Learning Styles

Before we really dive in to the topic of studying, it is important to recognize that there are various learning styles and that different strategies work for different students.  A "learning style" really just means the way that you learn best due to the fact that it best aligns with the way in which your brain processes information.  Thinking back to the last post - no one learning style is the best.  (Remember the idea of malleable intelligence- the harder you work the smarter you get!  Therefore, learning styles are about how to allow yourself or your student to work as efficiently as possible to really succeed).  

A quick google search tells me that this is a very complex issue.  Multiple websites have multiple ideas about what the different learning styles even are!  Feel free to navigate the web more on your own, but I will share some of the learning styles that are shared on the "Education Atlas."

Learning styles:

- Visual - learn best when information is presented in a written format - through powerpoint, words on a chalkboard or even looking over written notes.  (This makes going to class very important!)

- Auditory - learn best by hearing information 

- Tactile - these learners are more kinesthetic, which means that building models or drawing things may help their brain to really process information. 

- Logical - Great at making connections or identifying patterns, which is really helpful for classes like math and science 

- Social - learn best by working in a group

- Solitary - learn best by studying individually

I have found that you can be more than one learning style.  Personally, I am a visual and solitary learner, but I have also found that this may change depending on the subject matter.  For example, I prefer to study math alone but history in groups.  To really be successful, you need to find your learning style and what works best for you. What's your learning style?

Citation:

"Study Skills: Learning Styles | EducationAtlas." Education Atlas® - Online Map to Education, Online Degrees and Distance Learning. Web. 30 June 2011. <http://www.educationatlas.com/student-learning-styles.html>.