Essay on "Different Learning Styles"

Essay 4 pages (1697 words) Sources: 4 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Learning Styles

In essence, learning styles are theoretical and practical constructs and guidelines that are in effect different approaches or ways of learning. Learning styles are important to success because they provide the individual with strategies and techniques on how to learn a particular subject.

Each individual has a preferred learning style and this style or combination of styles is important in that it helps the student or individual to learn and assimilate knowledge in a more effective manner. Learning styles have also become important in education as these styles recognise that different individuals have different learning proclivities and strengths. As one expert states, "Through identifying your learning style, you will be able to capitalize on your strengths and improve your self-advocacy skills (WHAT'S YOUR LEARNING STYLE?)

Learning Styles

Development of the Concept

The development of the concept of learning styles results from insights derived from educational and psychological research into the way that different personality types relate to the reality of the learning process. The development of this concept has a long history in Western thought and can be traced to Hippocrates' discussion of temperaments (Guild, 1994, p. 8). Psychological theories that have investigated personality differences and patterns since the 1960s initiated the modern phase of interest in learning styles. As Guild (1994) states, "The field of learning styles now is rich with the work of talented theorists, researchers, and practitioners"(Guild, 1994, p. 8). The development of these concepts can be related to a variety of psychological theories; for example, the psychological-type theories of Carl Jung. Contemporary views on learning styles includes aspects such as cognitive style differences relating to the concept of field dependence and field independence (Guild, 1994, p. 8).

B. Definition common definition of learn styles in a practical sense refers to "...the individual's preferred approach to learning, based on his or her unique background and ability" (Exploring Psychology. Learning Styles). One common definition of learning styles is that it can be seen as a, preferred way of acquiring knowledge and processing information. A learning style affects how we learn, how we solve problems, how we work, how we participate in different activities, how we react in a group, and how we relate to others around us (Lamarche-Bisson, 2002, p. 268).

III. Description of Learning Styles

A. Analytic

1. Definition

The terms analytic learning style refers to a learning style that emphasizes logic and sequence, which is usually the most appropriate style for the student who ".... thinks a lot about 'new' ideas and loves concepts and theories" (Student Characteristics: Key Concept Map). In more theoretical terms it is related to field independent thinking, where learning is not strongly influenced by environmental and contextual factors. The analytic learning style is also characterized by the use of analytic skills such as mathematics and science. Furthermore, this type of style is one that favours sequential learning techniques rather than techniques that focus on the overall structure (Exploring Psychology. Learning Styles).

2. Examples primary example is the student who wants to be taught the facts about a subject and not speculative aspects. A further example of this style would be a learner involved in the manipulation of data and theoretical constructs, such as computer programming. A more realistic example of this style can be seen in the process of learning to purchase a car, where this type of learner would show a greater focus on the logical and instructional aspects of the process.

3. Unique Characteristics

Logical or analytic learners tend to be organized, enjoy deadlines and easily follow instructions. They also prefer to work independently. The enjoy the process of researching and the exercise of routine and consistent procedures (Learning Styles: Practical, Logical, Enthusiastic and Imaginative). Other characterises include the following:

tendency toward the linear, step-wise processes of learning.

A tendency to be more comfortable in a world of details and structured information.

Make decisions based on logic, facts and common sense.

Like to work in an organized environment.

Like to do one thing at a time.

Learn best when information is presented sequentially (step-by-step).

Respond well to words and numbers.

Need visual reinforcement.

Traits of the Analytical Thinker)

4. Other Names Given to This Style

Linear or sequential Learning

B. Imaginative

1. Definition

Imaginative learning style is a broad category that refers essentially to individuals who "... enjoy reflection and believe that their own experiences are the ones that count. Typically imaginative learners enjoy working in groups but tend to want alone time to work..." (Learning Styles: Practical, Logical, Enthusiastic and Imaginative). A definition of this learning style would therefore include the following aspects. It is a style that is appropriate for the individual who enjoys being speculative and involved in different contexts of the learning process. The imaginative learning style can also be defined in contradistinction to the previous style in that the imaginative learner is less inclined towards rote and sequential learning techniques.

2. Examples

Imaginative learning style is often exemplified by an approach that does not necessarily use text books and instructions but relies on a variety of resources which can be both formal and informal. An example would be research on a subject that involved books as well as personal experience and the experiences of others.

3. Unique Characteristics

The unique characteristics of students using this learning style revolve around the need for creativity and novelty in the learning process. Other characteristics involve the following: they are often highly inventive risk takers who like the process of trial and error, challenges to the rules and hands on learning (What Learning style does your child use?).

4. Other Names Given to This Style

Creative and open-ended learning style

C. Dynamic

1. Definition

This learning style can be defined as a from of interactive learning where the process of learning involves a dynamic combination of cognitive, affective as well as sensory of psychomotor values. This style of learning is also described as being "... personality-driven, sensory-dominant, or experientially oriented" (Loewen).

2. Examples

An example given among young childe is the playground, where learning takes place in response to a number of sources and forms of input that is dynamically assimilated through a variety of challenging activities

3. Unique Characteristics

Experiential or dynamic learners are usually characterized by a penchant for "...feeling and doing, enjoy imaginative trial and error, prefer hands-on experience and look for hidden meaning" (Durbin 2002)

Dynamic learners look for hidden possibilities judge things by gut reactions synthesize information from different sources are enthusiastic and adventurous

Learning styles and teaching)

4. Other Names Given to This Style

Experiential learning.

D. Common Sense

1. Definition

Common-sense learners learn by "...thinking and doing, prefer to try out theories and test them for themselves and look for solutions to problems" (Durbin 2002). This learning style is one that it related to problem solving and decisive action and decision making (Learning Styles: Practical, Logical, Enthusiastic and Imaginative).

2. Examples

This learning style is similar in some respects to logical types of learning styles. The common-sense learner plans and takes the necessary logical steps to achieve certain. A common example of this type of learning style in teaching is the use of use problem-solving activities.

3. Unique Characteristics

Common sense learners need to find solutions and tend to value things and experiences to the extent they are useful in reaching goals and finding solutions. They usually have a practical and straighforard approach to learning and evaluating (Learning styles and teaching).

4. Other Names Given to This Style

Practical learners

V. Conclusion

Educators have realised that it is essential for the learner to choose and understand the appropriate learning style that will best help them in developing effective learning strategies in life. It should be remembered that, "Students preferentially take in and process information in different ways: by seeing… READ MORE

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