Within this learning style of Felder and Silverman, called the Index of Learning Styles, there are a potential of 32 different learning style combinations. The different styles are created through choosing one option or the other. For instance, sensory/visual/active/global. It is important to remember that although everyone has a preference toward one end of the spectrum or the other, everyone will use both sides at times.
Active/Reflective
Preference on how to process new information
This continuum is based on the works of Kolb who called them active experimentation and reflective observation.
Active learners prefer to be doing or external manipulation of content. They will retain information best when they are using hands-on applications and doing something with the information. This can be as simple as discussing or teaching the information to others. The active learner also prefers more group interactions and social learning or collaboration.
Reflective learners tend to be more introspective. They are quiet, solitary learners who learn best by thinking through information. They can, however, process information with the help of a partner, but definitely not in a group. They will examine and investigate information through inward introspection. This type of learner needs time to process information quietly before sharing or expressing their thoughts on the matter.
Visual/Verbal
Preference on how information is presented
Felder and Silverman recognize the origins of the VAK theory and the value of the kinesthetic learner. However, Felder/Silverman did not emphasize the kinesthetic learner feeling it was not relevant to the engineering students.
Visual learners are going to prefer visual means to learn such as diagrams, graphs, pictures and even demonstrations. This type of learner generally struggles in traditional learning centers as the information is more likely to be given through audio means such as lectures.
Verbal learners are referred to as the audio learner in the VAK model. They are going to excel in learning situations that are focused on hearing such as discussions, listening or explanations. They will get the most of their learning through words.
Note that this theory emphasizes that the best learners are those that can process presented information through either verbal or visual means.
Sensing/Intuitive
Preference to perceive or how information is taken in
These preferences are based off of the works of Carl Jung who identified the continuum between sensing and intuition. This continuum is seen in other learning styles as well.
Sensing preference learns best by focusing on facts and data. They are a procedural, methodical learner who prefers logistics. They like details and doing more hands-on application type of work which leads them to be more details oriented. They prefer information that has a real-world application based on proven problem-solving methodologies. Since this preference tends to be more methodical, they also tend to be a slower and more careful learner.
Intuitive learners prefer the conceptual and theory. They look for innovative and interesting ways to apply information. They like new information and quickly process this new information. They also like to look at abstract content. This preference tends to be quick, fast and swift to assimilate new information.
Interestingly, Felder and Silverman share that every individual will use both sensing and intuitive at varying times despite having an inclination toward one preference or the other.
Sequential/Global
Preference on how information is organized and understood
The sequential learner will learn in a sequential and methodical thinking. They are linear in their approach, tending to organize their approach in small steps. They are logical in their problem-solving and learning. This learning preference can start with pieces of information and move to a bigger picture without needing all of it at one time with a steady progression of difficulty.
Global preference is more holistic. This approach will look at the whole picture and pull it down into smaller steps. This type of learner will grab information in spurts with a random and seemingly disconnected data and then puts it together. They are quick to look at and solve complex information with innovative approaches. In contrast to the sequential learner, the global learner needs the big picture first before being able to move to the details.
Sources:
Felder, R. & Silverman, L. K. (1988). Learning and Teaching Styles in Engineering Education. Engineering Education, 78(7), 674-681.
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