Chapter One

Discovering and Using Your Learning Styles

Three Cognitive Learning Styles

The term cognitive learning styles refers to the general way people prefer to have information presented in order to problem solve, process, learn, and remember new information.
Visual Learners
What are common characteristics of visual learners?

Auditory Learners
What are common characteristics of auditory learners?

Kinesthetic Learners
What are common characteristics of kinesthetic learners?
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Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic Inventory Scoring and Discussion

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Learning Strategies for Visual Learners

Highlight important information in textbooks. Visualize pictures, charts, graphs, or small sections of printed information. Create movies in the mind during the reading process. Create visual study tools that show levels of information.

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Learning Strategies for Visual Learners (Cont)

Expand chapter mappings. Add colors and pictures to notes. Copy information in your own handwriting. Observe people for visual clues. Carry a pen and notepad to write down information.

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Learning Strategies for Auditory Learners

Talk out loud (verbalize). Read out loud. Ask questions. Tape lectures. Make your own study tapes. Explain information to others. Create rhymes, jingles, or songs.

Work with a study buddy or in a study group. Recite frequently.

Use technology with audio features.

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Learning Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners

Handle objects, tools, or machinery as you study.

Create manipulatives (study tools you can move with your hands).
Cut charts or diagrams apart and then reassemble. Use exaggerated movements and hand gestures when you study.

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Learning Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners (Cont)

Use a computer to type information and use muscle memory. Walk as you recite or practice. Work at a chalkboard, flip chart, or large poster paper. Learn through creative movement and activities. Create action games.

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Brain Dominance Theory

The right and the left hemispheres of the brain are linked together neurologically. Each hemisphere dominates specific kinds of mental activities and learning patterns. People tend to have a preference for initially processing information through the left or the right hemisphere. Once information is received and processing begins in one hemisphere, the information is then shared with the other hemisphere for total processing.
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Brain Dominance Theory

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Essential Strategies for Linear and Global Learners

Use your understanding of your linear or global preferences to analyze and adjust learning situations. Ask for a summary or list of significant points. Organize a list or chart of important points. Take time to organize information logically. Add your own heading and subheadings to textbooks that lack detailed structure.

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Essential Strategies for Linear and Global Learners (Cont)

Ask for specific examples or anecdotes.

Add color, pictures, or diagrams to lecture notes.

Ask instructors and other students questions. Get an overview of the topic before a lecture.

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Additional Learning Preferences and Environments

How would you define or explain each of the following?
Teacher-directed environment Student-directed environment Interactive learner Reflective learner

Situational preferences

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Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Definitions:
Intelligence: An intelligence is a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture. (Source: Gardner. Intelligence Reframed, Basic Books, 1999, p. 33-34)
Subintelligences: Subintelligences are core abilities that belong under a specific intelligence.

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Gardner's Eight Intelligences:

Linguistic Logical-Mathematical Musical Spatial Interpersonal Intrapersonal

Bodily-Kinesthetic

Naturalist

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