Learning...

Learning means...

Learning is a gift of wonder and empowerment. Learning precisely means the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study and experience. However at present in 21st century, definitions of learning advanced to the level of technology.


Learning styles

Each child learn differently, and psychologists have attempted through the years to spell out the traits of different types of learners and categorize them into different “learning styles.” It is a well-known fact in human life that people are different from each other. Based on this fact, children differ in the way they perceive or learn because they have different learning styles which determine the way through which they learn during teaching-learning process.

Three different learning styles are identifiable among learners are visual, auditory and kinesthetic. These learning styles have advantages and disadvantages. I will also pen down few helplines to help these learners excel in the classroom.

Visual Learning Style

Children who learn best through visual aids have a visual learning style. Visual aids include facial expressions, pictures, educational clips, etc. Visual learners think and learn in pictures.

Advantages - Visual learners are good at visualizing events and imagining situations. They use visual strategies for remembering information. They may also see the whole picture when discussing or working on a problem or task.

Disadvantages - Visual learners need more time to complete tasks. They have difficulty when only texts and speeches are available for learning, without any visual aids. They tend to be more interested in the appearance of something than its actual value - which may be a disadvantage in some situations, though not in all. They may not spend enough time on, or give enough attention to specific details.

Helping visual learners excel in the classroom:
· Write out directions.
· Use visual aids such as flashcards and blocks.
· Show the visual patterns in language to teach spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
· Organize information using color codes.

Auditory Learning Style

Auditory Learners learn by hearing what they want to learn. To learn, they prefer listening to discussions, reading out of texts, audio clips etc. You are very likely to have skills in sequencing and organizing information.

Advantages - Auditory learners retain information without having to see it in texts or pictures. They may remember information by using a checklist.

Disadvantages - It's highly likely that you are unable to multitask and may also prefer to work on their own rather than work in groups.

Helping auditory learners to excel in classroom:

· Play word games and use rhymes to practice language.
· Use beats, rhythms, and songs to reinforce educational information.

Kinesthetic Learning Style

Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by moving and doing. They prefer interactive learning, learning through practical challenges and hands-on experience. Kinesthetic learners, learn as they practice and practice what they learn.

Advantages - The kinesthetic learner enjoys learning through doing and finds it easy to demonstrate how to do something. This active learning style is useful enjoy the actual experience of learning.

Disadvantages - Kinesthetic learners tend to miss some instructions if it is presented orally. They may find it difficult to concentrate on a lengthy written task while seated.

Helping to get the most out of kinesthetic learners:

· Provide plenty of hands-on learning tools, such as crayons, blocks, puzzles, etc.
· Use the outdoors for learning opportunities.
· Teach educational concepts through games.