Sarah McCormick EDUC 359

9/12/19 Professor Reilly

Learning Styles

After completing the learning styles quiz, I determined my five personal learning styles:

auditory, applied, verbal, social, and pragmatic. As an auditory learner, I learn best by hearing

and listening therefore, I understand and remember concepts that I have heard. Furthermore,

auditory learners enjoy classroom and small group discussions and reading aloud when

possible. For example, when studying, it is beneficial for auditory learners to recite aloud the

information you would want to remember several times. The second learning style I classify as

is applied learning which involves students engaging in direct application of skills, theories, and

models. Applied learners prefer tasks that involve real objects or situations and find that

practical, real-life situations are ideal. I would also categorize myself as a verbal learner, also

known as a linguistic leaner. As a verbal learner, I enjoy language, reading, and writing. I am

also considered to be quite adept at expressing myself verbally. In addition, rhythm, music, and

other kinds of sounds appeal to me. The fourth learning style I fall under is the social learning

style. A social style of learning would be described as having good communication skills, both

verbally and nonverbally, a thoughtful listener who understands other’s views, and act as a

reliable person for advice. In the classroom, social learners prefer learning in groups, classes, or

one on one with a teacher. The fifth and final style of learning that I would characterize myself

as is pragmatic. As a pragmatic learner, I seek order and am comfortable following rules.

Pragmatic leaners are practical, logical, and systematic.

 Learning styles are directly related to how students achieve in school therefore it is

crucial for teachers to know their students as learners especially for ELL students. For a student

transitioning to a new school or an ELL student, it is important to understand their learning

style in order to maximize their learning potential. Observing each student will allow teachers

to understand how they learn best which will reveal more effective ways to teach them using

their preferred learning style. Students will be more motivated and perform better on activities

that match their learning styles therefore, teachers must be aware of their students preferred

styles in order to take advantage of opportunities for student learning. If I had a student in my

class who possessed my preferred styles of learning (auditory, applied, verbal, social, and

pragmatic), I would utilize these strategies in order for the student to effectively learn. For the

auditory style of learning, I would re-phrase points and questions, vary speed, volume, and

pitch as appropriate. Furthermore, I would ensure that student is in a position to hear well. To

cater to the students applied style of learning, I would incorporate tasks and questions that

involve real objects or practical real-life situations that could relate to their own lives. As for

their verbal style of learning, I would try techniques that involve speaking and writing. Language

fascinates students with verbal learning styles and they enjoy learning new words and exploring

ways to creatively use language therefore, I would incorporate some poetry and word games. In

terms of social learning, I would offer opportunities for collaborative working where students

work together and encourage group work as much as possible.