Learning styles

The learning styles are the individual learners strategies for information processing and
discovering new concept; are the beliefs, preferences and behaviours that them use in order to
learn in a certain situation. Kolb explains that people naturally prefer a certain single different
learning style, various factors influence a person's preferred style; For example: social
environment, educational experiences, or the basic cognitive structure of the individual.
Some of the most popular interpretations of learning styles come from cognitive psychology
applied to teaching. For example the fielddependence vs. fieldindependence established by
Witkin. A field-independent learning style is defined for separate details from the surrounding
context. It can be compared to a field-dependent learning style, which is defined by a relative
inability to distinguish detail from other information around it. Studies have shown that field
independent learners performed better than field dependent in learning English language.
Theorists define these two cognitive styles in terms of how they are psychologically different,
which makes this a useful model for teachers trying to understand their learners. Fieldindependent learners tend to rely less on the teacher or other learners for support. In the
classroom, activities such as extensive reading and writing, which learners can carry out alone,
are useful for field-independent learners.
This style pointing to the gender differences on learning styles, Hickson & Baltimore have shown
that men and women have different learning styles.
A field-dependent learning style is defined by a relative inability to distinguish detail from other
information around it. They are inclined to overall field learning and tend to get the whole idea
whereas the field independent learners conduct an analytical procedure and are more likely to
break a model into different sections and details and tend to depend on their inner knowledge
and analyse problems all by themselves without reference to the frame or the environment.
Field-dependent learners often work well in teams as they tend to be better at interpersonal
relationships. In the classroom, activities that connect different parts of a lesson are useful for
field-dependent learners. For example, learners can discuss what they know about a topic,
predict content, or look at and listen to related material.

Considering field dependent-independent cognitive styles effects on teaching and learning, and
especially on the students course selection, studies show that field independent student had
better academic achievement than field-dependent students.
According to David Kolb's experiential learning theory there is a learning cycle formed of four
stages. The learner can start in any of these stages, but then have to follow the next immediate
stage in order to truly learn. This cycle can be represented in the following way:

In his theory, Kolb posits the existence of four different types of learning styles: diverging,
assimilating, converging, and accommodating.
Other categorization of learning styles is known as the VAK model, which is based on the fact that
students have particular preferences and ways of processing and retaining new information. This
model suggest that there are 3 different types of learners: visual learners, auditory learners, and
kinaesthetic learners.
Visual
Uses visual objects such as graphs, charts, pictures, and seeing information
Can read body language well and has a good perception of aesthetics
Able to memorize and recall various information
Tends to remember things that are written down
Learns better in lectures by watching them

Auditory
Retains information through hearing and speaking
Often prefers to be told how to do things and then summarizes the main points out loud to
help with memorization
Notices different aspects of speaking
Often has talents in music and may concentrate better with soft music playing in the
background
Kinaesthetic/Tactile
Likes to use the hands-on approach to learn new material
Is generally good in math and science
Would rather demonstrate how to do something rather than verbally explain it
Usually prefers group work more than others
In his theory of multiple intelligences, Howard Gardner has identified eight different types of intelligences
that each individual has the capacity to possess: Visual-Spatial, Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical,
Bodily-Kinaesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist. Where individuals differ is in
the strength of these intelligences, known as profile of intelligences.
This theory has several implications for teachers in terms of classroom instruction, because they should
think of all intelligences as equally important, and they should recognize and teach to a broader range of
talents and skills.

No matter what categorization is used, learning styles provides meaningful and useful ways to better
address the needs of students, in order to enhance the learning experience.

Ana Laura Marn

Adriana Uslenghi
Rut Rodrguez