0.3 Theories/approaches to learning  (Page 7/12)

Discussion

The concept of learning styles is rooted in the classification of psychological types. The learning styles theory isbased on research demonstrating that, as the result of heredity, upbringing, and current environmental demands, different individualshave a tendency to both perceive and process information differently. The different ways of doing so are generally classified as:

Concrete and A bstract Perceivers - Concrete perceivers absorb information through direct experience, by doing, acting, sensing, and feeling. Abstract perceivers,however, take in information through analysis, observation, and thinking.

Active and Reflective Processors - Active processors make sense of an experience by immediately using the new information. Reflective processors make sense of anexperience by reflecting on and thinking about it.

Traditional schooling tends to favor abstract perceiving and reflective processing. Other kinds of learning aren't rewarded and reflected in curriculum, instruction, and assessment nearlyas much.

How the Learning Styles Theory Impacts Education

Curriculum - Educators must place emphasis on intuition, feeling, sensing, and imagination in addition to thetraditional skills of analysis, reason, and sequential problem solving.

Instruction - Teachers should design their instruction methods to connect with all four learning styles using variouscombinations of experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation. Instructors can introduce a wide variety ofexperiential elements into the classroom such as sound, music, visuals, movement, experience, and talking.

Assessment - Teachers should employ a variety of assessment techniques focusing on the development of "whole brain"capacity and each of the different learning styles.

Right&Left brain thinking

Definition

This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different"modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.

Discussion

Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different mannersof thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:

Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained andequally adept at both modes. In general, schools have favored left-brain modes of thinking while downplaying the right-brain ones. Left-brainscholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling,and creativity.

How Right-Brain vs. Left-Brain Thinking Impacts Learning

Curriculum - In order to be more "whole-brained" in their orientation, schools need to give equal weight to the arts,creativity, and the skills of imagination and synthesis.