learning styles
Overview
1. What are learning styles?
2. Why learning styles are important?
3. What are the different learning style classifications available?
4. What are the similarities and differences between different learning style classifications?
5. What is/are your learning style/s?
6. What is/are the most appropriate learning method/s for your learning style/s?
1. What are learning styles?
Learning style is an approach to learning
It is not how you learn; i.e. not the method of learning
It is, rather, how you prefer learning; i.e. what are the broad strategies of learning that you prefer
Which of the following two statements illustrates a learning style?
I like lectures – this is not a learning style, but a preference for a method
I like to gain knowledge by listening to others – this is a learning style; preference for an approach
2. Why learning styles are important?
Matching learning methods to learning styles
Developing a learning organisation/network in which students adapt change & learn
Developing individual learning plans
Self-development for individuals
Assessing suitability for specific training courses
Training the trainer
Team building, looking at team strengths & weaknesses 360 degree appraisal
3. What are the different learning style classifications available?
There are more than half-a-dozen learning style classifications This shows that there is no one-best way to learn
Rather, based on the individual needs and the personality traits, the approach that one takes to learning differs
Out of the many learning style classifications, there are two that are commonly used
1. VARK classification
11. Classification based on Kolb’s cycle
I. VARK learning styles
Visual learner
Auditory learner
Reading/writing
Kinaesthetic learner
Action-oriented
Thinkers
II. Kolb’s learning styles
Reflector
Theorist
Activist
Pragmatist
4. What are the
1. What are learning styles?
2. Why learning styles are important?
3. What are the different learning style classifications available?
4. What are the similarities and differences between different learning style classifications?
5. What is/are your learning style/s?
6. What is/are the most appropriate learning method/s for your learning style/s?
1. What are learning styles?
Learning style is an approach to learning
It is not how you learn; i.e. not the method of learning
It is, rather, how you prefer learning; i.e. what are the broad strategies of learning that you prefer
Which of the following two statements illustrates a learning style?
I like lectures – this is not a learning style, but a preference for a method
I like to gain knowledge by listening to others – this is a learning style; preference for an approach
2. Why learning styles are important?
Matching learning methods to learning styles
Developing a learning organisation/network in which students adapt change & learn
Developing individual learning plans
Self-development for individuals
Assessing suitability for specific training courses
Training the trainer
Team building, looking at team strengths & weaknesses 360 degree appraisal
3. What are the different learning style classifications available?
There are more than half-a-dozen learning style classifications This shows that there is no one-best way to learn
Rather, based on the individual needs and the personality traits, the approach that one takes to learning differs
Out of the many learning style classifications, there are two that are commonly used
1. VARK classification
11. Classification based on Kolb’s cycle
I. VARK learning styles
Visual learner
Auditory learner
Reading/writing
Kinaesthetic learner
Action-oriented
Thinkers
II. Kolb’s learning styles
Reflector
Theorist
Activist
Pragmatist
4. What are the
References: • Fleming, N. D. (2001). Teaching and learning styles: VARK strategies. Christchurch , New Zealand : N.D. Fleming. • Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs , NJ : PrenticeHall. Thank you