Each individual has a favorite learning style or strategy
Each individual has a favorite learning style or strategy for analyzing and memorizing information. Some people use these styles entirely or in combination, with one style serving as the primary learning approach, whereas others choose their learning style based on the situation. It should be noted, however, that there is no single ideal learning style blend or fixed learning style. Everyone, at any time, can change his or her learning style(s) to better suit the scenario (Schmeck, 2013). According to the VARK results, the multi-modal learning method was favoured.
Multimodal learning technique
Multimodal learning refers to the use of many learning strategies to better understand an idea. Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic are the four ways of studying the Multimodal style consists on. This learning technique is based on the notion, that "the more you learn a concept in many different ways, the more you will understand and remember it" (Sankey, Birch & Gardiner, 2010). This style is a combination of all the perceptive systems to accept information presented in various forms. Such preference implies amount of strategies preventing several advantages over those who utilize a single learning style only. A multimodal student can comfortably shift between different roles whenever necessary.
Preferred leaning strategies
As for preferred leaning strategies, they are:
- Listening and watching audio-visual materials. - Laboratory experimentation. - Storytelling. - Extensive book reading. - Interviewing. - Designing models and blueprints. - Demonstrations.
Cooperative learning and combination of different learning models
Multimodal learning technique utilizes two main strategies: the first one is cooperative learning, while the other one is to combine different leaning models. Cooperative learning entails the creation of an interpersonal relationships between students and other people. Storytelling, conducting interviews and demonstrations are learning strategies to improve these relationships. It is said and proved that students' ability to comprehend and understand a concept improves when they "pass and receive" information during the learning process. Collaboration eliminates the boredom and anxiety created by the repetitive nature of studying. Similarly, it generates a positive feeling of being members of the same team.
Learning strategies and learning styles
The learning strategies listed above fall under different learning styles. Watching a video is a strategy for Visual style while interviewing falls under Aural one. These strategies relate to multimodal learning model. The primary objective of combining different learning models is to trigger neural activity leading to retention of information relayed in the brain.
Influence of learning strategies on teaching
Teachers who get to understand the diversity of learning styles of their students often design their teaching approaches to suit each student. A teacher can include drawing or watching a graphic video to clarify and make students understand the concept. Currently, there is the extensive use of Differentiated Instructions in the learning systems. This has come into being after realization that students receive information and knowledge differently. Every student has his preferences and needs. Having known this, the education system therefore necessitates existence of individualized learning method. Learning strategies influence teaching in the sense that it dictates the channel to be followed. Learning through filming and observation, for example, means getting out of the classroom and taking a road trip to the area of study. The strategies to be used also determine resources and facilities required to ensure a smooth learning process.
Impact of learning strategies on students
On the other hand, students can request a teacher to use a different approach while explaining a concept. Some students follow teachers after the lesson in order to get a more personalized approach to the matter. Being aware of learning style preference creates a conducive environment for such a student to learn. Personal preference of something leads to being attracted to it. The same case applies to students. If a teacher uses a more friendly and personalized approach to the task, students will develop preference towards it, and this will facilitate and promote learning. Learning strategies influence the learning process in that a student can get annoyed if the strategy being used is not friendly. This eventually leads to a poor understanding and consequently to a poor performance (Hawk&Shah, 2007).
Conclusion
Great diversity exists in student's ability to understand and comprehend concepts in the classroom environment. They also differ according to their motivations, inspirations and attitudes. The better an educator understands this diversity- the higher the students' chances to get in learning what is taught in the classroom will be. Educators are challenged to develop instructional lessons utilizing and combining a variety of tools to cope with an immediate problem brought by diversity in learning style preferences.
References
Schmeck, R. R. (Ed.). (2013). Learning strategies and learning styles. Springer Science & Business Media.
Sankey, M., Birch, D., & Gardiner, M. (2010). Engaging students through multimodal learning environments: The journey continues. In Proceedings ASCILITE 2010: 27th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education: Curriculum, Technology and Transformation for an Unknown Future pp. 852-863.
Hawk, T. F., & Shah, A. J. (2007). Using learning style instruments to enhance student learning. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 5(1), 1-19.
