‘Learning style’ is an individual's (in our case, a child’s) natural or habitual pattern of
acquiring and processing information in learning situations. A core concept is that individuals
(children) differ in how they learn.
As educators we have recognized
the different ability ranges of our pupils even when they are of the same age.
This differences are owed to the different learning styles of children. This does
not mean that a child will have only one learning style or can only comprehend
by one learning style only.
What this means is that
every child has a mix of learning styles and the uniqueness of each child is in bedded
in the combination of the different learning styles they posses and also the
style that is the most prominent for the child.
There is no standard
ratio of learning styles for children, neither is there a fixed learning style.
Children can upgrade their less dominant learning styles, understand and use
more effectively the predominant one.
The use of multiple
learning styles is a relatively concept new in education, especially here in
Nigeria. As educators in Nigeria are walking away from the traditional “one-
size- fit –all” approach to learning. In the "one-size-fit-all" approach teachers
are more like lecturers since they force their researched and most times acquired
knowledge on a specific topic down the throat of these “poor” children. Most
times in the traditional setting there is little or no input from children.
This method does not
only limit learning range, but also relies on rigid assessments to check for
pupil understanding. In turn, pupils whose learning styles are less favoured by
this system will not do too well thus are labeled as lower achievers, below
grade level etc.
Identifying the various
learning styles of pupils, educators like myself will prepare lessons that will
reflect and address the different learning styles of our pupils, which enables
every child in the class go home having learnt a thing or two.
Below are the basic
learning styles of pupils (there are various learning styles but for the
purpose of education we use the three below)
1.
Visual
Thank God for the information age we are in, now
visual learners are well taken care of. These pupils learn through images,
videos etc. For their learning to make sense they need to be able to see,
visualize and illustrate their knowledge skills and concepts. Visual learning
characteristics include:
·
remembering visual
details
·
enjoy tutorial and
pictorials
·
love writing long notes
·
scribble a lot
·
see them demonstrated.
·
Fascinated by movies or short clips
Note: for the visual learner seeing is believing.
2.Auditory
These are pupils that learn through listening to
what others have to say and talking about what they have learnt.
They often:
·
remember information by explaining
and speaking
·
need to have things
explained orally
·
they will rather you
read a book and retell them the story
·
they answer questions a
lot
·
they think aloud
·
Enjoy discussion groups
they rarely work alone.
2.
Tactile (Kinesthetic)
These pupils are the “doers”. They are always an
integral part of the class. Kinesthetic
learners:
·
Want to practicalize whatever
they study
·
like to move around a lot
·
often make gestures when
they speak
·
they learn with the five
senses thus they like to feel, see, smell, hear and sometimes taste( where it
is not harmful )
·
they remember by going
through pervious processes
Note: These types of learners can be
misdiagnosed as ADHD or troublemakers because the more traditional visual or
auditory learning styles most often are not their cup of tea and are usually
very energetic.
If you want to know your learning style or that
of your child click on the link below to fill out an online questionnaire.
I am a mélange of the three but I am
predominately an auditory learner. What is your learning style(s). my fingers are crossed, i can't wait to hear and know your learning styles.
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Have a great week
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