The Way They Learn

1. Learning styles are unique fingerprints of how individuals perceive and process information

Just because your children aren't responding to you doesn't always mean they aren't listening. It could be that the difference in your perspectives is so great that you sometimes might as well be living in different countries and speaking different languages.

Learning styles are innate. Each person has a unique combination of natural strengths and preferences in how they learn and process information. These individual differences are as distinct as fingerprints, shaping how we perceive the world, communicate, and approach tasks.

Mismatched styles cause frustration. When parents and children have different learning styles, it can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. What seems obvious or logical to one may be confusing or counterintuitive to another. Recognizing these differences is crucial for effective communication and education.

Adapting communication is key. To bridge the gap between different learning styles, it's essential to:

• Observe patterns of behavior and success
• Listen carefully to how others communicate
• Experiment with different approaches
• Focus on natural strengths rather than weaknesses
• Continuously learn about learning styles

2. The Gregorc Model identifies four dominant learning styles: CS, AS, AR, and CR

Remember, no individual is only one style. Each of us has a dominant style or styles that give us a unique blend of natural strengths and abilities.

Four dominant styles. The Gregorc Model outlines four main learning styles based on how people perceive and order information:

1. Concrete Sequential (CS):

   • Practical, organized, detail-oriented
   • Prefer step-by-step instructions and predictability

2. Abstract Sequential (AS):

   • Analytical, logical, research-oriented
   • Excel at conceptual thinking and thorough analysis

3. Abstract Random (AR):

   • Intuitive, people-oriented, emotionally sensitive
   • Thrive in harmonious, flexible environments

4. Concrete Random (CR):

   • Intuitive, experimental, independent
   • Enjoy problem-solving and finding creative solutions

Style combinations are unique. Most people exhibit a blend of these styles, with one or two being dominant. Understanding your dominant style(s) can help you leverage your strengths and improve in areas that don't come naturally.

3. Environmental preferences significantly impact concentration and learning effectiveness

If you have one child who is most alert in the morning and another child who is the proverbial night owl, it's unrealistic to expect them both to do their best job on homework at the same time of day.

Personalized study environments. Different learners have varying preferences for their ideal study conditions, including:

• Lighting (bright vs. dim)
• Sound (quiet vs. background noise)
• Temperature (warm vs. cool)
• Seating (desk vs. floor or bed)
• Time of day (morning vs. evening)

Experimentation is key. To find the most effective study environment for a child:

1. Observe their natural preferences
2. Allow them to try different setups
3. Evaluate which conditions lead to better concentration and results

Flexibility in approach. Parents and educators should be open to unconventional study methods if they prove effective. What works for one child may not work for another, and traditional setups aren't always the best for every learner.

4. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modalities influence how we remember information

Since physical activity is so important, if you are the parent of a kinesthetic child, you may want to suggest he put his homework on a clipboard and do it "on the run."

Three main modalities. People tend to have a dominant preference for processing and remembering information:

1. Auditory: Learn best by listening and speaking

   • Benefit from verbal instructions and discussions
   • May read aloud or talk to themselves while studying

2. Visual: Learn best through seeing and watching

   • Excel with charts, diagrams, and written information
   • Often visualize concepts in their mind

3. Kinesthetic: Learn best through physical activity and touch

   • Prefer hands-on experiences and movement
   • May fidget or need frequent breaks when studying

Matching strategies to modalities. To enhance learning and memory:

• Auditory learners: Use verbal drills, recordings, or music
• Visual learners: Utilize color-coding, mind maps, or illustrations
• Kinesthetic learners: Incorporate movement, tactile materials, or hands-on projects

Multi-modal approaches. Combining strategies from different modalities can reinforce learning for all types of learners and help develop well-rounded skills.

5. Global and analytic learners process information differently, affecting study habits and test-taking

If you have a child who tends to learn more visually, you may find it helpful to encourage the use of brightly colored folders for categorizing papers or eye-catching notebooks for organizing assignments.

