Name: ______________________________________
Grade: __________
Learn to Learn Activity #1:
Learning Styles
Why you should know your learning style
People tend to perceive information in different ways and this
has an impact on how we learn. For example, some people are
visual learners, they learn better if they can “see” the
information. Other people may be auditory learners because
they learn better through hearing the new information. Last,
some people learn best from moving, doing or touching, these
are the kinesthetic or tactile learners.
Most people will learn through more than one learning style, however, they will learn best
through a specific style. This is not to say they will not combine different ways of learning, for
example, although someone may learn best through seeing, they may find that both listening to
a lecture and seeing the words together provide the best way for them to learn.
Although each of us is able to learn through all of the different learning styles, a person will
learn and retain information easier through their learning style. Understanding your learning
style is certainly important in a school setting. It can help in studying for upcoming tests by
giving you concrete aids, such as note cards and visual cues for visual learners or by listening to
tape recordings for auditory learners. When a person has a difficult time learning in one
specific class, the reason could be the different learning styles. The teacher may use one
dominant type of teaching and the student may not learn in this way. So, before you can learn
at your fullest potential, you need to learn how you learn and how to adapt to other people’s
learning style!!!
TURN THE PAGE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR LEARNING STYLE IS

What’s Your Learning Style?
Complete the following questionnaire to assess your preferred learning style. Begin by reading the words in the
left-hand column. Of the three responses to the right, circle the one that best characterizes you, answering as
honestly as possible. Count the number of circled items and write your total at the bottom of each column.
WRITE DOWN YOUR LEARNING STYLE RESULTS:
The column with the highest total represents your primary processing style. The column with
the second-most choices is your secondary style.
MY PRIMARY LEARNING STYLE: ________________________________________
MY SECONDARY LEARNING STYLE: ________________________________________
Make Your Learning Style Work For You
Learning styles are simply different approaches or ways of learning. What are the types
of learning styles?
Visual Learners:
learn through seeing…
These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand
the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual
obstructions (e.g. people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays
including: diagrams, illustrated textbooks, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and
handouts. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed
notes to absorb the information.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Auditory Learners:
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
learn through listening...
They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what
others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through
listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little
meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape
recorder.
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners:
moving, doing and touching...
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
learn through,
Tactile/Kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the
physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become
distracted by their need for activity and exploration. It helps to have an small object to play with
during lectures like a stress ball, or some other hand toy that will not distract others.
Learning Style Tips & Tricks
Once you have figured out the way you learn, you will need to use specific strategies to fit
into your way of learning. For instance, the following suggestions can help you get more
from reading a book.
VISUAL – draw pictures in the margins, look at the graphics, and read the text that explains the graphics.
Envision the topic or play a movie in your thoughts of how you’ll act out the subject matter.
AUDITORY – listen to the words you read. Try to develop an internal conversation between you and the text.
Don’t be embarrassed to read aloud or talk through the information.
TACTILE/KINESTHETIC – use a pencil or highlighter pen to make passages that are meaningful to you.
Take notes, transferring the information you learnt to the margins of the book, into your journal, or onto a
computer. Doodle whatever comes to mind as you read. Hold the book in your hands instead of placing it on a
table. Walk around as you read. Feel the words and ideas. Get busy-both mentally & physically.
Here are some more practical suggestions pertaining to each learning style:
Visual Learners:
Auditory Learners:
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
* use visual materials such as
pictures, charts, maps, graphs,
etc.
