Module in Facilitating

Learner-Centered
Teaching
 LESSON 7 DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING

Introduction
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)
 Design learning activities to address the needs of learners

At the end of the lesson the students are expected to:

 Analyze concepts of individual differences in learning according to different theories of
intelligence: structural and process ;
 Distinguish the different styles of learning;
 Draw the implications of diversity in designing and assessing learning activities.

ENGAGE

THE FLUID NATURE OF LEARNING STYLES

Let us take a look at the nature of learning styles which teachers should be
knowledgeable because of their implications on teaching and learning

The nature of learning styles: (Overview of Learning Styles, 2018)

a. Each person prefers different learning styles and techniques.
b. Learning styles group common ways that people learn.
c. Everyone has a mix of learning styles.
d. One may use different styles in different circumstances.
e. There is no right mix of learning styles, nor is there a fixed learning style

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 1

 f. There is no "best" learning style, nor is there a "bad" learning style

These features show the fluidity of learning styles. This means that change in learning style
can occur even within the individual at different times. The learning style adopted by an
individual is not fixed; one may change learning styles across time and conditions.

L___________ s_________ is best defined as an approach to studying, understanding, and

eventually, learning a material. The study of learning styles reveals that individuals perceive and
process information differently. Variations in approach to
learning may vary among individuals, or even within the
individual. This may be explained by certain factors
associated with individual differences that come into play.
These factors have to do with h______________
(intellectual level), u_______________ (child-rearing),
and e_____________________ demands (school lessons).
With these factors, it is expected that different individuals
tend to perceive and process information differently.

1. Concrete vs Abstract Perceivers. C________________ perceivers absorb information

through direct experience by doing, acting, sensing, and feeling. On the other hand,
a__________________perceivers process information through analysis, observation, and
thinking
2. Active vs Reflective Processors: A_______________ processors make sense of an
experience by immediately using the new information, while r_________________
processors make sense of the new information by reflecting on it and by thinking about it.

From the dichotomy above, any learning style involves two processes: p________________
and p__________________the information, each of which is unique to the individual. Hence for
a particular learning style, it could be a combination of one approach in perceiving and another
approach in processing the information.

How does the study of learning styles impact on education?

a. Educators must not only focus on the traditional skills of analysis, reasoning, and
problem-solving. But they should also allow the opportunity for intuition, sensing, and
imagination when the students are confronted with instructional materials.

b. Teaching m______________ should be such that they "connect to the identified learning
styles, using various combinations of experience, reflection, conceptualization, and
experimentation. A wide variety of experiential elements in the classroom such as music,

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 2

 visuals, movement, and experience should be introduced in the classroom. This will
ensure a higher chance of addressing all the learning styles of the students.

c. Teachers should develop and possess a good feel and knowledge of the l______________
s____________ of their students so that they can better guide them on the best or most
effective ways of responding to and dealing with learning materials. This should enable
the students to have better control of their learning.

It would be good to know the concerns of experts regarding developments in the study of
learning styles. More recently, the claims regarding this concern are the following ("No Evidence
to Back Idea of Learning Styles, 2017).

a. There is no coherent framework of preferred

learning styles. Other studies found much more
than the three learning styles.
b. Categorizing individuals can lead to the
assumption of a fixed or rigid learning style
which can impair m____________ to apply
oneself to adapt.
c. Systematic studies on the effectiveness of
learning styles found either very weak or no
evidence to support the hypothesis that
matching material to learning style is more
effective for educational attainment. Students
will i___________ if they think about how they
learn but not because the material is matched to their supposed learning style.
d. Everyone has a m______ of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a
dominant style of learning, with less use of the other styles. Some may use a particular
learning style for different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are learning styles
fixed.

There is also the thinking that differences in cognitive performance play a big role in learning
preferences. For example, someone with strong auditory processing and word attack skills may
perform very well in reading, but not as much in mathematics.

