Grand Valley State University
Charter School Office
Learning Network
Learning Styles
Fall, 2015
“Learning Style is the way in
which each learner begins to
concentrate on, process, and
retain new and different
information.”
-Dunn
Dunn & Dunn
Copyright 2015, Rundle, S.
Sensory Processing – Perceptual Elements
Perceptual Elements
AUDITORY LEARNERS
• Remember best by
listening.
• Able to remember
approximately 75% of
what they hear in a 30
to 40 minute lecture
without taking notes.
VISUAL LEARNERS
• Prefer to see verbally
presented information.
• May think in pictures
and/or words.
• When listening, it takes
longer because what is
heard must be
translated into visual
imagery.
• Visual learners may
take notes even though
they have printed
material.
Copyright 2015, Rundle, S.
Dunn & Dunn
Dunn & Dunn
Perceptual Elements
• Engage the small
motor skills
(receptors in the
skin/ small motor
skills).
• Learn best through
hands-on activities.
Copyright 2015, Rundle, S.
KINESTHETIC
LEARNERS
• Engage the large
motor skills.
• Retain information
best when actively
involved.
Copyright 2015, Rundle, S.
TACTUAL LEARNERS
Discuss
1. What initially struck you the most after looking at
your reports?
2. How does the data make you rethink your practice
of teaching and learning?
3. What beginning ideas do you have to change what
teaching & learning looks like in your classroom?
Accommodate for All
Attending to Learning Styles
Measures that allow a student to complete
the same assignment changing
Presentation
Response
Setting
Timing and scheduling
Accommodations do not reduce learning
expectations; they provide access.
Individually
1. How will you organize your learning environment
for your learners?
2. How will you now plan in regards to…
a. Presentation methods
b. Learning activities (types and options)
c. Assessment (methods and options)
d. Classroom policies
3. How will you attend to…
• Awareness (students, parents, teachers)
• Accommodation (your attitude toward)
• Advocacy (student)
• Adaptation (your practice)
Building Capacity
1. What steps do you need to take attend to student
learning styles?
2. How will you create a climate that focuses on student
needs?
3. What support do you need?





Key Themes of Improving Instructional Practice
Clear vision of what highly effective teaching looks like
Opportunities to collaborate with and observe effective teachers who exhibit
highly effective practice
High-quality observation and feedback
Coaching and support
Focus and coherence
Learning Styles Resources
• http://vark-learn.com/strategies/
• http://www.ilsa-learning-styles.com/Learning+Styles/MultiSensory+Approaches+to+Learning.html