* have a clear view of your
teachers when they are speaking
so you can see their body
language and facial expression
* use colour to highlight
important points in text
* take notes or ask your
teacher to provide handouts
* illustrate your ideas as a
picture or brainstorming bubble
before writing them down
* write a story and illustrate it
* use multi-media (e.g.
computers, videos, and
filmstrips)
* study in a quiet place away
from verbal disturbances
* read illustrated books
* visualize information as a
picture to aid memorization
* participate in class
discussions/debates
* make speeches and
presentations
* use a tape recorder during
lectures instead of taking notes
* read text out aloud
* create musical jingles to aid
memorization
* create mnemonics to aid
memorization
* discuss your ideas verbally
* dictate to someone while
they write down your thoughts
* use verbal analogies, and
story telling to demonstrate
your point
* take frequent study breaks
* move around to learn new
things (e.g. read while on an
exercise bike, mold a piece of
clay to learn a new concept)
* work at a standing position
* chew gum while studying
* use bright colors to
highlight reading material
* dress up your work space
with posters
* if you wish, listen to music
while you study
* skim through reading
material to get a rough idea
what it is about before settling
down to read it in detail.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU LEARN!
Different Learning Styles
Studies have shown that we now have to deal with about 100% new information every 5 years. If this trend
continues, students currently studying in grades one to three will probably graduate during a time where there
will be new information coming in every 38 days! So, the information that they learn this month would
probably be outdated two months from now! So, how are students expected to learn anything at all??
Taking these statistics into consideration, if students haven’t learned the art of learning, then they are probably
not going to be able to choose a suitable career path or work at their full potential in school.
Each and every person is different from the other. Each of us perceives the world in a different way from the
other. These perceptions of ours shape up what we think – how we make our decisions, how we prioritize things
– and so on. What’s more, our individual perceptions also help to define our natural learning styles and
strengths.
Each and every one of us receives new information on a daily basis. Understanding this information and
processing it will take us a long way towards become life-long learners. So, since all of us are not basically
alike, then when we approach a certain situation or a learning task, remember that not all of us will benefit from
the same approach. Each and every individual will have his or her own set of unique learning strengths as well
as weaknesses. As a learner, the most important thing you can do is to learn about all of these different learning
styles, identify which category you belong to and learn from the strong points of the other categories.
There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of
learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different
circumstances. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you
already use well.
Each and every one of us will rely on all or a combination of learning styles to process information and learn at
an unconscious level. We learn through all our senses, but tend to favor one over the rest. Thus, we can safely
say that we learn by sight (visually), by sound (auditorally), by moving (kinesthetically), and by touch (tactilly).
Here is a quick review of the 3 learning styles:
VISUAL LEARNERS (approximately 65 percent of the population) This type of learner is best at collecting information with their
eyes. This includes looking at visual images or reading text. Visual learners usually prefer graphics, illustrations and charts. They are
able to remember details and ideas in picture form, typically what they've seen before.
AUDITORY LEARNERS (approximately 30 percent of the population) This type of learner is best at collecting information with
their ears. This includes listening and talking. Although easily distracted, auditory learners learn by memorizing sound. For instance,
they learn instructions by repeating them over and over again, even in silent form. They often like background music to block out
interrupting noises.
KINESTHETIC LEARNERS (approximately 5 percent of the population) This type of learner is best at collecting meaning through
touch and movement. Kinesthetic learners learn through physical interaction; most are young children. In essence, touching is a way
of seeing.
By knowing how you learn best you can select those classes, teachers, subjects, majors and ultimate careers that
appeal to your unique way of learning things. But best of all, you can improve your grades!
TURN PAGE
NAME: ______________________________
GRADE: _______
MY LEARNING STYLE PIE CHART
Get into groups according to your primary learning style. Each of you should pick up a sheet from your teacher
for your learning style. After you finish reading the information as a group, you will be creating a personal
learning style pie chart (below) to help you improve your study skills according to what works best for you.
Make your own categories & feel free to add colors & pictures! You will be cutting this out & taping this
information into your agenda book so you can look at it when you struggle with an assignment or a class.
A VISUAL LEARNER.
---Reads or watches TV to relax.
---Tends to remember people's faces but not their names.
---Gets distracted by untidiness when concentrating.
---Learns about a new idea by reading the book.
---Attempts to spell a difficult word by writing to see how it looks.
