This document discusses learning styles and how understanding a student's preferred learning style can improve instruction. It identifies the main categories of learning styles as visual, auditory, kinesthetic/tactile, reading/writing, and environmental. Each style is described in terms of how the student prefers to receive, process, and remember information. The document recommends that instructors present information in a way that considers all learning styles to encourage involvement and success for all students. Adapting teaching methods to match students' styles can benefit both students and instructors.

1. Copyright of @Rasmussen College Effective instruction through understanding learning styles

2. My students are not understanding what I am conveying! What do I do? Change your teaching style to match your students’ learning styles.

3. Module Objective Improve your training ability by understanding and conceptualizing learning styles in relation to a student(s) preferred method of comprehension and enhance achievement.

4. What is a learning style? According to Ellis (1985), the way a person prefers to receive, store and retrieve material is known as a person’s preferred learning style.

5. Different Types of Learning Styles There are three basic categories of learning styles: Visual Auditory Kinesthetic/Tactile VAK Model There are two additional ones that should be mentioned as well: Reading and Writing Environmental

6. Characteristics Process material when it is presented in a visual manner. Illustrations Graphs Images Demonstrated Memory Doodles Difficulty with verbal instructions. Handouts Text Illustrations Power Point Worksheets The Visual Learner Teaching Strategies

7. Characteristics Process information via spoken words. May prefer to read aloud. Difficulty with written instructions. Dialogue Group Collaboration/Study Groups Lectures Allow for recordings Review directions Auditory Learner Teaching Strategies

8. Characteristics Processes information best when they can manipulate or “touch” the material. Enjoys activities. Works through a problem. Activities Role Playing Demonstrations Games Computer Applications The Kinesthetic Learner Teaching Strategies

9. Characteristics Learn best by taking notes Reading the text Summarize readings Be clear on lecture objectives Encourage advanced organizers The Reading and Writing Learner Teaching Strategies

10. Characteristics Learn best in their desired “environment”. Formal vs. Informal Noise v. Quiet Temperature Lighting Mobility Environmental Learners Teaching Strategies

11. How can adapting my teaching style to my students’ learning style benefit everyone? Encourage students to understand how they learn and adapt to your teaching methods. Adapt to other instructors. Go for “matching”…avoid “mismatching” Intervention Present information being considerate of all applicable learning styles. Allows for all students to be involved. Involvement =Success!

12. Enhance your Learning Experience Ellis, Rod. 1985. Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. Feldman, R.S. (2010). P.O.W.E.R. Learning and Your Life: Essentials of Student Success. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; Boston, Massachusetts Ferrett, S. K. (1997). Peak Performance: Success in College & Beyond. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; Chicago, Illinois

13. Copyright of @Rasmussen College About the Author: This presentation was created by Melissa Opheium,