Honors TA Leadership Experience

Learning Styles in Engineering Education

The Felder-Silverman Index of Learning Styles and the Richard Ogden Personality and Learning
Styles Questionnaire are outlined in this document. Descriptions of each learning style index have
been compiled using information presented by Lee and Sidhu (2015).
Each learning style classification system can be used to describe an individuals preferences for
how they gain, process, and act on new information. These preferences are not permanent, and can
be modified by the individual to cope with specific situations. Preferences also evolve over time.
The systems described here are thought to be relevant to working as a TA. Many other
classification systems exist. See the attached reference for more information.
Felder-Silverman Index of Learning Styles
The Felder-Silverman Index is built around four learning style categories. Individuals usually have
a preference for one element of each category.

Sensing / Intuitive Visual / Verbal

How does someone gain knowledge? How does someone like material presented?
Sensing Intuitive Visual Verbal
Facts, data, and Concepts, principles, Pictures, diagrams, Words, discussions,
experimentation and theories and demonstrations and formulas

Active / Reflective
Sequential / Global
How does someone process new
At what pace does someone learn?
information?
Active Reflective Sequential Global
Through physical Through thinking Concepts understood Must see the whole
activity or discussion and reflection step-by-step; partial picture; either no
understanding understanding or
possible complete
understanding

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Richard Ogden Personality and Learning Styles Questionnaire
This system was developed with the academic environment specifically in mind. It highlights three
areas.
Approach to Learning
How do individuals like information presented?
Structured Spontaneous
Learning should be well planned and follow a Learning is through trial and error. Lectures
step-by-step procedure. Loosely defined that provide the big picture allow
concepts make the individual uncomfortable. individuals to explore concepts on their own.

Focus on Learning
Why do individuals want to learn?
Pragmatic Conceptual
Focus in on how the information can be used Focus is on understanding the theoretical
in real life. complexity of the concept.

Transfer of Learning
How do learners apply new knowledge?
Concrete Fluid
Skills are learned in the context of a specific Individuals seek connections between old
situation. These individuals may find it concepts and new applications. Several tasks
difficult to adapt old concepts to new are usually taken on simultaneously.
applications. Focus is on one task at a time.

Lee, C. K., & Sidhu, M. S. (2015). Engineering Students Learning Preferences in UNITEN:
Comparative Study and Patterns of Learning Styles. Journal of Educational Technology &
Society, 18(3), 266281. Retrieved from
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1707773438?accountid=2909

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