Overview
This lecture covers different learning styles, models for categorizing them, and key factors influencing how individuals prefer to process information.
Learning Styles and Sensory Modalities
- Learning styles are individual preferences in processing information during learning or problem-solving.
- Sensory modalities describe how we interact with information using senses: visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), tactile (touching), and kinesthetic (doing).
- About 20–30% of American students are auditory learners, 40% are visual, and 30–40% are tactile, kinesthetic, or a combination.
Kolb's Learning Styles and Cognitive Models
- Kolb’s learning inventory defines four learning modes: active experimentation, reflective observation, concrete experience, and abstract conceptualization.
- Convergers rely on active experimentation and abstract conceptualization.
- Divergers depend on concrete experience and reflective observation.
- Assimilators use abstract conceptualization and reflective observation.
- Accommodators focus on active experimentation and concrete experience, seeking action and taking risks.
- Kolb’s model faces criticism and gaps in understanding, but learning styles are still considered important for human behavior.
Alternative Learning Style Orientations
- Five key learning style factors: discovery learning (exploration), experiential learning (hands-on), observational learning (external examples), structured learning (note-taking/steps), and group learning (collaboration).
- These orientations address some criticisms of Kolb’s model and further clarify individual learning preferences.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Learning Style — Personal preference in processing information during learning activities.
- Sensory Modality — System for receiving information via senses: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic.
- Active Experimentation — Learning by trying and doing.
- Reflective Observation — Learning by watching and thinking.
- Concrete Experience — Learning from direct experience.
- Abstract Conceptualization — Learning by theorizing or thinking abstractly.
- Discovery Learning — Preference for exploring to learn.
- Experiential Learning — Preference for hands-on learning.
- Observational Learning — Preference for learning from demonstrations or diagrams.
- Structured Learning — Preference for organized methods like taking notes.
- Group Learning — Preference for learning with others.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your own preferred learning style using both sensory modalities and the five orientation factors.
- Prepare to discuss how these styles might affect your approach to future coursework.