The three basic types of learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. To learn, we depend on our senses to process the information around us. Most people tend to use one of their senses more than the others. The following will be a discussion of the three most common learning styles.
Visual – to integrate this learning style into the classroom environment educators need to focus on the following.
Use graphs, charts, illustrations, or other visual aids.
Include outlines and handouts for the subject matter.
Eliminate potential distractions.
Show diagrams and explain them.
Leave white space in handouts for note taking.
Use multiple screens when showing multimedia.
Benefit from illustrations and presentations that use color.
Auditory - to integrate this learning style into the classroom environment educators need to focus on the following.
Begin new material with an explanation of what is coming.
Conclude with a summary of what was taught.
Include activities like brainstorming or discussion groups.
Have the learners verbalize the question.
Acquires knowledge by reading aloud.
Kinesthetic - to integrate this learning style into the classroom environment educators need to focus on the following.
Use activities that will allow the learners to move.
Play music during activities.
Provide highlighters and colored pencils.
Give frequent stretch breaks.
Provide a toy to keep their hands busy.
Enjoy field trips and tasks that involve manipulating materials.
Educators need to address learning styles that are in their classrooms. Too often teachers teach to their own style of learning and will often hinder the other learning styles. Professional development courses need to be developed to help educators understand how to accommodate ALL children regardless of their learning style.
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