Learning Styles
Learning Styles
There are three common types of learning styles (some include a fourth) that we will talk about here. These are visual, kinetic and auditory. Some students will learn best when using one style while others may use a combination of learning styles. If you do not know your particular learning style take the learning styles quiz in the tutoring center or one can be found at http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/ . If you can identify your learning style then use the following chart to determine what kinds of things you should do while attending class, studying or during a tutoring session.
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AUDITORY LEARNERS |
TACTILE/KINESTHETIC LEARNERS |
VISUAL LEARNERS |
|
Explain the material to the tutor or study buddy. |
Pick up the book as you are reading or talking. |
Take notes during the tutoring session. |
|
Read explanations out loud. |
Write while the tutor is reading or talking. |
Have the tutor use a blackboard or notepaper for both of you to write questions and answers. |
|
Make up a song using the subject material. The 'crazier' the better. |
Walk around the room for appropriate books and other resources. |
Use color-coded highlighting. |
|
Review audio tapes while you drive. |
Sit near the front of the classroom and to take notes. This will keep you focused. |
Use graph paper to help create charts and diagrams that demonstrate key points. |
|
When you are learning new information, state the problem out loud. Reason through solutions out loud. |
Spend extra time in any labs offered. |
Mnemonics, acronyms, visual chains, and mind maps. |
|
Say words in syllables. |
Use the computer to reinforce learning using your sense of touch. |
Use the computer to organize materials and to create graphs, tables, charts, and spreadsheets. |
|
Make up and repeat rhymes to remember facts, dates, names, etc. |
Write with your fingers. |
Organize the material. |
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Join or create a study group, or to get a study partner. |
Write lists repeatedly. |
Use visual analogies. Use photographs. |
|
To learn a sequence of steps, write them out in sentence form, then read them out loud. |
Exaggerate lip movements in front of a mirror. |
Use visual metaphors. |
|
Use mnemonics and word links. |
Use rhythm (beats) to memorize or explain something. |
Writing the explanation down. |
|
Get involved in a discussion of the material. |
Point to the subject matter in the book, on the board, etc., while reading it out loud. |
Make flashcards, then use them during the session/s. |
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Make sure you go over all important facts aloud. |
Use gestures when giving explanations. |
Visualize the scene, formula, words, charts, etc. |
|
|
Make models that demonstrate the key concept. (The purpose here is the act of making the model.) |
Use the Book’s or other computer software. |
|
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Use hands-on experience when possible. |
Use illustrations. |
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Make flashcards for each step in the procedure. Put the cards in order until the sequence becomes automatic. |
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Tutoring Tips based on Learning Style
Adapted from Three Rivers Community College’s Tutoring and Academic Success Centers’ Website
http://www.trcc.commnet.edu/ed_resources/tasc/Training/Learning_Styles.htm