VAK Learning Styles

Do You Know Your Learning Style?

Understanding the VAK Learning Styles can help improve your skills and learning at school and at work.

We learn in a variety of ways, visually, auditory and tactile or (kinesthetically).  These ways of  learning are activated through explicit or cognitive learning like lectures, textbooks, discussions and research.  However we also learn implicitly through physical and experiential means.

People commonly have a main preferred learning style, but this will be part of a blend of all three.  Some people have a very strong preference; other people have a more even mixture of two or less styles.

When you know your preferred learning style(s) you understand the type of learning that best suits you.  This enables you to choose the types of learning that works best for you.

There is no right or wrong learning style.  The point is that there are types of learning that are right for your own preferred learning style.

 Visual
     29% OF US PREFER TO LEARN BY SEEING.  We will enjoy communicating best through pictures, graphs and visuals artifacts.  We may at an early age show an ability to visualize remembered or constructed scenes.  Our spelling and memory strategies may utilize pictures rather than sounds. 
For example, in reading:   Do you like descriptive scenes or pause to imagine the actions?

Auditory
        34% OF US ENJOY COMMUNICATING WITH AND LEARNING BY SOUND INCLUDING THE SPOKEN WORD.  Discussion, audio tape, lectures, debates, orals, and spoken languages exercises will suit those of us with an auditory preference.  It may also be that we remember names rather than faces and we spell by recalling the patterns of sounds. 
For example, in reading:  Do you enjoy dialog and conversation or hear the characters talk?
    
Kinesthetic
     37% OF LEARNER'S PREFER TO ENGAGE WITH THE EXPERIENCE PHYSICALLY.  In communication we will model our point with our hands and bodies and become animated as we do so.  We learn through experience, movement and feel frustrated more readily with other forms of learning.  Learners of this sort are most critically disadvantaged by schooling which requires physical stasis for extended periods of time.
For example, in reading:  Do you prefer action stories or are not a keen reader?
B.A. Lewis and F. Pucelik, Magic Demystified: A Pragmatic Guide to Communication and Change, Metamorphous Press.

To know more about VAK Learning Styles and for a Learning Style Inventory contact
Dr. Catherine Strecker.

How do you know what the best career is for you?

When deciding on a career or career change, think about what inspires you. To find out your interests and passion- take an interest inventory assessment. I know its hard not to think about what pays the most, security, and prestige, but it is important to match your intelligences and interests with a career that compliments you! Educational Strategies provides a multiple intelligence assessment to help you understand what your intelligences are. With this you will be better able to identify occupations that match your interests. You will also discover how to implement new hobbies into your life.

LAUGHTER

Laughter is good for our health. It strengthens the immune system, relaxes the muscles, and increases the body's ability to use oxygen!

So the next time you feel depressed try thinking about something funny. It will help you have a better day!

SQ4R Reading Method

A STUDY METHOD TO HELP STUDENTS IN SCHOOL!

The SQ4R Reading Method is a great way to improve reading comprehension and studying.

How to use the SQ4R Method:

1. Survey what you are about to read.
For example: Skim over the headings and paragraphs.

2. Question
Example: Look at the title and headings and make them into questions.

3. Read Actively
Example: Read to answer questions that you might have about the subject.

4. Recite
Example: Turn away from the answers and recall what was read.

5. Write
Example: Write down the main ideas or terms using a mapping or outline form.

6. Review
Example: Answer the major questions and summarize what you have read.
Once again use flow charts or mapping skills.

Back to School Parental Anxiety

When children go back to school sometimes parents feel separation anxiety.

What can parents do to relieve their anxiety? Any suggestions-add to the list below:

1. Talk to a friend about your situation or join a support group.

2. Volunteer to participate at school, such as PTA, computer class, or teacher's aide.

3. Stay busy by doing those projects that you always wanted to do. For example: taking a class, painting a room, writing letters, etc.

What are some educational activities that children can do during the summer?

During the summer months children may say, "I am bored." "What is there to do?" Here are some educational activities for children. If you have ideas please add to the list.

1. Create a treasure hunt
2. Make a wind chime
3. Play charades
4. Play game cards
5. Design a family newsletter or a club newsletter
6. Make a tent using towels and blankets
7. Use binoculars to play "I spy"
8. Produce a talent show
9. Create a play using dress up clothes
10. Design a carnival using items from home

How To Prepare For Tests

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

What Can One Do To Prepare For Tests

With students getting ready to take end of the semester exams I thought it would be appropriate to share some tidbits on Test Taking Skills:

(Please feel free to add any that you have found helpful preparing for tests)

1. Time Management: Prepare daily, have a study schedule, put information in manageable chunks

2. Make a Plan: Set a goal, use a tape recorder for notes

3. Create Study Aids: Flash cards, chapter outlines, maps

4. Organize a Study group: share notes, combine resources
Posted by Dr. Strecker at 9:52 AM