Many people recognize that each person
prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning
styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of
learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant
style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others
may find that they use different styles in different circumstances.
There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop
ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop
styles that you already use well.
Using
multiple learning styles and “multiple intelligences” for learning
is a relatively new approach. This approach is one that educators
have only recently started to recognize. Traditional schooling
used (and continues to use) mainly linguistic and logical teaching
methods. It also uses a limited range of learning and teaching
techniques. Many schools still rely on classroom and book-based
teaching, much repetition, and pressured exams for reinforcement
and review. A result is that we often label those who use these
learning styles and techniques as “bright.” Those who use less favored
learning styles often find themselves in lower classes, with
various not-so-complimentary labels and sometimes lower quality
teaching. This can create positive and negative spirals that
reinforce the belief that one is “smart” or “dumb.”
By
recognizing and understanding your own learning styles, you can use
techniques better suited to you. This improves the speed and
quality of your learning.
The learning styles are:
- Visual (spatial). You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
- Aural (auditory-musical). You prefer using sound and music.
- Verbal (linguistic). You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
- Physical (kinesthetic). You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
- Logical (mathematical). You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
- Social (interpersonal). You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
- Solitary (intrapersonal). You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
