Learning Styles: Aid to Effective Learning - Term Paper Example

 LEARNING STYLES: AID TO EFFECTIVE LEARNING According to Dr. Howard Gardner(1993), the man behind the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, “The biggest mistake of the past centuries in teaching has been to treat children as if they are all variants of the same individual, to feel justified in teaching them all the subjects in the same way”. The learner is the first in the list of the components of the educative process, followed by the teacher and the learning situation. This is so because the learner is the reason why there is education (Duka, 2003). However, it’s not surprising that every student who comes in the classroom possesses unique personality, culture and set of life expectancies. Just as a single shoe size doesn't fit everyone; neither does a single learning environment ensure learning for all. Thus, in order for the teacher to meet the needs of the learners, he/she must have a sufficient knowledge on the background, strengths and weaknesses which can contribute in the full potential development of the learners (Boiser, 2004). Human beings learn primarily through senses which are referred to as ‘learning styles’ or ‘learning modalities’. From the knowledge on psychology, all knows that humans have five senses and from these senses, persons become aware of his/her environment which eventually leads to learning (Boiser,2004). Basically, there are three learning modalities through which learners process information to the memory, these are visual (learn by seeing), auditory (learn by hearing), and kinesthetic (learn by doing, touching and moving). Every learner has one predominant learning modality which a teacher must know in order for him/her to provide learning experiences that suits the child’s unique personality and can facilitate in his/her full development (Boiser, 2004 ). Understanding the learner is the second essential factor to effective teaching as stated by Lardizabal et.al (2005). This means understanding the basic principles of human growth and development. If a teacher wished to guide learners effectively, he must know their backgrounds, meaning their interests and other previous experiences. These also include knowing their adjustment styles, physical, emotional, moral and scholastic personalities especially the way how could they learn best. Visual learners, as mentioned earlier use their sense of sight as their means of understanding and processing information. These children usually observe rather than talks. This means that they are very much concerned with what they see than with what they hear. These children are also good in organizing things first before they start to work. Unorganized working environment is not suitable for them to learn. Their mind also strays during verbal or practical activities. Most authors also said that they are good spellers since they usually read books. They can also memorize words, people or places easily. According to Boiser (2004), these children also plan before they act, meticulous, neat and detailed in their works. Auditory learners, on the other hand talks to self aloud to process information to the memory. They enjoy talking and are easily distracted. They also show difficulty in following written directions which usually lead them to mistakes especially in tests. These children memorize steps in sequence, enjoy music and read aloud to self. It is also the characteristic of these children to be easily distracted by noise and enjoys listening activities. Auditory learners usually sing while they do things. Finally, kinesthetic learners, as mentioned, learn best when they move or practically do things. They are in motion most of the time and like physical activities and works. They like to touch people while talking to them and tap pencils or foot while studying. These children love sports, dance, and project activities. They, according to authors, are not good spellers since they see reading as a boring activity. Kinesthetic learners also love to solve problems physically and they are fond of using their hands while they talk. This means that they use motion to emphasize or convey message and information. This is also their way of expressing their selves, their attitudes and behaviors. They are also outgoing by nature. The above-mentioned characteristics are very important to anyone, especially teachers. Based on their assessments guided by the details above, they can provide children with varied activities that suit their learning styles. For more effective and efficient learning experience, the following are some suggested techniques and strategies in teaching children. For visual learners, teachers may use or require the learners the following: Guided imagery Forming pictures in mind Taking down notes See parts of words Use “cue” words Use notebooks Use color codes Use study cards Use photographic pictures Watch TV Watch film strips Watch movies Use charts, graphs Use maps Demonstration Draw or use drawings Use exhibit For auditory learners teachers may also use or require the learners the following: Use tapes Watch TV Listen to music Speak or listen to speakers Make- up rhymes or poems Read aloud Talk to yourself Repeat things orally Use rhythmic sounds Have discussions Listen carefully Use oral directions Sound out words Use theater presentation Say words in syllables Use mnemonics (word links, rhymes, poems, lyrics, etc.) And lastly, for kinesthetic learners: Pace or walk while studying Physically “do it” Practice by repeated motion Breathe slowly Role play Exercise Dance Write Write on surfaces with fingers. Take notes Associate feelings with concepts or information Write list repeatedly Stretch and move in chairs Watch lips move in front of a mirror Use mnemonics (rhymes, word links, poems, lyrics, etc.). The above-mentioned aids will help anyone, especially the learners to sharpen the dominant learning modality or style and to strengthen the weaker ones and consequently, will lead to more successful learning experience. The Microsoft Encarta stated that the fruit of this concept on learning modality gave way to the creation of audiovisual education that uses not only sounds, but also moving pictures and films for maximum learning. To summarize the idea about learning styles, Helm et al (2003) stated the following facts: (1) Once the learning style is clear to the teacher, she can devise activities that best suit the students’ nature. (2) Students who are matched with teachers with the same learning style learn best. (3) Student’s learning style is the same no matter what the subject is. (4) Students get higher when they are in environment that suits their learning modality. (5) The use of the three learning modalities gives the best result. Learning styles are not only for learners and teachers, but also for other people in other fields. Engineers and architects need to develop their visual learning styles as they design or create buildings and infrastructures that are useful, safe and pleasing in the eyes. Choreographers, dancers and actors need kinesthetic learning styles as performers in front of the audience. Singers and speakers also need auditory learning modality to ensure the melody and emphasis of words. And lastly, all other people can use these modalities in their daily living. References Boiser, Diosdada (2004) Teaching Made Easy: Strategies and Styles Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. Philippines Duka, Cecilio (2003) Teacher, Learner and Subject Matter Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. Philippines Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple Intelligences. BasicBooks. New York, USA Helm, J.H., Beneke, S., & Steinheimer, K. (2003) Windows on Learning Teachers College Press. New York The Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia (2009) Microsoft Corporation Read More