Филологические науки /

1.Методика преподавания языка и литературы

Linnyk K.M., Kosinoha L.V.

National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv

DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES

Effective learning strategies allow people to not only get the requisite information but also develop different views of looking at the concepts and implementing and utilizing these concepts. Before deciding on the learning techniques certain aspects need to be taken into consideration such as the material to be taught and how it can be molded to fit into the different learning methods, the students or learners to be taught and their details such as age, level of education, etc and finally the conditions or environment under which the teaching is to take place. There are various factors such as heredity, environmental impressions and upbringing of individuals that determine their ability to understand and perceive information. It is well known that people have different leaning styles that work best for them. Accordingly researchers developed different classifications of learning styles:

1. The four modalities: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and tactile.

2. Field-independent vs Field-dependent.

3. Left-brain dominated vs Right-brain dominated.

4. Innovative learners, Analytic learners, Common sense learners, Dynamic learners.

5. Concrete Sequential, Abstract Sequential, Abstract Random, Concrete Random.

Whereas each of these learning styles consists of a specific set of characteristics, no one style is better or worse than the others. Every learner has the capacity to learn within each style. By utilizing appropriate teaching techniques matched with student learning styles, student learning could improve.

The best approach for an instructor to take is to address a variety of learning styles with their teaching plan. Teachers should make students aware of the various learning styles and encourage them to consider their preferred style as they complete their studies. The teaching methods and techniques listed below have proven effective when matched with the appropriate learning style.

Visual – use many visuals in the classroom.

Auditory – use audio tapes and videos, storytelling, songs, memorization and drills. Allow learners to work in pairs and small groups regularly.

Kinaesthetic – use physical activities, competitions, board games, role plays.

Tactile – use board and card games, demonstrations, projects, role plays, as well as while-listening and reading activities.

Field Independent – let students work on some activities on their own.

Field Dependent – let students work on some activities in pairs and small groups.

Left-brain dominated – give verbal instructions and explanations. Set some closed tasks to which students can discover the “right” answer.

Right-brain dominated – demonstrate what you would like students to do. Give students clear guidelines for tasks. Set some open-ended tasks for which there is no “right” answer. Use realia and other things that students can manipulate while learning.

Innovative learners – use cooperative learning activities and activities in which students must make value judgments. Ask students to discuss their opinions and beliefs.

Analytic learners – teach students the facts.

Common sense learners – use problem solving activities.

Dynamic students – ask students about their feelings. Use the variety of challenging activities.

Concrete Sequential – use handouts, workbooks/manuals, problem solving and hands-on activities, demonstrations, field trips, drill, work study.

Abstract Sequential –use textbooks, supplemental readings, audio/video tapes, library assignments, independent study, individual instruction, reading assignments.

Abstract Random – use short lectures with questions and answers, group discussion, films, imagery, background music, games, TV, movies, reflective time.

Concrete Random – use technology, computer instruction, optional reading assignments, independent study, experiments, demonstrations.

References

1. http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/articles/learning-styles-teaching

2. Learning Styles - Classroom Adaptation<based primarily on Carbo Learning Styles>.

3. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc083

4. http://www.articleswave.com/educational/effective-learning-techniques-methods.html