For a teacher to achieve learning objectives, he has to prepare the lesson carefully and ensure that teaching is anchored on a sound pedagogical foundation and that the readiness of learners is ensured. He should also take into consideration the composition of the class, the individual characteristics of learners and their learning styles.
Learning style is an individual’s habitual pattern of processing acquired information which is deeply rooted in his early foundation of learning. Individuals differ in how they learn. What may be an easy to understand mode of delivery to a student may seem difficult to others. Sensory preferences of students influence the ways in which they learn. According to Dunn, Beaudry and Klavas in 1989, “Perceptual preferences affect more than 70 percent of school age youngsters. Barbe, Swassing and Milone identified three Learning Modalities: Visual Style, Auditory Style and Kinesthetic(Tactile) Style.”
A Visual style learner finds it easier to understand with pictures, shapes and forms and can easily associate things with their physical appearance. They often encounter difficulties with abstract ideas. Hence, a learner with this style should be provided with visual reinforcements or physical tangible models for him to process ideas more easily.
The Auditory style learner learns easily by just merely listening, that’s why discussion should be clear and structured and the classroom should be free from noise that may impede listening. This type of learner is good in memorizing tones, melodies and chants. Lessons with sound contents best fits this learner.
The Kinesthetic style learner is good in bodily movements, can easily accomplish a physical task, and has a more calculated positioning and object manipulation. The recommended activity for this learner may include dance interpretations, a charade form of games, and developmental sports.
In planning our instructions, we as educators should cater to the learning styles of our learners leading to their optimal participation and better understanding of the lesson. We should design instructional materials and activities which accommodate every learner with different learning style. Knowing your learners will make them learn more.
By: Mr. Lirio E. Postre | Teacher III | BNHS | Balanga City, Bataan
