Learning styles

The learning styles are the individual learners strategies for information processing and

discovering new concept; are the beliefs, preferences and behaviours that them use in order to

learn in a certain situation. Kolb explains that people naturally prefer a certain single different

learning style, various factors influence a person's preferred style; For example: social

environment, educational experiences, or the basic cognitive structure of the individual.

Some of the most popular interpretations of learning styles come from cognitive psychology

applied to teaching. For example the fielddependence vs. fieldindependence established by

Witkin. A field-independent learning style is defined for separate details from the surrounding

context. It can be compared to a field-dependent learning style, which is defined by a relative

inability to distinguish detail from other information around it. Studies have shown that field

independent learners performed better than field dependent in learning English language.

Theorists define these two cognitive styles in terms of how they are psychologically different,

which makes this a useful model for teachers trying to understand their learners. Field-

independent learners tend to rely less on the teacher or other learners for support. In the

classroom, activities such as extensive reading and writing, which learners can carry out alone,

are useful for field-independent learners.

This style pointing to the gender differences on learning styles, Hickson & Baltimore have shown

that men and women have different learning styles.

A field-dependent learning style is defined by a relative inability to distinguish detail from other

information around it. They are inclined to overall field learning and tend to get the whole idea

whereas the field independent learners conduct an analytical procedure and are more likely to

break a model into different sections and details and tend to depend on their inner knowledge

and analyse problems all by themselves without reference to the frame or the environment.

Field-dependent learners often work well in teams as they tend to be better at interpersonal

relationships. In the classroom, activities that connect different parts of a lesson are useful for

field-dependent learners. For example, learners can discuss what they know about a topic,

predict content, or look at and listen to related material.

Considering field dependent-independent cognitive styles effects on teaching and learning, and

especially on the students course selection, studies show that field independent student had

better academic achievement than field-dependent students.

According to David Kolb's experiential learning theory there is a learning cycle formed of four

stages. The learner can start in any of these stages, but then have to follow the next immediate

stage in order to truly learn. This cycle can be represented in the following way:

In his theory, Kolb posits the existence of four different types of learning styles: diverging,

assimilating, converging, and accommodating.

Other categorization of learning styles is known as the VAK model, which is based on the fact that

students have particular preferences and ways of processing and retaining new information. This

model suggest that there are 3 different types of learners: visual learners, auditory learners, and

kinaesthetic learners.

Visual

Uses visual objects such as graphs, charts, pictures, and seeing information

Can read body language well and has a good perception of aesthetics

Able to memorize and recall various information

Tends to remember things that are written down

Learns better in lectures by watching them

Auditory

Retains information through hearing and speaking

Often prefers to be told how to do things and then summarizes the main points out loud to

help with memorization

Notices different aspects of speaking

Often has talents in music and may concentrate better with soft music playing in the

background

Kinaesthetic/Tactile

Likes to use the hands-on approach to learn new material

Is generally good in math and science

Would rather demonstrate how to do something rather than verbally explain it

Usually prefers group work more than others

In his theory of multiple intelligences, Howard Gardner has identified eight different types of intelligences

that each individual has the capacity to possess: Visual-Spatial, Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical,

Bodily-Kinaesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist. Where individuals differ is in

the strength of these intelligences, known as profile of intelligences.

This theory has several implications for teachers in terms of classroom instruction, because they should

think of all intelligences as equally important, and they should recognize and teach to a broader range of

talents and skills.

No matter what categorization is used, learning styles provides meaningful and useful ways to better

address the needs of students, in order to enhance the learning experience.

Ana Laura Marn Adriana Uslenghi Rut Rodrguez