Notwithstanding the criticism and the debate on learning styles, it is difficult to identify what
exactly makes for individual styles. Questions are being asked on its nature if the driving factor
is biological, psychological, or a habit. As earlier mentioned, the debate on the nature of learning
styles draws from results of studies showing that there is no real evidence showing learning
outcomes as improved when learning styles are accommodated in the classroom (Types of
Learning Styles," n. d.).

However, the importance of studying learning style lies in making the students aware or
know what their learning style is. The advantage of the students knowing and being aware of
their learning style is that they are better able to know how to organize a stimulating environment
for learning. Learners are also able to discover a wide range of interesting and effective
approaches to learning. Learners are better able to enjoy the feeling of success, the quality of

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 3

work is raised, results improved, and homework stress reduced. Thus, knowing one's learning
style enables one to maximize learning out of what is available in the environment, be it at home
or in school.

CATEGORIES OR TYPES OF LEARNING STYLE

VARK Model of Learning

The VARK model of learning according to Neil Fleming proposes four modalities of learning
("Learning Style," n. d.).

VARK Model of Learning

V_________.
Preference for the use of maps, images, and graphic organizers to access and understand
new information.
A___________. Preference for listening and speaking situations, such as lectures and
discussions, to understand new information.
R____________/Writing. Preference for reading and writing to learn new information.
These learners learn best through words. They are fast note-takers or avid readers.
K______________. Preference for tactile representation of information. These students
learn better through hands-on activities or by figuring out things using the hands.

Seven Learning Styles Following are seven major learning styles according to Ferriman
(Ferriman, May 17, 2013).

1. V__________ (spatial) - Preference for

using pictures, images, diagrams, colors,
and mind maps to understand material,
organize information, and communicate with
others. There is a case of visualizing objects,

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 4

 plans, and outcomes in one's mind. One has a good sense of direction and finds a way
around using maps.

The teacher should bear in mind that visual learners like to use images, pictures,
colors, and other visual media to help them learn. Some techniques appropriate for visual
learners would be the use of color to illustrate concepts, mind maps, and system diagrams
to explain the major and minor links of the different parts of a system using different
colors.

2. A_____________ (auditory-musical) -
Preference for using sound, rhythm,
music, recording, clever rhymes to learn
new information. The aural learner likes
to work with sounds and music.

Specific techniques for teaching

aural learners include the use of sound,
rhyme, and music in the lessons. The use
of sound recordings to provide
background and help one to go into
visualization is recommended. In training
exercises for example, sounds of wind and
water can be used when visualizing
sailing or the sound of a car engine, when
practicing driving.

3. V_______________ (linguistic) - Preference for using words, both in speech and in

writing to assist in their learning. They make the most of word-based techniques,
scripting, and reading content aloud. Verbal learners, find it easy to express themselves
both in written and oral language. They like to go into reading and writing activities like
public speaking, debating, politics, journalism, story-telling, and the like.

The teacher can help the verbal learners improve their skills, through the use of
mnemonics to recall information, read scripts aloud, and dramatically, do role-playing to
learn verbal exchanges like negotiations, sales, or radio calls.

4. P_____________ (kinesthetic) - Preference for using hands, body, and sense of touch, to
learn about the world. The activities most likely one likes to engage in are sports,
exercise, gardening, or woodworking While doing these activities, the learner may think
about a solution to a problem. One would rather run or go for a walk rather than sit down
at home if faced with a concern or problem.
The teacher can help students with physical learning styles with techniques
predominantly using touch, action, movement, and hands-on work in learning activities.
As much as possible, the teacher should use physical objects. Also writing and drawing
diagrams, drawing using big sheets of paper and large color markers.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 5

 5. L_____________(mathematical) - Preference to use logic, reasoning and systems to
understand concepts. One with a logical-mathematical learning style can easily recognize
patterns, even in seemingly meaningless and disconnected materials.

The teacher can help the learners by not encouraging rote learning Students
should be taught to extract key points from a material. They should also be encouraged to
use statistics and other forms of analyzing materials. Teachers should concentrate on
teaching and giving opportunities for them to apply higher-order thinking skills.

