Learning styles are techniques or approaches to learning that work best for an individual. In other words, learning styles are methods of how the mind interprets, absorbs and retains information. With the increase in internet usage, more and more people are adopting different styles of learning.
Here we shall explore six models of learning styles that are quite famous.
1. Multiple Intelligences Theory
The Multiple Intelligences Theory, proposed by Dr. Howard Gardner in 1983, identifies eight types of intelligences. Cognitive psychologist, Robert Sternberg revised this theory eight intelligences to three – analytical-practical-creative.
This theory explains that each individual will have one or more dominant intelligences. Furthermore, the classical approach of teaching which is one-size-fits-all needs to be changed.
According to this model, analytical intelligence is the traditional type of intelligence that is tested in school. This intelligence helps in understanding and analyzing the given facts, interpreting data and solving problems.
Practical intelligence encompasses traits such as common sense and street smarts. Creative intelligence is the ability to “think out of the box” and develop new ideas, innovations and understand complex concepts. All these three intelligences can be nurtured together, which is beneficial for learning.
For example, when teachers provide project-based learning experiences that involve collaboration, students with different intelligences can work together, resulting in better learning outcomes.
2. Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic Learning Theory (VAK)
This learning style was proposed by Neil Fleming in the 1990s and suggests that everyone learns in a unique and different manner. The three styles within the VAK model are visual learning, auditory learning, and kinesthetic learning. Visual learners can be best described as the ‘read-and-visualize’ kind of people.
They have no trouble understanding difficult concepts when explained through graphs and other illustrations. Similarly, auditory learners are the ‘listen-and-recall’ type of people.
They learn best when concepts are explained through stories, audio recordings or group discussions. Kinesthetic learners are the ‘feel-and-interact’ type of people.
They learn best when they are able to physically interact with the concepts/skills. For example, when learning about plants, it may help for students to go outdoors, observe the plants and learn their features. In comparison to the traditional teaching approach in classrooms, this style of learning is more fun and interesting.
3. Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model
This model was proposed by Richard M. Felder and Linda K. Silverman in 1996 and it is an extension of the VAK theory.
The four dimensions of this model are sensing-intuiting, visual-verbal, active-reflective and sequential-global. It is more detailed and specific as compared to the VAK model and helps in recognizing individual learning styles in further detail.
In the first dimension, intuitive learners are the ones who look for the underlying meaning of things and like to think about the ‘big picture’. On the other hand, sensing learners are more aligned with reality and the physical world. The second dimension is between visual and auditory learners.
The third dimension is active-reflective learning. Active learners are the ones who like to ‘get out and do things’ while reflective learners try to analyze and brainstorm.
The fourth dimension is between sequential and global learners. Sequential learners acquire knowledge by taking small steps while global learners like to consider a whole picture.
4. Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory
This inventory, developed by David Kolb in 1984, is based on four stages of learning – concrete experience, observation and reflection, formation of abstract concepts and testing of hypotheses in new situations. Kolb’s model is based on the notion that experiential learning or doing is essential for learning to take place.
He further identified four learning styles – diverging, accommodating, assimilating and converging. Diverging learners are the ones who are open to new experiences and observe things. Accommodating learners ‘go with the flow’ and learn best when they are in a team.
Assimilating learners are the ones who are analytical and logical while converging learners take initiative, are creative and practical thinkers.
5. Honey and Mumford’s Learning Styles
This model, developed by Peter Honey and Alan Mumford, is based on Kolb’s four stages. However, it is more simplified and has derived four learning styles from Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory – activist, theorist, pragmatist and reflector. Activists are the ones who fail to plan or reflect and jump into situations head-on.
Theorists are the ones who are known to take an organized approach and have a plan. Pragmatists are the ones who are practical in nature and are drawn towards problem solving.
Reflectors are the ones who reflect and gain knowledge by considering the skills and talents of others.
6. Multiple Intelligence Learning Styles
This learning style combines both the Multiple Intelligences Theory and Felder-Silverman Theory. As discussed earlier, the Multiple Intelligences Theory identifies eight intelligences and suggests that various approaches should be used to cater to each individual’s unique learning style.
Similarly, Felder-Silverman theory proposes four learning styles – sensing-intuiting, visual-verbal, active-reflective, and sequential-global. Multiple Intelligence Learning Styles, thus brings together these two theories and makes teaching more personalized and effective. It proposes the use of the right combination of techniques so that the students find learning interesting, stimulating and enjoyable.
ConclusionTo conclude, there are a number of models of learning styles available and they all provide unique approaches to learning. There is no single best learning style that can suit everyone and it is important to recognize individual learning styles and find custom-made approaches for each learner. Identifying and adopting a model & style of learning that fits one’s need is the surest way of successful learning.
With this in mind, it is important for teachers, parents and students to familiarize themselves with the various learning styles.