From what we have covered already, it is becoming obvious that there are many differences in how we all learn, and this is dependent upon each person’s natural preferences and tendencies. These differences are called “learning styles.” Learning styles are an individual's characteristics that are expressed through the interaction of a person's  behaviors and personality as he/she approaches learning.

What do we know about learning styles?

• Learning style is a preferred mode of operation.
• Learning style characteristics can be learned.
• Learning style does not change much over time.
• Learning style has no correlation with intelligence.

The University of Florida's Rick Rudd, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, explains learning styles, and how we can use this knowledge to meet the educational needs of people with the diverse learning styles we may encounter.

According to Rudd:

• Learning style is really how one approaches a learning task. When we talk about learning style with students or with faculty, we talk about how they approach a learning situation, how they get new information into their minds. It's how they approach a learning situation.
• Learning styles vary among people.
• Faculty need to understand that not everyone learns the way the faculty member learns. 
• The types of learning styles are field independent learners and field dependent learners.
• Field dependent learners like to learn in a social setting. They are more social learners. 
• They look at things from a global perspective. 
• They have a hard time putting their own context on learning and organizing learning skills. They need the instructor to give them some structure for learning. 
• Field dependent learners really don't like individual work. They would rather do group work.
• Field independent learners don't like group work very much. They may feel like the other group members might take advantage of them. They would rather work on things on their own and, in fact, would prefer if they could put their own structure on learning. 
• They don't need the instructor to give them a lot of structure for learning; they can build their own structure.
• There are many instruments to determine learning styles. One that Rudd uses a lot is the Group Embedded Figures Test. Some others use the Gregorich Scale, which breaks learning style into four categories.

How stable are Learning Styles? Rudd on stability of learning styles (:50) Click here for a text-only version Please remember that we recommend using RealPlayer to open the video files. To find the RealPlayer Web site, click here.

How important is it to reach different Learning Styles? Rudd on the importance of reaching different learning styles (:38) Click here for a text-only version

GEFT contact information:

If you are interested in learning more about your own or students’ learning styles, there is a test of learning styles called the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT). For more information, contact:

Consulting Psychologists Press Inc
3803 E Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
http://www.cpp.com/

As you can see, we're building on all of the concepts associated with learning. Now, we'll look at the role gender and culture play in learning.

Destination 2: 6 of 11