Ali Cella and Lauren Pedigo

Fact Sheet - Dakota Center Tutoring

Understanding Learning Styles

            People learn with different styles and techniques.  Tutors at the Dakota Center can be more effective if they know how to teach a particular student. Tutors may recognize that some students learn better if they see pictures, while others learn more effectively by hearing words. Some people discover they have a dominant style of learning and others use a combination of different styles.  Researchers have split the styles into three categories: visual, verbal and tactile.  Students probably prefer one of two learning environments: social or solitary.

 

Visual

Students who are visual style learners will find it easier to learn by seeing images and pictures to organize information.  Imagining objects in their head is easy especially with colors. Because they are visual, these student generally have direction and follow logical order.  Tutors should eliminate any visual distractions so students can focus.

 

Verbal

Verbal learners generally like to read, write and tell stories.  These students can express themselves easily in writing or verbally.  The verbal learning style is also referred to as linguistic learning style because students know the meaning of many words.  Tutors can help verbal learners by finding a quiet place to study and have the student read the material aloud.

 

Tactile

Tactile learners succeed in learning by hands-on experience. These students may be interested in playing sports because exercising gives them time to think about problems or difficult situations.  When tactile learners are taught a new skill, they prefer practical experience.  Tutors can help tactile learners by allowing the students to actively explore new material.  Tutors should avoid giving long lectures.

 

Learning Environments

Students could have a combination of any of the learning styles above, but they probably prefer one of two learning environments: social or solitary.  It is important to know which scenario is best for the student tutoring to be effective.

 

Social

Social learners are also called interpersonal learners.  Students who prefer a social

environment communicate well with others both verbally and non-verbally.  These students

typically prefer learning with groups of people or with at least one other person.  Tutoring is

extremely helpful for social learners because one-on-one time enhances their understanding of material.

 

Solitary

Solitary learners are referred to as intrapersonal learners.  Solitary learners are more private and independent.  They can concentrate and focus easily.  These students  enjoy spending time alone and may keep a journal to reflect on past events.  They like making plans and setting goals.  When tutoring these students, it may be helpful to make a list of the assignments they need to finish.

 

Sources

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/

http://educationalissues.suite101.com/article.cfm/teaching_to_the_learning_styles