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We all recognize that children are different — some are quiet, some noisy; some are tall, some short; some are studious, some restless; some are courteous, some chronically disrespectful.
But we often overlook the fact that when it comes to learning, children are different too. Some respond well to verbal instruction, some need visual aids, and some have to involve their body in their learning.
“Each learning style is like an instrument in an orchestra,” said Jody Whelden, a Madison-based psychotherpist, counselor and teacher. “Kids need to know what instrument is theirs and how they fit into the orchestra.”
And teachers who know their students’ various learning styles are going to be more successful in getting through to the children, Whelden said.
Whelden and Vida Groman, — also a Madison-based teacher, consultant and therapist — conducted a workshop April 24 in Stevens Point on “Learning Styles-Creating More Success for Students.”
The workshop was sponsored by WEAC’s Professional Development Academy.
The theory of Learning Styles is based generally on the concept that there are three perceptual pathways to learning: visual (sight), kinesthetic (body, sensation, motion), and auditory (sound); and three states of consciousness: conscious, subconscious and unconscious. By combining these and other factors, you can identify a person as falling into one of six learning styles (see chart at end of this article).
A learning style is identified by connecting perceptual pathways and states of consciousness. For example, a person who tends to be auditory (A) in consious state, kinesthetic (K) in the subconsious state, and visual (V) in the unconscious state falls into the category Leader of the Pack (see chart).
“For the most part, everyone is one of these (six) patterns,” Whelden said. A learning style is typically determined by age 7, she said. “In some cases, it can change, but not often.”
Whelden and Groman said knowing learning styles can help teachers:
Six Learning Styles
As described by author Dawna Markova, Ph.D.
1. Show and Tellers (V-A-K)
Natural persuaders who learn best through reading and light up when telling stories. Good students who shy away from sports.
2. Seer / feelers (V-K-A)
Empathetic children who learn best by doing what they are shown and asking endless questions. Generally prefer working in groups.
3. Leaders of the Pack (A-K-V)
Natural powerhouses who learn by teaching others. Though they have extensive speaking vocabularies, they tend to have difficulty learning to read and write.
4. Verbal gymnasts (A-V-K)
Effective and articulate communicators whose words pour out in logical order. They love facts, history and ideas of all kinds, and have to talk to understand. Sports may be difficult.
5. Wandering wonderers (K-V-A)
Quiet Einsteins who learn best in solitude. Can learn physical tasks easily without verbal instruction. Can become overwhelmed by listening.
6. Movers and groovers (K-A-V)
Athletes who need to be allowed to use their bodies in order to learn — often labeled hyperactive. Reading and writing may be very difficult.
Posted August 26, 1996