6. S___________________ (intrapersonal) Preference to work alone and use self-study and

analysis. These learners tend to be private, introspective, and independent. Thus the
ability to concentrate well on particular topics.

The teacher should give opportunities for these students to learn alone using self-
study because they are not very comfortable learning in groups. They should also be
encouraged to have a personal hobby.

7. S________________ (interpersonal) - Preference to learn in groups, and as much as

possible, with other people. These learners tend to communicate well with other people,
verbally or non-verbally. They like to stay around after class and talk to people.

The teacher should give these learners opportunities to work in groups, as well as
opportunities for leadership. They learn better if learning is done in a social situation, like
cooperative learning, sharing one's views and materials, and working in group projects

Kolb's Basic Learning Styles

Kolb (1979) proposed f___________ basic

learning styles based on his four-stage learning cycle.
From his previous studies, about theories of learning,
Kolb was able to infer that learning occurs in four stages,
Kolb further asserts that people learn in four ways with
the likelihood of developing one mode of learning better
than the other. The four stages are (in Dunn, 2000).

a. through c______________ experience - putting learned material into practice

b. through r______________ observation - analyzing objectively the outcome
c. through a____________ conceptualization and generalization-reviewing conceptual
understanding
d. through active e_____________________ experimenting to find solutions to a problem

The process is cyclic and depends on the person's needs and goals. When one does not find
something relevant to his needs he will not be able to learn completely. Thus learning style
becomes individualized through constant trying out and experimenting with certain methods and
approaches by the learner to suit his needs and goals. This led to Kolb's concept of the following
learning styles ("Creating an Enhanced Learning" 2001).

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 6

 a. C___________________. This person relies mainly on abstract conceptualization and
active experimentation. He excels best in the practical application of ideas, as well as in
situations that require only one best or correct answer or solution to a problem. This
learning style is the most common characteristic of engineers and those who specialize in
physical sciences. Their strength lies in the abstraction of ideas.

b. D__________________. This person is best at reflective and concrete experience. He has

an imaginative ability to view concrete situations from many perspectives. He excels at
generating ideas and brainstorming. This learning style is commonly held among those in
the liberal arts, counseling, and management. Strength is through concrete experience
reflective observation, and imaginative ability.

c. A_____________________. This person predominantly uses abstract conceptualization

and reflection. He likes to create theoretical models. He is successful in inductive
reasoning and in assimilating disparate observations into an integrative explanation. He is
less interested in people and is not concerned with the practical applications of theories.
Adults with this learning style are usually in the areas of mathematics, science, research,
and planning, Strength lies in the ability to create theoretical models.

d. A_________________________. This person uses concrete experience and active

experimentation. He is best at carrying out plans and experiments. He takes risks and is
adaptable to specific and immediate circumstances. He uses his instincts to solve
problems in trial and error manner. Relies more on others for information rather than on
himself. This is a common learning style among those in the technological field or
practical fields, business and marketing Strength lies in actually doing things, carrying
out plans and experiments, and involving themselves in new experiences.

Honey and Mumford Learning Styles

Honey and Mumford (1986 cited in McGill & Beaty, 1995)

identified four learning styles based on Kolb's work. They are:

a. Activist. Enjoys the experience itself

b. Reflector. Spends a great deal of time and effort reflecting
c. Theorist. Good at making connections and abstracting ideas
from experience
d. Pragmatist. Enjoys the planning stage

Li-Fang Zhang and Sternberg (n. d., in Woolfolk, 2013) organized previous work on learning
styles into three traditions or groups:

a. C______________-centered styles. They assess the ways people process information as

for example a reflective or an impulsive way of responding to the information (Kaaga,
1976).

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 7

 b. P_______________-centered styles. They asses more stable personality traits as either
being extroverted or introverted or relying on thinking versus feeling (Myers &
McCaulley, 1988).

c. A_______________-centered styles. They assess a combination of cognition and

personality traits that affect how people approach activities, and as such, this may be of
more interest to teachers.