---Solves problems most easily by writing out possible solutions.
AN AUDITORY LEARNER.
---Listens to music or the radio to relax.
---Tends to remember people's names but not their faces.
---Gets distracted by noise when concentrating.
---Learns about a new idea by purchasing the audio tapes.
---Attempts to spell a difficult word by sounding it out.
---Solves problems most easily by talking through possible solutions.
A KINESTHETIC LEARNER.
---Does a physical activity or plays a sport to relax.
---Tends to remember people by recalling things he/she did with them.
---Gets distracted by moving people when concentrating.
---Learns about a new idea by going to the seminar.
---Attempts to spell a difficult word by writing to see how it feels.
---Solves problems most easily through hands-on experience.
* Visual learners – Visual learners tend to learn better by seeing things. Images and pictures will help them
understand information and ideas better than long explanations. A drawing will probably help them more than a
discussion on the same topic would. A visual learner will always create a mental image in his or her mind.
* Auditory learners – There are two categories of auditory reader – the listeners and the speakers. These type
of learners learn faster through spoken messages. Some auditory learners need to hear their own voices in order
to understand information. The listeners are the types that will always do well in school. They tend to remember
things that were said to them and then make up their own information. They also carry mental images of
dialogues, which in turn help them to remember a lot of what they learnt.
* Kinesthetic learners and tactile learners – Kinesthetic learners will always sense the movement and position
of what they are working on. Tactile learners on the other hand prefer to learn by touch. They learn increasingly
fast through practical work in labs and in classroom. These types don’t generally do well in traditional schools
because such schools don’t provide them with right opportunities to do practical work. Both these types
perceive information through the nerve endings in the skin and also through muscles, joints and tendons.
Tactile Learning
People Who Learn by Doing
By Grace Fleming, About.com Guide
Tactile or kinesthetic learners are those who learn through experiencing/doing things. For this reason, tactile
learners may become bored more quickly than other students while listening to a class lecture.
Tactile learners like to experience the world and act out events. To remember a phone number, tactile learners
may remember the pattern of their fingers as the press the numbers.
Tactile learners can remember complicated directions once they've acted them out.
Look over these traits to see if they sound familiar to you. You may be a tactile learner if you are someone who:
* Is good at sports.
* Can’t sit still for long.
* Is not great at spelling.
* Does not have great handwriting.
* Likes science lab.
* Studies with loud music on.
* Likes adventure books, movies.
* Likes role playing.
* Takes breaks when studying.
* Builds models.
* Is involved in martial arts, dance.
* Is fidgety during lectures.
Kinesthetic Learners Can Benefit from:
* Studying in short blocks.
* Taking lab classes.
* Role playing.
* Taking field trips, visiting museums.
* Studying with others.
* Using memory games.
* Using flash cards to memorize.
Worst Test Type:
Long tests, essays.
Best Test Type:
Short definitions, fill-ins, multiple choice.
A Look at Kinesthetic Learners:
Kinesthetic learners typically learn best by doing. They are naturally good at physical activities like sports and
dance. They enjoy learning through hands-on methods. They typically like how-to guides and action-adventure
stories. They might pace while on the phone or take breaks from studying to get up and move around. Some
kinesthetic learners seem fidgety, having a hard time sitting still in class.
The physical (bodily-kinesthetic) learning style
If the physical style is more like you, it’s likely that you use your body and sense of touch to learn about the
world around you. It’s likely you like sports and exercise, and other physical activities such as gardening or
woodworking. You like to think out issues, ideas and problems while you exercise. You would rather go for a
run or walk if something is bothering you, rather than sitting at home.
You are more sensitive to the physical world around you. You notice and appreciate textures, for example in
clothes or furniture. You like “getting your hands dirty,” or making models, or working out jigsaws.
You typically use larger hand gestures and other body language to communicate. You probably don’t mind
getting up and dancing either, at least when the time is right. You either love the physical action of theme park
rides, or they upset your inner body sense too much and so you avoid them altogether.
