Four Learning Styles

According to the Learning Styles theoretical framework, there are four types of learners. Each of these types of learners does best when instruction answers one of four simple questions:

• Why?
• What?
• How?
• Where do we go from here?

Imaginative Learners

The first type of learner is the imaginative or innovative learner. This learner needs to find the answer to ‘why’ questions, especially “Why do I need to know this?” ‘Why’ learners aren’t even interested unless you can first convince them that something is important. A teacher must capture the participant’s attention and provide the motivation to explore. This student’s engagement is based on having a rational need or reason for the information. Great ‘why’ activities include group interactions, stories, role-plays, object lessons, active learning games, short videos, and readiness activities to help connect the participant to the subject emotionally.

Analytical Learners

The second type, the analytical learner, is most interested in the question ‘what’. What information is most important? This student learns best when they have as much information about a topic as possible. This participant is excited about facts, details, content, and information. Sometimes this learner focuses on surface knowledge more than deep understanding. Although information is important, it does not present the entire picture. Learning and critical thinking occur with application, not just information. Great ‘what’ activities for the analytical learner are power point presentations, lectures, self-study, competitions, quiz games, content presentations, memorization, and written reports.

Common Sense Learners

The third type, the common sense learner, focuses on the ‘how’ question. How does it work? This student wants to know how to use the content. They are usually good with their hands and with translating information into action. They may be able to perform tasks without being able to explain fully how they did it or why. These students use their past experiences as a reference point for future learning. To engage this learner, make the connection between new content and its application. Great activities for the common sense learner include inquiry and problem based learning, projects, case studies, logical problems, concept maps, fixing, building, or other applications.

Dynamic Learners

The fourth type, the dynamic learner, asks the question, “Where do we go from here?” Dynamic learners are able to quickly and accurately adapt new knowledge to new situations. This student wants to take what they are learning and apply it beyond the current situation. This is the heart of critical thinking and information synthesis. The dynamic learner loves to brainstorm, think ‘outside the box,’ discuss open ended questions, participate in group activities or competitive events, take on leadership roles in the learning process, apply what is being discussed in real time, or create new ways of using the information.

The great news is that all four of these types of learning are essential for fully mastering new material, so varying our instruction to meet the needs of each type of learner will help all of our students learn the information more effectively.

Author

Sharon Aka

Sharon, PhD, is a consultant full time, currently working for 4 organizations: Adjunct Faculty at Andrews University in the graduate leadership department, Adjunct faculty at Notre Dame of Maryland University - leading their School of Nursing Competency-based Curriculum Revisioning, a researcher and author with the NAD Center for Research and Evaluation, and works half time for the General Conference as a contractor with the Virtual Exhibition Team and the Adventist COLLECTIVE. Sharon worked as the Associate Director of the Adventist Learning Community & Associate Director for the North American Division Office of Education. Sharon is a Registered Nurse by trade, with 16 years experience as Surgical Nurse and Nurse Educator at The Scarborough Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. She also has 11 years experience as a Professor of Nursing and Professional Development Specialist for faculty at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning in Toronto, Ontario.