1.1 Learning Styles

Below are my results for the Felder and Solomon test:

My Learning Style

My Learning Style combo is Reflective-Intuitive-Verbal-Sequential.

It is interesting to discover that I am not an extreme in any particular style.

Scoring highest as an Intuitive learner comes as no suprise. I have always preferred learning about concepts and ‘themes’ as opposed to hard facts. In my eyes, information is never black-and-white.

Being more of a Reflective-Intuitive learner suggests that solitary learning experiences would suit me. I would also need time and space to think things through, to process.

In saying that, I could possibly benefit from exercises that require me to think and act fast. Structured lessons with clear objectives could help me stay on track. Reflecting on past learning experiences, I tend to have trouble finishing tasks that have open-ended outcomes. Practice in setting clearly defined goals could assist in strengthening this learning weakness.

Implications for Online Learning

Some possibilites are:

• Hyperlinks embedded in a body of text – creates opportunities for sequential as well as global learners. Also enables the teacher to link some information that will appeal to sensing learners and other forms that will benefit intuitive types.
• Combination of text and image – caters to both visual and verbal learners
• Online quizzes, interactive applications, slideshows – allows active learners to charge ahead with exercises. At the same time, reflective learners have the option of pausing, stepping away and thinking an idea through.

More than this, using ICTs for learning design could potentially create more well-rounded, adaptive learners. Like Felder says in his outline of the Learning Styles, learners benefit from being balanced in each learning area. With that in mind, delivering lessons in a multimodal /multimedia fashion provides a really exciting opportunity to get students engaging in all learning styles at a rapidly changing pace.