When you are learning a new skill or topic, you would prefer to “jump in” and play with the physical parts as
soon as possible. You would prefer to pull an engine apart and put it back together, rather than reading or
looking at diagrams about how it works.
The thought of sitting in a lecture listening to someone else talk is repulsive. In those circumstances, you fidget
or can’t sit still for long. You want to get up and move around.
Key Learning Methods for Kinesthetic Learners:
Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing including manipulating items, simulations and role plays, and
other methods that physically involve them in the learning process. They enjoy and learn well from
experimenting and first hand experience. Further, they learn best when activities are varied during a class
period.
If you have a strong Kinesthetic preference for learning you should use some or all of the following:
INTAKE
To take in the information:
* all your senses - sight, touch, taste, smell, hearing ...
* laboratories
* field trips
* field tours
* examples of principles
* lecturers who give real-life examples
* applications
* hands-on approaches (computing)
* trial and error
* collections of rock types, plants, shells, grasses...
* exhibits, samples, photographs...
* recipes - solutions to problems, previous exam papers
SWOT - Study without tears
To make a learnable package:
Convert your "notes" into a learnable package by reducing them (3:1)
* Your lecture notes may be poor because the topics were not 'concrete' or 'relevant'.
* You will remember the "real" things that happened.
* Put plenty of examples into your summary. Use case studies and applications to help with principles and
abstract concepts.
* Talk about your notes with another "K" person.
* Use pictures and photographs that illustrate an idea.
* Go back to the laboratory or your lab manual.
* Recall the experiments, field trip...
OUTPUT
To perform well in any test, assignment or examination:
* Write practice answers, paragraphs...
* Role play the exam situation in your own room.
You want to experience the exam so that you can understand it.
The ideas on this page are only valuable if they sound practical, real, and relevant to you.
You need to do things to understand.
Common Pursuits and Phrases
Pursuits that involve the physical style include general physical work, mechanical, construction and repair
work, sports and athletics, drama and dancing.
You may use phrases like these:
* That feels right to me.
* I can’t get a grip on this…
* Stay in touch.
* Get in touch with…
* That doesn’t sit right with me.
* I have good feelings about this.
* My gut is telling me…
* I follow your drift.
Bodily Kinesthetic Learning Style - Bodily Kinesthetic Learning Style Career Choices
The bodily kinesthetic learning styled student may be drawn to careers such as professional dancer, athletic
coach or trainer, aerobics instructor, artist in painting, sculpture, or woodworking, factory work with moving
systems, postal carrier, emergency rescue worker, fire fighter or police officers, or military.
Auditory Learning Style
Learning by Hearing
By Grace Fleming, About.com Guide
See More About:
* auditory learning
* study skills assessments
* learning styles
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Auditory learners are those who learn best through hearing things. They may struggle to understand a chapter
they've read, but then experience a full understanding as they listen to the class lecture.
An auditory learner may benefit by using the speech recognition tool available on many PCs.
Auditory learners may have a knack for ascertaining the true meaning of someone's words by listening to
audible signals like changes in tone. When memorizing a phone number, an auditory learner will say it out loud
and then remember how it sounded to recall it. Does any of this sound like you?
Look over these traits to see if they sound familiar to you. You may be an auditory learner if you are someone
who:
* Likes to read to self out loud.
* Is not afraid to speak in class.
* Likes oral reports.
* Is good at explaining.
* Remembers names.
* Notices sound effects in movies.
* Enjoys music.
* Is good at grammar and foreign language.
* Reads slowly.
* Follows spoken directions well.
* Can't keep quiet for long periods.
* Enjoys acting, being on stage.
* Is good in study groups.
Auditory Learners Can Benefit from:
* Using word association to remember facts and lines.
* Recording lectures.
* Watching videos.
* Repeating facts with eyes closed.
* Participating in group discussions.
