Understanding Learner Characteristics & Learning Styles

What is a learning style?

Ellis (1985) described a learning style as the more or less consistent way in which a person perceives, conceptualizes, organizes and recalls information (Ellis, 1985; cited in BBC, 2010).

The Dunns define learning style as “the way in which each person begins to concentrate on, process, internalize, and remember new and difficult academic content” (Dunn, Denig, & Lovelace, 2001, cited in Lewis Media 2001).

Where do learning styles come from?

Your students' learning styles will be influenced by their genetic factors, their previous learning experiences, their culture and the society they live in.

 What types of learning styles are there?

There are many ways of looking at learning styles. Here are some of the classification systems that researchers have developed.

(1) Visual learners: Here are some of the characteristics of visual learners.    

            look at the teacher's face intently

            like looking at wall displays, books etc.

            often recognize words by sight

            use lists to organize their thoughts

            recall information by remembering how it was set out on a page

 

(2) Auditory learners: Here are some of the characteristics of auditory learners.    

            like the teacher to provide verbal instructions

            like dialogues, discussions and plays

            solve problems by talking about them

            use rhythm and sound as memory aids

 

(3) Tactile learners: Here are some of the characteristics of tactile learners.    

            learn best when they are involved or active

            find it difficult to sit still for long periods

            use movement as a memory aid

            use writing and drawing as memory aids

            learn well in hands-on activities like projects and demonstrations

 

Why should teachers know about learning styles?

Sue Davidoff and Owen van den Berg (1990) suggest four steps: plan, teach / act, observe and reflect. Here are some guidelines for each step.

(1) Students learn better and more quickly if the teaching methods used match their preferred learning styles.

(2) As learning improves, so too does self esteem. This has a further positive effect on learning.

(3) Students who have become bored with learning may become interested once again.

(4) The student-teacher relationship can improve because the student is more successful and is more interested in learning.

 

Types of giftedness and Multiple Intelligences

Gardner defines intelligence as “a biological and psychological potential; that potential is capable of being realized to a greater or lesser extent as a consequence of the experiential, cultural, and motivational factors that affect a person” (Gardner, 1995, cited in Lewis Media 2001). 

Howard Gardner asserts there are at least seven modalities (referred to as intelligences) that can be used to describe your individual style. His work encourages everyone to think about learning in new and creative ways. This work suggests people can be:

 Verbal-linguistic: This is the ability to effectively use words and language. Children who have this type of giftedness are usually good storytellers, writers, listeners, speakers and have good auditory skills and good vocabulary. They often grow up to be journalists, politicians, lawyers, teachers etc.

 Musical: Theses learners think in terms of sounds and rhythms. The skills set of these learners includes an ability to sing or play a musical instrument, the recognition of tonal patterns or musical composition. These students tends to become musicians or singers.

 Logical-mathematical: Children with this type of giftedness think logically in terms of numbers and pieces of mathematical information. These learners are good problem solvers, always analyzing the world around them, looking for logical patterns. These learners usually pursue career paths in science, engineering, programming, information technology, accounting etc.

 Spatial/Visual: This type of giftedness allows the child to think in pictures and create vibrant mental pictures. They excel in completing puzzles, understanding charts, graphs and maps. They can grow up to be sculptors, architects, engineers, artists etc.

 Bodily-kinesthetic: These learners are able to control their body with grace and ease. They are highly skilled athletes and manual workers. Students with this type of giftedness can pursue careers in athletes, dancing, art, technical labor etc.

 Interpersonal: Interpersonal intelligence is a keen ability to relate and understand others. These children often feel great empathy for others, excel at developing compromises, keeping the piece, and facilitating diplomacy. These children may grow up to be politicians, salesperson, counselors, advertisers etc.

 Intrapersonal: Intrapersonal intelligence is a type of giftedness that grants the ability to self-reflect and investigates one’s own motives, desires, and beliefs. Philosophy, religion, behavioural science and research are potential career paths for students with high intrapersonal intelligence.

 

Multiple intelligences and Learning styles – overlap?

Ernest, this is a great question because learning styles and multiple intelligences are often perceived as similar models or even part of the same model.  There are some similarities and many differences.

A difference between the two models is found in their names—Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles. The fundamental construct of Gardner’s theory is intelligence, whereas the Dunns’ is learning.  There is a world of difference between the study of intelligence and learning and, of course, the two constructs share broad territory also.  Gardner’s theory about multiple intelligences  “makes no claims whatsoever to deal with issues beyond the intellect” and it was “a theory that was developed without specific educational goals in mind” (Gardner, 1995, cited in Lewis Media 2001).  In contrast the Dunn and Dunn Learning-Styles Model’s purpose is to improve academic achievement by matching how a person learns, her/his learning style preferences, with the ways s/he is taught.

  

References

BBC, (2010). Learning styles and teaching. Retrieved April 1^st 2013, from http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/articles/learning-styles-teaching

Lewis Media, (2001). Multiple intelligences and Learning styles – overlap? Retrieved April 1^st 2013, from http://www.wellbalancedpianist.com/forum/index.php?topic=48

Marcia Cornner, (1997). Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved April 1^st 2013, from http://marciaconner.com/resources/learning-styles-intro/