed people work best alone and use self-study. They pursue their own interests and have a deep understanding of themselves. They are the "strong, silent type". They do best in self paced instruction, individualized projects, and working alone. They should be allowed to be by themselves but continue to encourage their socialization skills by creating a number of situations for them to socialize yet allow them to maintain their own space. These learners work best alone and often need to be encouraged to socialize. The Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) David Kolb published his learning styles model in 1984. Much of his theory is concerned with the learner’s internal cognitive processes. Kolb states that “Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” (Kolb, 1984, p. 38). Kolb’s ELT works on 2 levels A four-stage cycle of learning, and Four separate learning styles The four-stage cycle of learning 1. Concrete Experience - (CE) 2. Reflective Observation - (RO) 3. Abstract Conceptualization - (AC) 4. Active Experimentation - (AE) The four learning styles Kolb’s ELT determines four distinct learning styles based on his four-stage cycle. Various factors influence a person’s preferred style such as Social environment Educational experiences, or The basis cognitive structure of the individual A person’s learning style is actually a combination of 2 of the 4 stages of the learning cycle. A typical presentation of Kolb’ 2 continuums is The horizontal axis (is referred to as the Processing Continuum (= how we approach a task), and The vertical axis is referred to as Perception Continuum (= our emotional response, or how we think or feel about it) 1. Diverging = CE/RO 2. Assimilating = AC/RO 3. Converging = AC/AE 4. Accommodating = AC/AE  Learning Style Characteristics of Strengths How They Learn Best Classroom Approach Learners Diverging (CE/RO) - Strong in imaginative - Creative, artistic, and - Prefer group discussions and - Encourage brainstorming thinking intuitive feedback sessions and creative exercises Vertical axis = - Emphasis on viewing - Strong in exploring options - Visual materials like - Use visuals and group Perception Continuum situations from various and possibilities diagrams, videos, and activities perspectives - Skilled in empathy and demonstrations - Provide time for reflection -Good at brainstorming and understanding others - Encouraged to express ideas and sharing perspectives generating ideas and thoughts - Prefer to watch and gather information before making a decision Assimilating (AC/RO) - Focus on logical reasoning - Excellent at creating models - Prefer lectures, readings, - Provide clear theoretical and concepts and theories and in-depth analysis frameworks and models Vertical axis = - Prefer organized and - Skilled in inductive - Engage with theoretical - Encourage independent Perception Continuum structured information reasoning models and organized research and reading - Strong in logical analysis -Strong analytical and information materials and critical thinking problem-solving abilities - Enjoy self-study and - Use logic and critical - Tend to think deeply about reflective activities analysis in teaching methods things Converging (AC/AE) - Prefer practical application - Skilled in applying theories - Engage in practical - Emphasize practical of ideas to real-world situations experimentation and application and Horizontal axis = - Strong problem-solving - Strong in technical fields problem-solving activities experimentation Process Continuum skills and problem-solving - Prefer applications over - Use case studies, - Good at making decisions - Good at decision-making theories experiments, and problem- based on logic - Enjoy hands-on experiences solving tasks - Enjoy hands-on experiences and simulations - Encourage to apply theories in real-life situations Accommodating (CE/AE) - Embrace practical - Skilled in hands-on learning - Prefer experiential learning, - Encourage hands-on experiences and and immediate application of role-plays, and group experiences and real-world Horizontal axis = experimentation learning activities applications Process Continuum - Tend to act on gut feelings - Strong in interpersonal - Engage in practical, real- - Use simulations, role-plays, and intuition relationships world tasks and experiences and teamwork - Prefer teamwork and - Quick to respond and adapt - Thrive in situations - Support immediate collaboration to new situations demanding immediate action application of knowledge in - Good at adapting to new practical scenarios situations The following few slides are retrieved from: https://www.slideshare.net/ColMukteshwarPrasad/kolb-l earning-styles 9/11/23 1. Diverging Learning Style 2. Assimilating Learning Style 3. Converging Learning Style 4. Accommodating Learning Style ----- END of RETRIEVED SLIDES ----- Fleming’s VARK Three years (1987), Neil Fleming published his VARK model, in which he categorized learners into: Visual Aural Read/Write Kinesthetic VARK categories and recommended strategies Adapted from Fleming 2001 Visual Learners (V): Like information to be presented as charts, graphs and flow charts, especially with arrows, circles etc that depicts facts that could have been presented in words. Learning/Teaching Tips Draw flow diagrams (mind maps) of information that you need to understand and learn. Aural / Auditory Learners (A): Like information to be presented in the spoken word, that is "heard." Learn best from lectures, tutorials, tapes, group discussion, speaking, web chat, talking things through. Learning/Teaching Tips Use discussion with other students to consolidate learning. Make tapes of summarised notes (Podcasting?). Read/write Learners (R): Like to read about new information in all the various forms, lecture notes, books, articles , web pages etc. Learning/Teaching Tips Make lecture notes into lists Use the lecture notes Use the Discussion sites online, ask questions, discuss topics with other students Kinaesthetic Learners (K): Learn best by doing the task – whether it is simulated or real Learning/Teaching Tips Maximise the use of practical experience Use case studies/remember real life scenarios to make learning real Practice techniques to consolidate the theory. Use role play Conclusion "In conclusion, both Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Fleming's VARK model offer valuable insights into understanding individual learning preferences. While Kolb emphasizes the cyclical nature of learning through concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation, Fleming's VARK model categorizes learners into visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic preferences. Both models provide a framework for educators to adapt and diversify their teaching methods to accommodate varied learning styles, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for a wide range of learners. Acknowledging the diverse nature of individual learning preferences can empower educators to create more inclusive Best wishes for an enjoyable & successful semester Dr. Farah Bahrouni [email protected] Office 11G-15 Ext. 925 Whatsapp: 99434899 (9 am – 6 pm)