* Using audiotapes for language practice.
* Taping notes after writing them.
Worst test type:
Reading passages and writing answers about them in a timed test.
Best test type:
Auditory Learners are good at writing responses to lectures they've heard. They're also good at oral exams.
A Look at Auditory Learners:
Auditory learners learn best by listening and talking aloud. They typically notice and remember sounds. They
are good at remembering things that they hear. They are also good with words and language. They often read to
themselves as they study. They are also often distracted by noise and sounds.
The aural (auditory-musical-rhythmic) learning style
If you use the aural style, you like to work with sound and music. You have a good sense of pitch and rhythm.
You typically can sing, play a musical instrument, or identify the sounds of different instruments. Certain music
invokes strong emotions. You notice the music playing in the background of movies, TV shows and other
media. You often find yourself humming or tapping a song or jingle, or a theme or jingle pops into your head
without prompting.
Key Learning Methods for Auditory Learners:
Auditory learners learn best through hearing the information. They often need to read the written word aloud to
help them remember key points. Verbal repetition is an effective means of study for auditory learners.
If you have a strong preference for learning by Aural methods (A = hearing) you should use some or all of the
following:
INTAKE
To take in the information:
* attend classes
* attend discussions and tutorials
* discuss topics with others
* discuss topics with your teachers
* explain new ideas to other people
* use a tape recorder
* remember the interesting examples, stories, jokes...
* describe the overheads, pictures and other visuals to somebody who was not there
* leave spaces in your notes for later recall and 'filling'
SWOT - Study without tears
To make a learnable package:
Convert your "notes" into a learnable package by reducing them (3:1)
* Your notes may be poor because you prefer to listen. You will need to expand your notes by talking with
others and collecting notes from the textbook.
* Put your summarised notes onto tapes and listen to them.
* Ask others to 'hear' your understanding of a topic.
* Read your summarised notes aloud.
* Explain your notes to another 'aural' person.
OUTPUT
To perform well in any test, assignment or examination:
* Imagine talking with the examiner.
* Listen to your voices and write them down.
* Spend time in quiet places recalling the ideas.
* Practice writing answers to old exam questions.
* Speak your answers aloud or inside your head.
You prefer to have this page explained to you.
The written words are not as valuable as those you hear.
You will probably go and tell somebody about this.
Common Pursuits and Phrases
Some pursuits that use the aural style are playing, conducting, or composing music, and sound engineering
(mixing and audiovisual work).
You may use phrases like these:
* That sounds about right.
* That rings a bell.
* It’s coming through loud and clear.
* Tune in to what I’m saying
* Clear as a bell.
* That’s music to my ears.
Verbal Linguistic Learning Styles - How do Verbally Linguistic Learning Styled People Learn Best?
People with verbal linguistic learning styles learn best when taught using spoken or written materials. They
prefer activities that are based on language reasoning rather than abstract visual information. Math word
problems are more appealing to verbal linguistic learners than solving equations. They usually enjoy written
projects, speech and drama classes, debate, language classes, and journalism.
Visual Learning
Learners Who Understand by Seeing
By Grace Fleming, About.com Guide
See More About:
* visual learning
* learning styles
* homework strategies
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Visual learners are those who learn things best through seeing them. Visual learning students like to keep an eye
on the teacher by sitting in the front of the class and watching the lecture closely. Often, visual learners will find
that information "clicks" when it is explained with the aid of a chart or picture.
Have you ever drawn pictures of a biology process as you studied for a test? This may be a sign that you have
instinctively practiced visual learning techniques. Look over the characteristics below to see if they sound
familiar. A visual learner:
* Is good at spelling but forgets names.
* Needs quiet study time.
* Has to think awhile before understanding a speech or lecture.
* Likes colors & fashion.
* Dreams in color.
* Understands/likes charts.
* Is good with sign language.
Learning Techniques for Visual Learners
* Draw a map of events in history or draw scientific process.