Global vs. Analytic processing. These two distinct approaches to information processing impact how students learn and perform:

Global Learners:

• See the big picture first
• Understand concepts holistically
• May struggle with sequential steps
• Often work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Prefer open-ended questions and discussions

Analytic Learners:

• Focus on details and logical sequences
• Build understanding from parts to whole
• Excel at step-by-step processes
• Prefer to complete one task before starting another
• Thrive on structured, specific instructions

Adapting study techniques. To accommodate both styles:

• Provide overviews and details
• Allow for both independent and group work
• Offer a mix of structured and open-ended assignments
• Teach time management and organization skills tailored to each style

Test-taking strategies. Help students develop approaches that work with their processing style:

• Global: Start with an overview, then tackle details
• Analytic: Break the test into manageable sections

6. Multiple intelligences expand our understanding of human potential beyond traditional IQ

Instead of rote drill and repetition of facts, the multiple intelligence approach helps children experience learning by gaining hands-on experience through apprenticeships.

Seven intelligences. Howard Gardner's theory identifies diverse areas of human capability:

1. Linguistic: Verbal and written communication
2. Logical-Mathematical: Numbers, patterns, and reasoning
3. Spatial: Visual and spatial thinking
4. Musical: Rhythm, pitch, and melody
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic: Physical coordination and dexterity
6. Interpersonal: Understanding and relating to others
7. Intrapersonal: Self-awareness and introspection

Broadening the definition of "smart". This model challenges traditional notions of intelligence, recognizing that:

• People can be intelligent in different ways
• Standardized IQ tests don't capture the full spectrum of human potential
• Each intelligence can be developed and strengthened over time

Educational implications. Embracing multiple intelligences in education can:

• Help students identify and leverage their strengths
• Encourage diverse approaches to learning and problem-solving
• Foster a more inclusive and engaging learning environment

7. Recognizing and adapting to different learning styles can transform education and communication

The more we learn to identify and use multiple ways of being smart, the more effective our education system can become in equipping the next generation for dealing with the real world.

Personalized learning. Understanding learning styles allows for tailored educational approaches:

• Adapt teaching methods to suit different learners
• Provide diverse ways for students to demonstrate knowledge
• Encourage students to develop strategies based on their strengths

Improved communication. Recognizing style differences enhances interpersonal interactions:

• Adapt communication style to the listener's preferences
• Reduce misunderstandings caused by different processing styles
• Foster empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives

Lifelong benefits. Awareness of learning styles extends beyond the classroom:

• Enhances problem-solving in various life situations
• Improves teamwork and collaboration in the workplace
• Promotes personal growth and adaptability

8. Learning style awareness progresses through five stages: from discovery to flexible application

Style flex happens when we can take our natural style strengths and consciously flex or bend them into other learning styles that don't make as much sense to us or are not as comfortable for us.

Five stages of awareness:

1. Awareness: Discovering and recognizing different learning styles
2. Opposite Camps: Preferring one's own style over others
3. Appreciation: Recognizing the value of different styles
4. Excuses: Using learning style as a justification for limitations
5. Style Flex: Adapting and applying various styles as needed

Growth process. Moving through these stages requires:

• Open-mindedness to different perspectives
• Willingness to step out of comfort zones
• Practice in applying various learning strategies

Ultimate goal. Reaching the "Style Flex" stage enables individuals to:

• Adapt to diverse learning and working environments
• Communicate effectively with people of all styles
• Maximize personal potential by leveraging multiple approaches

9. Learning style differences are often mistaken for learning disabilities

Many students who are struggling in school simply have learning styles that are incompatible with the structure of the traditional classroom and academic demands.

Misdiagnosis risks. Behavioral issues or academic struggles may be incorrectly attributed to learning disabilities when they are actually due to:

• Mismatched teaching and learning styles
• Environmental factors that hinder concentration
• Lack of understanding of individual learning needs

Holistic assessment. Before considering learning disabilities or medication:

1. Evaluate the child's natural learning style
2. Assess the compatibility of teaching methods with the child's style
3. Experiment with different learning environments and strategies
4. Address any emotional or social factors affecting behavior

Tailored interventions. Once learning style differences are identified:

• Adapt teaching methods to suit the child's strengths
• Provide tools and techniques that align with their preferences
• Teach the child how to leverage their style in challenging situations

By recognizing and accommodating learning style differences, many struggling students can thrive without the need for labels or medication.

Last updated: November 22, 2024