One theme in the activity-centered approaches is the differences between surface and deep
approaches to learning. Students who take on the surface approach focus more on memorizing
materials, not understanding them. They are more motivated by grades, rewards, and other
external incentives. On the other hand, those who are into deep approaches to learning, see
learning activities for their meaning and understanding underlying concepts and principles. They
tend to learn for the sake of learning and are not much concerned with grades or rewards.

Diversity-in-Designing and Assessing Learning Activities

FRAMEWORK/RATIONALE OF LEARNER-CENTERED TEACHING

Many methodologies, approaches, and techniques aim to maximize the potential and
improve the academic performance of students. The challenge for the teacher is s___________
and a_______________ the most effective method of teaching learners.

One can draw from Gardner's theory of multi-intelligences, and other theories that
espouse the multiplicity of intelligence, as the b____________ for selecting the "best" teaching
methods and approaches. This means therefore that the teacher should be keen on identifying
behavioral i___________________ of talent, ability, or interest in a certain field, and once
identified, focus on developing those talents using appropriate methodologies. One can also draw
from a knowledge of different l_______________ styles of students as the basis for determining
the "best" method of teaching. It is thus important for a teacher to adopt a framework that will
guide him in identifying what is best for his students, as well as in ensuring that the diversity of
students' needs is met and addressed.

L______________-c________________ teaching is claimed to be at the core of an

effective classroom. In learner-centered teaching, the thrust of planning, teaching, and
assessment is built around the needs and abilities of students. A significant idea of this
framework is that learning becomes more meaningful when topics are related to the student’s

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 8

lives, experiences, needs, and interests; and when students are actively engaged in creating,
understanding, and connecting to knowledge.

S_______________ have a higher motivation to learn if they know and feel they have a
stake and control over their learning. Instead of the teacher, acting as the sole giver of
information as it used to be, he shares control of the classroom and allows the students to be
active, explore, experiment, and discover on their own. Students do not simply memorize data
but are allowed to work on the information alone, or with peers. The diverse ideas and
perspectives are necessary inputs to actions and decisions to be made. The focus of these
classrooms is choices or options, rather than uniformity.

Essentially, learners are considered co-c________________ in the learning process, as

individuals with ideas and issues that deserve attention and consideration.

Following are the benefits of implementing methodologies aligned with the important aspects of
learner-centered teaching

1. Helps in designing effective instruction for every member

of the classroom, irrespective of diverse learning needs.
The teacher must first think of the s_________________,
followed by the content. This is to ensure that students'
needs are being taken care of.

2. L_____________ - c_______________teaching has been

proven effective in teaching students the materials they
need to know. It was also found to increase student
motivation, as well as learning and performance.

3. Learner-centered teaching makes the students feel good about t________________.

Because students' discoveries, personal experiences, and other inputs relevant and
meaningful to themselves are included as materials in the teaching-learning process, their
self-confidence is further developed.

For students to be active in the learning process, the teacher cannot simply ** lecture and let
the students take the passive role of assimilating information. Teachers should design activities
that allow students to take initiative, and discover meaningful information. Teachers must know
their students on an individual basis so that they can better respond to and address their
individual abilities, needs, and interests. Emphasis should be on how students learn, rather than
what there is to teach.

The following are approaches that promote a learner-centered environment. These

approaches let the students' needs and interests determine the kind of material to be learned. In
addition, these approaches let the students themselves determine how they will learn the
material.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEARNING 9

 a. C__________________ Learning. Allows the students to work off on each other's
abilities and knowledge. Emphasis is on the students rather than on the teacher.

b. A_____________ Learning. Hinges on student's active participation in the learning

process, for learning to be effective.

c. A______________ Learning. Ensures that lessons are directly applicable to the students'
lives needs and desires. Make use of local or community resources as lesson content.

d. Cognitive A_________________. Puts students in control of the direction of their

learning, They are guided by a coach or a tutor who will help them meet their own goals

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