* Make outlines of everything!
* Copy what’s on the board.
* Ask the teacher to diagram.
* Diagram sentences!
* Take notes, make lists.
* Watch videos.
* Color code words, research notes.
* Outline reading.
* Use flashcards.
* Use highlighters, circle words, underline.
Best Test Type for Visual Learners:
Diagramming, reading maps, essays (if you use an outline), showing a process
Worst test type:
Listen and respond tests
A Look at Visual Learners:
A typical visual learner uses visualization techniques to remember things. They often have a good sense of
direction because they visualize maps and directions in their mind. Many prefer to read information in a
textbook or on the whiteboard rather than listen to the teacher lecture. They also enjoy doodling and drawing.
Visual learners typically use sight words in their everyday terminology. For example, they might say "Let's take
a look at this." or "Let's look at this from a different perspective." They remember details including colors and
spatial arrangements.
The visual (spatial) learning style
If you use the visual style, you prefer using images, pictures, colors, and maps to organize information and
communicate with others. You can easily visualize objects, plans and outcomes in your mind’s eye. You also
have a good spatial sense, which gives you a good sense of direction. You can easily find your way around
using maps, and you rarely get lost. When you walk out of an elevator, you instinctively know which way to
turn.
The whiteboard is a best friend (or would be if you had access to one). You love drawing, scribbling and
doodling, especially with colors. You typically have a good dress sense and color balance (although not
always!).
Key Learning Methods for Visual Learners:
Visual learners learn best by seeing what they are being taught. Visual learners typically prefer images, maps,
graphs, and other visual representations over other forms of instruction. They will find that if they include
images, mind maps, lists, and other visual techniques in their notes then they will have a better chance of
remembering key information.
Common pursuits and phrases
Some pursuits that make the most use of the visual style are visual art, architecture, photography, video or film,
design, planning (especially strategic), and navigation.
You may use phrases like these:
* Let’s look at it differently.
* See how this works for you.
* I can’t quite picture it.
* Let’s draw a diagram or map.
* I’d like to get a different perspective.
* I never forget a face.
Visual Spatial Learning Styles - What are Popular Career Choices for People with High Visual Spatial Learning
Styles?
The visually spatially learning styled student may be drawn to careers such as working in television, drafting,
architecture, photography, artistry, engineering, airline piloting or air traffic control, construction, fashion
design or merchandising, visual advertising, and interior design.
MAKE A LEARNING STYLES PIE GRAPH
Using the information you read about your learning style, make a pie graph picking the information that you
feel would be helpful to you in school.
* Provide students with a drawing of a large head. Have students divide the skull area into approximate areas
represented by different intelligences. Label each section and add pictures, illustrations, or key words to
represent each intelligence.
* Challenge students to strategize ways in which they can stretch beyond their natural talents and interests;
have them use one of their “lowest” multiple intelligences to complete a project.
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
Multiple Intelligences Survey. First, I have them complete the Mutliple Intelligences Inventory. This survey
identifies which of the eight intelligences -- math-logic, verbal-linguistic, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical,
intrapersonal, interpersonal, and naturalistic -- have the strongest influence on each student’s ability to learn.
Although learners demonstrate elements of each of the eight intelligences, the survey helps identify several
intelligences as dominant.
Begin the activity by asking students to think about the ways they are smart. On the board, list students’
responses, which may include the traditional (reading, spelling, solving math problems) and other types of
intelligence (working a jigsaw puzzle, fixing a broken toy, determining the easiest way to get from one location
to another). Introduce Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. Work as a class to come up with examples of
how each intelligence may be manifested in an individual. Conclude by working on the Take-Home Activity
Sheet as a whole-class activity.
What is Multiple Intelligence?
Conceived by Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences are seven different ways to demonstrate intellectual
ability.
