LESSON 07: LEARNING STYLES

L2/ ALL GROUPS/ 2023-2024/ UHBC/ MEDDAHI

Learning objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 Identify their own learning style preferences based on the VARK model and other relevant
frameworks.

 Develop personalized study strategies that align with their individual learning style.
 Apply a variety of learning techniques, including note-taking, mind mapping, multimedia
resources, group discussions, hands-on activities, and reflective writing.
 Recognize the importance of metacognition and self-assessment in optimizing learning outcomes.

1. Introduction: Have you ever noticed that certain study methods work better for you than others?
Why do you think this is the case?

2. The Spectrum of Learning Styles

Researchers have identified various learning styles, each characterized by distinct preferences for
information intake and processing. Among the most prominent models is the VARK classification, which
encompasses four main categories:

A. Visual Learners: Visual learners thrive on visual stimuli, such as diagrams, charts, graphs, and
videos. They often excel in note-taking, creating mind maps, and utilizing multimedia resources.
B. Auditory Learners: Auditory learners prefer information presented through spoken language, such
as lectures, discussions, and audiobooks. They often benefit from group study sessions, verbalizing
concepts, and recording themselves explaining key ideas.
C. Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners excel in hands-on experiences, including experiments,
simulations, and role-playing activities. They often find physical movement and tactile engagement
to be effective learning tools.
D. Reading/Writing Learners: Reading/writing learners absorb information best through written
materials, such as textbooks, articles, and summaries. They often excel in note-taking, writing
essays, and creating detailed outlines.

3. Scholarly Insights into Learning Styles

The concept of learning styles has been extensively researched by prominent scholars, each contributing
valuable insights:

A. Rita Dunn: Dunn's model of learning styles identifies 21 elements, encompassing environmental,
emotional, sociological, and physiological factors that influence learning.
B. Neil Fleming and Howard Gardner: Fleming and Gardner's VARK model categorizes learners
based on their sensory preferences, providing a framework for tailoring teaching methods.

C. David Kolb: Kolb's experiential learning model emphasizes the cyclical nature of learning,
highlighting the importance of reflection and experience in knowledge acquisition.
 4. Harnessing Your Learning Style for Academic Success

Understanding your learning style is only the first step; effectively applying it to your studies is crucial. Here
are some strategies for maximizing your learning potential:

1. Identify Your Learning Style: Assess your preferences for different learning modalities and tailor your study
techniques accordingly.
2. Varied Approaches: Incorporate a variety of learning methods to cater to your learning style and enhance
engagement.
3. Metacognition: Engage in metacognitive reflection, evaluating your learning process and identifying areas
for improvement.
4. Active Learning: Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing concepts, creating concept
maps, and participating in discussions.

5. Exercise:

Filling Gap Exercise

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the lesson.

(applying- learning style- 21- visual- learning styles- hands-on - spoken- written- sensory- cyclical)

1. In the dynamic world of academia, where knowledge acquisition is paramount, understanding your _______
can be a game-changer.
2. Researchers have identified various _______, each characterized by distinct preferences for information
intake and processing.
3. Visual learners thrive on _______ stimuli, such as diagrams, charts, graphs, and videos.
4. Auditory learners prefer information presented through _______ language, such as lectures, discussions, and
audiobooks.
5. Kinesthetic learners excel in ______ experiences, including experiments, simulations, and role-playing
activities.
6. Reading/writing learners absorb information best through ______ materials, such as textbooks, articles, and
summaries.
7. Rita Dunn's model of learning styles identifies ______ elements, encompassing environmental, emotional,
sociological, and physiological factors that influence learning.
8. Neil Fleming and Howard Gardner's VARK model categorizes learners based on their ______ preferences,
providing a framework for tailoring teaching methods.
9. David Kolb's experiential learning model emphasizes the ______ nature of learning, highlighting the
importance of reflection and experience in knowledge acquisition.
10. Understanding your learning style is only the first step; effectively ______ it to your studies is crucial.

Answers:

1. In the dynamic world of academia, where knowledge acquisition is paramount, understanding your
(learning style) can be a game-changer.
2. Researchers have identified various (Learning styles) each characterized by distinct preferences for
information intake and processing.
3. Visual learners thrive on (visual) stimuli, such as diagrams, charts, graphs, and videos.
4. Auditory learners prefer information presented through (spoken) language, such as lectures, discussions, and
audiobooks.
5. Kinesthetic learners excel in (hands-on) experiences, including experiments, simulations, and role-playing
activities.
6. Reading/writing learners absorb information best through (written) materials, such as textbooks, articles, and
summaries.
7. Rita Dunn's model of learning styles identifies (21) elements, encompassing environmental, emotional,
sociological, and physiological factors that influence learning.
8. Neil Fleming and Howard Gardner's VARK model categorizes learners based on their (sensory) preferences,
providing a framework for tailoring teaching methods.
9. David Kolb's experiential learning model emphasizes the (cyclical) nature of learning, highlighting the
importance of reflection and experience in knowledge acquisition.
10. Understanding your learning style is only the first step; effectively (applying) it to your studies is crucial.

6. Homework:
Take the learning style quiz
https://www.learningstylequiz.com/quiz/start
And write a commentary, reflective paragraph on your own learning habit and the preferred style and the
result of the quiz
 Paragraph structure: topic sentence, supporting ideas, concluding sentence
 Homework should be hand written (clear & clean)