Learning Styles: Getting Learning Styles: Getting the most out of your study the most out of your study

timetimeMary Ellen PriceMary Ellen Price

University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix

Why Learning Styles?Why Learning Styles?

Different study techniques work for Different study techniques work for different learners (Rochford, 2003).different learners (Rochford, 2003).

You can become a more effective You can become a more effective student by using the study student by using the study techniques that work best for you!techniques that work best for you!

What Learning Style Are What Learning Style Are You?You?

There are many ways to categorize There are many ways to categorize learners, but we will discuss one of learners, but we will discuss one of the most common, based on how the most common, based on how people like to encounter new people like to encounter new material. material.

The three learning styles are:The three learning styles are: VisualVisual AuditoryAuditory Tactile/KinestheticTactile/Kinesthetic

Visual LearnersVisual Learners

Visual learners take in new Visual learners take in new information through their eyes.information through their eyes.

Rochford’s (2003) Examples of ways Rochford’s (2003) Examples of ways that visual learners like to learn are:that visual learners like to learn are: ReadingReading Watching a videoWatching a video Looking at pictures Looking at pictures

Auditory LearnersAuditory Learners

Auditory learners take in new Auditory learners take in new information through their ears.information through their ears.

Examples of ways that auditory Examples of ways that auditory learners like to learn are:learners like to learn are: Listening to an instructor (Rochford, Listening to an instructor (Rochford,

2003).2003). Reading out loud (Frazee, 2004).Reading out loud (Frazee, 2004).

Tactile/Kinesthetic LearnersTactile/Kinesthetic Learners Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners take in new Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners take in new

information by involving their bodies.information by involving their bodies. Examples of how tactile/kinesthetic Examples of how tactile/kinesthetic

learners like to learn are:learners like to learn are: Taking notes (Connor, 2004).Taking notes (Connor, 2004). Using cards and puzzles (Rochford, 2003).Using cards and puzzles (Rochford, 2003). Using simulations or hands-on Using simulations or hands-on

practice (Frazee, 2004).practice (Frazee, 2004).

Using the Learning StylesUsing the Learning Styles Studies show that people retain Studies show that people retain

much more information when they much more information when they are taught using their preferred are taught using their preferred learning style as compared to their learning style as compared to their least favorite learning style least favorite learning style (Rochford, 2003).(Rochford, 2003).Example: Information Retained

Least Favorite Style Favorite Learning Style

Learning Style Used

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Using the Learning StylesUsing the Learning Styles Others suggest using multiple learning Others suggest using multiple learning

styles while you study to increase styles while you study to increase retention of information (Frazee, 2004).retention of information (Frazee, 2004). For example, flashcards use the For example, flashcards use the

tactile/kinesthetic style when you write the tactile/kinesthetic style when you write the information on the card and the visual style information on the card and the visual style when you read the card. You could also when you read the card. You could also say the information on the card out line to say the information on the card out line to incorporate the audio style.incorporate the audio style.

PigPig OinkOink

Learning Styles ActivityLearning Styles Activity

Match the learning style with the study Match the learning style with the study technique.technique.

Tactile/KinestheticVisual

Auditory

Watching a videoReading out loudTaking notes

Learning Styles Activity: Learning Styles Activity: AnswerAnswer

Match the learning style with the study Match the learning style with the study technique.technique.

Tactile/KinestheticVisual

Auditory

Watching a videoReading out loudTaking notes

Know your learning style.Know your learning style.

Use your favorite style, as well Use your favorite style, as well as other styles for as other styles for

reinforcement.reinforcement.

To study effectively…To study effectively…

ReferencesReferencesConnor, M.L. (2004). Connor, M.L. (2004). Learn more now: 10 simple steps to Learn more now: 10 simple steps to

learning better, smarter, and faster.learning better, smarter, and faster. Hoboken, NJ: John Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved September 8, 2004, from Wiley & Sons. Retrieved September 8, 2004, from http://agelesslearner.com/assess/learningstyle.htmlhttp://agelesslearner.com/assess/learningstyle.html

Frazee, B. (2004, May). Cross the finish line: Tips for winning Frazee, B. (2004, May). Cross the finish line: Tips for winning the IT race. the IT race. Certification Magazine, 6(5), Certification Magazine, 6(5), 20-23. Retrieved 20-23. Retrieved September 8, 2004, from the EBSCOHost database.September 8, 2004, from the EBSCOHost database.

Rochford, R.A. (2003, September). Assessing learning styles to Rochford, R.A. (2003, September). Assessing learning styles to improve the quality of performance of community college improve the quality of performance of community college students in developmental writing programs: A pilot study. students in developmental writing programs: A pilot study. Community College Journal of Research & Practice, 27(8),Community College Journal of Research & Practice, 27(8), 665-677. Retrieved September 8, 2004, from the 665-677. Retrieved September 8, 2004, from the EBSCOHost database.EBSCOHost database.