What are the types of Multiple Intelligence?
bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Visual/Spatial Intelligence
ability to perceive the visual. These learners tend to think in pictures and need to create vivid mental images
to retain information. They enjoy looking at maps, charts, pictures, videos, and movies.
Their skills include:
puzzle building, reading, writing, understanding charts and graphs, a good sense of direction, sketching,
painting, creating visual metaphors and analogies (perhaps through the visual arts), manipulating images,
constructing, fixing, designing practical objects, interpreting visual images.
Possible career interests:
navigators, sculptors, visual artists, inventors, architects, interior designers, mechanics, engineers
images/bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence
ability to use words and language. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and are generally
elegant speakers. They think in words rather than pictures.
Their skills include:
listening, speaking, writing, story telling, explaining, teaching, using humor, understanding the syntax and
meaning of words, remembering information, convincing someone of their point of view, analyzing language
usage.
Possible career interests:
Poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, translator
bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
ability to use reason, logic and numbers. These learners think conceptually in logical and numerical patterns
making connections between pieces of information. Always curious about the world around them, these learner
ask lots of questions and like to do experiments.
Their skills include:
problem solving, classifying and categorizing information, working with abstract concepts to figure out the
relationship of each to the other, handling long chains of reason to make local progressions, doing controlled
experiments, questioning and wondering about natural events, performing complex mathematical calculations,
working with geometric shapes
Possible career paths:
Scientists, engineers, computer programmers, researchers, accountants, mathematicians
images/bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence
ability to control body movements and handle objects skillfully. These learners express themselves through
movement. They have a good sense of balance and eye-hand co-ordination. (e.g. ball play, balancing beams).
Through interacting with the space around them, they are able to remember and process information.
Their skills include:
dancing, physical co-ordination, sports, hands on experimentation, using body language, crafts, acting,
miming, using their hands to create or build, expressing emotions through the body
Possible career paths:
Athletes, physical education teachers, dancers, actors, firefighters, artisans
images/bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence
ability to produce and appreciate music. These musically inclined learners think in sounds, rhythms and
patterns. They immediately respond to music either appreciating or criticizing what they hear. Many of these
learners are extremely sensitive to environmental sounds (e.g. crickets, bells, dripping taps).
Their skills include:
singing, whistling, playing musical instruments, recognizing tonal patterns, composing music, remembering
melodies, understanding the structure and rhythm of music
Possible career paths:
musician, disc jockey, singer, composer
images/bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Interpersonal Intelligence
ability to relate and understand others. These learners try to see things from other people's point of view in
order to understand how they think and feel. They often have an uncanny ability to sense feelings, intentions
and motivations. They are great organizers, although they sometimes resort to manipulation. Generally they try
to maintain peace in group settings and encourage co-operation.They use both verbal (e.g. speaking) and nonverbal language (e.g. eye contact, body language) to open communication channels with others.
Their skills include:
seeing things from other perspectives (dual-perspective), listening, using empathy, understanding other
people's moods and feelings, counseling, co-operating with groups, noticing people's moods, motivations and
intentions, communicating both verbally and non-verbally, building trust, peaceful conflict resolution,
establishing positive relations with other people.
Possible Career Paths:
Counselor, salesperson, politician, business person
images/bluebullet.gif (326 bytes) Intrapersonal Intelligence
ability to self-reflect and be aware of one's inner state of being. These learners try to understand their inner
feelings, dreams, relationships with others, and strengths and weaknesses.
Their Skills include:
Recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses, reflecting and analyzing themselves, awareness of their inner
feelings, desires and dreams, evaluating their thinking patterns, reasoning with themselves, understanding their
role in relationship to others
Possible Career Paths:
Researchers, theorists, philosophers
LEFT/RIGHT BRAINED
What does it mean to be left brain dominant or right brain dominant?
Scientists have explored theories about the two hemispheres of the brain and the ways that they differ in
function and control of the body. According to recent research, people who are right brain dominant and those
who are left brain dominant process information and respond in different ways.
