GU500 Week 8 Assign 1

Reading

Read

Read Idealist.org (2015). How Grad School is Different from Undergrad. http://www.idealist.org/info/GradEducation/Resources/Preparing/WhatChanges

Read Study Guides and Strategies (2015). Learning as an Adult. http://www.studygs.net/adulted.htm

Learning Styles

Welcome to week 2. This week you will be introduced to the various learning styles that students encounter throughout their education and career. You may have noticed throughout your education that some classes come easier to you than others. You might also find that some methods of learning are more beneficial to you than others. This is based on the type of learner that you are. There are three main categories of learners: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic. 

1. A visual learner benefits from the use of graphs, charts, and pictures in order to assist them in learning. They can often read body language well and have a good perception of aesthetics. Those with visual learning capabilities tend to easily memorize and recall various information and tend to find that they retain information better after it has been written down. A visual learner also learns better from watching a lecture on a screen such as a video or presentation. 

2. Auditory learners tend to retain information through hearing or speaking. An auditory learner often prefers to be told how to complete a task and then will benefit from summarizing the main points out loud to assist in memorization and retention. An auditory learner will notice different aspects of speaking and can often multitask by having sound in the background. As a matter of fact, having music on in the background is actually a beneficial learning tool for an auditory learner.

3. Kinesthetic learners prefer a hands-on approach to learning new material. A kinesthetic learner is often good in math and science and does well when demonstrating how to complete a task rather than having to verbally explain it. Kinesthetic learners also benefit from working in a group rather than working independently. 

Now that you have established the type of learner that you are based on the definitions above, it is important to understand what can be done to ensure that you have the utmost success in your learning. There are various tips based on the type of learner that you are that will help you to ensure that you are not only learning, but retaining the information that you have learned.  As a visual learner, you will benefit from turning notes into pictures and/or charts. You will want to avoid distractions such as windows and busy areas where noise could create a decrease in your focus. You will benefit from learning from the big picture first and then filling in the learning with the details that surround it. Mind and concept maps may be beneficial to you as you learn about new concepts. Color coded notes could be helpful to help you stay organized in your learning. Finally, be sure to create and utilize flash cards. These are an important tool and can help you to succeed in your learning along the way. There are many websites available today that are free to you and allow you to type in information to assist you in creating flashcards. Many of your textbooks will offer student resources free of charge that include flash cards for you, so be sure to always check out the resources available to you.  As an auditory learner, it is beneficial for you to record your lectures and listen to them. You will often find that there are videos or presentations available within your classes to help you in your learning. If you do not find these in your classroom, use the internet to search for videos on the course concepts. You might find this to be very beneficial. Taking the time to read course materials (including chapter reading) out loud will help you to learn as you will then be hearing the words and retaining them from hearing them in your own voice. Study groups will be a beneficial tool for you as you will have the opportunity to discuss concepts and retain from hearing the words spoken from others. If you are an auditory learner, it is important that when you are listening to music in the background during a study session that the music be wordless to help ensure that you are grasping the concepts from the materials and not retaining words from the music.  As a kinesthetic learner, it is important that you take frequent breaks and move around. Coming back to the material after a short break will help improve your learning and retention. If you are learning brand new concepts, it would be beneficial to do so while in motion. For example, you could read your course materials while walking on a treadmill. Chewing gum may prove to be a beneficial learning too as is standing while you work. There are standing tables made today to assist the kinesthetic learner in retaining information. When choosing the courses to take, you will benefit from instructors who encourage demonstrations as you achieve your greatest success when you are hands-on.

You should now understand the learner that you are and should be able to establish your routine for studying around your learning style. Understand that you may be a mixture of more than one style, so take the tools listed above as a guide to assist you in your learning. Take the time to review the assigned reading this week to support your learning knowledge.