The concept of learning styles is not well understood.
Learning styles were often equated with providing choice of access to the learning program
including self-pacing, just-in-time, just-enough and where-I-am options.
This was in contrast to providing variation in learning strategies within a learning
program in order to cater for diversity in cognitive preferences.
The concept and definition of learning styles
This project takes the position that wherever possible, learning activities and
instructional sequences involve a cycle of learning that accommodate four major learning
styles. Each stage of the learning cycle links with one of the learning styles.
This cycle of learning is based on a number of premises.
- The concept of learning styles originated in the study of individual differences. As a
result of heredity, socialisation and environmental demands, people tend to:
- perceive information in different ways
- process information in different ways.
- These preferences comprise our unique learning styles.
- The fact that individual learners have a preferred learning style, does not mean that
they are prevented from functioning effectively in others. Learners with flexibility to
move easily from one mode to another to fit the requirements of the learning situation
have a definite advantage over those who limit themselves to only one style of thinking
and learning.
- A learner-centred approach to instructional design and delivery, requires an
appreciation of individual differences and an understanding of the diverse ways people
learn. The purpose of this understanding is not to label, stereotype or to pigeon-hole
learners. Rather, it is to explore, develop and use a range of strategies which support
the different ways people learn.
- Features of the online environment will support some types of learning styles and will
be a challenge for others. The goal is to accommodate all styles during an instructional
sequence.
Different learning activities incorporate learning styles in different proportions. An
understanding of this can help people allocate time most efficiently between different
learning activities.
Online technologies have potential to accommodate different learning styles better than
traditional media. This however, depends on the instructional design that underpins the
learning opportunities. |