Most theories suggest that right-brain dominant people are guided by the more emotional, intuitive right
hemisphere while left-brain people respond in sequential, logical ways, guided by the left hemisphere. To a
great degree, your personality is shaped by your brain type.
Your dominant brain type has a very significant affect on your study skills, homework habits, and grades. For
instance, some students may struggle with specific assignment types or test questions, based on their specific
brain types.
By understanding your dominant brain type, you may be able to adjust your study methods, and perhaps shape
your schedule and coursework, to suit your own personality type.
What's Your Brain Game?
Do you watch the clock constantly, or does the bell surprise you at the end of class? Have you ever been
accused of being too analytical or do people say you're dreamy?
These characteristics can me attributed to brain types. Typically, dominant left brain students will be more
organized, they'll watch the clock, and they'll analyze information and process it sequentially.
They are often cautious, and they follow rules and schedules. Left brain students are strong in math and science,
and can answer questions quickly. Left brain students would make great Jeopardy contestants.
On the other hand, right-brain students are the dreamers. They can be very intelligent and very deep thinkers—
so much so that they can get lost in their own little worlds. They make great students of the social sciences and
the arts. They are more spontaneous than the cautious left-brainers, and they are likely to follow their own gut
feelings.
Right brainers are very intuitive and have great skill when it comes to seeing through lies or tricks. They would
make great Survivor contestants.
What about people who are right in the middle? Everyone is different, and everyone has characteristics from
both types. Some people are very equal when it comes to characteristics. Those students are middle brain
oriented, and they might do well on The Apprentice. Why?
Students who are middle brain oriented can have strong qualities from either hemisphere. Those students can
benefit from logic from the left and intuition from the right. That sounds like a great recipe for success in
business, doesn't it?
1. Explain that some students have probably noticed that when they try to learn something new that they prefer
to learn by listening. However, other students prefer to read about a concept to learn it; still others need to see
demonstrations or use manipulatives. Learning Style Theory proposes that different people learn in different
ways and that it is good to know your own preferred learning style.
2. “Does anyone want to guess how knowing your learning style might be to your advantage?” Have students
brainstorm about the value of knowing one’s learning style.
3. Each student receives three handouts on learning style. Read over each list of learning style characteristics
with the class. Ask “Now that you know about the behaviors that go with each learning style, did you find a
learning style that seems to describe you?”
4. Have students guess whether their learning style is visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. They can guess out loud,
one at a time, or raise hands when you ask “Who thinks they may be a visual learner? An auditory learner? A
kinesthetic learner?”
5. Hand out Learning Styles Assessments, ask students to put names on them and ask students to complete
and score them. The class can read aloud if it speeds things up. All students should write results of the
assessment at the bottom of the second page. Explain that this assessment was only one opinion and that the
class will do other assessments on-line the next week to get more information.
6. Ask the class whether they understand the learning styles concept well enough to be able to figure out the
learning styles of others. If they think so, students can volunteer to relate a story and classmates will observe
while they talk, looking for clues to learning style.
* Does the student use noises or voice inflections to help tell the story? Do they imitate noises? Repeat
who said what? Mention how things sounded? (Auditory?)
* Does the student tell about colors, sizes, appearances? Do they use their hands to draw pictures in the
air as they talk? Try to give you mental pictures? (Visual?)
* Does the student relate the action in the story without much visual or auditory detail? Tell about
feelings? Move around to act out things? (Kinesthetic?)
7. Each volunteer will tell a story while classmates observe and guess learning styles after the story. Pay close
attention yourself to be of help during the guessing.
8. If most classmates think the story-teller is a _____ learner, have the student add that opinion to the
information on the scoring sheet.
9. After making sure student names are on pencil and paper assessments, collect the papers to take them
yourself to the computer lab the following week.
10. Compliment students on cooperative behavior or good thinking you observed during the class. Suggest that
they practice assessing the learning styles of other people during the week.