Learning Definition

Learning is the act of obtaining something new or changing an existing one. This can be information, behaviors, skills, values or preferences. This technique can lead to the improvement or change of whoever is learning (mostly dwelling things i.e. animals and plants). This process does not occur in an instance but is nurtured from the previous information/ knowledge. Learning is a innovative action and the changes produce to an organism can change it in part or totally. (Mayer 2001).

Humans however, have a tendency of getting their learning from education, training and schooling. Personal improvement via thing like apprenticeship also comes in handy. Especially during the early ranges of man’s evolution when education and schooling was not a common phenomenon. Learning in schools takes place in several different ways:

1. Visualizing
2. Auditory
3. Read/write
4. Kinesthetic
5. Multimodal

Visualizing learning

As the name suggests this method of learning by using your eyes. This method can therefore limit those who have an eye sight problem. The learner sees the images through his eyes and they are taken to the brain where they are converted into information that can be understood. This learners prefer information that is served in form of pictures, graphs, charts diagrams and texts. These individuals will happen to be good at spelling, enjoy colors easily understand graphs and charts, remember faces and have a good memory of where they had seen objects. (Coil and Coil 2005 pg. 150)

These learners can improve their strengths through the following methods: Always making outlines, Having to-do lists and visible reminders, Taking notes during sessions and meetings, Use of visuals during learning like arrows, circles etc., Using color codes i.e. underlining using pens of different colors, Always having information in writing, Have quick reference notes when giving speeches or talks, Have a habit of previewing learnt materials. The use of this skill will also help the learner develop other learning skills like auditory. (Abels 2005 pg. 45)

Auditory Learning

Here the person relies on hearing as a form of learning. These types of learners must be able to hear what is being said in order to understand it. They may also use their listening and repetitive skill to categorize the information being provided. (Abels 2005 pg. 45)This learning skill depends on listening to audible signals i.e. variation of tone. Such a learner can be able to replicate a lecture or speech he/she had heard effectively. These said individuals will also happen to be good at the oral exams. They are also referred to the ‘storyteller type’. This is because they are really good at telling stories

Read/ write learning

This is the most commonly used method in schools. Written/ printed information is the key element of this type of learning. The learner first reads the printed information then writes down what he/she has understood. The notes taken are simple to understand compared to the actual book. The learner can write the notes over and over again. They will tend to read those notes repeatedly. They organize diagrams graphs and charts into statements. They will turn flowcharts and other visual aids into words. (Coil and Coil 2005 pg. 155)

Kinesthetic learning

This type of learning is more involving. It therefore takes place when students engage in physical activities. They are also referred to as the ‘doers’. Some skills are difficult to learn except when they are shown through action (direct demonstration). Some people also think of this technique as an ability of the human body to express itself through movement or dance. Some of the ways of enhancing the kinesthetic learning method include: dance: - the use of creative movement can be used to express concepts and ideas, sports, gymnastics, role-playing among others. The emotions accompanied with these actions are the source of memory of the thing that was learnt.

Some students are not quite familiar with the different learning techniques available and mostly rely on the read/write and the auditory techniques. From the different techniques above it can be noted that it is important to know the learning technique that works best for you. You can choose to combine a set of the learning technique to get the most information from a text. (Coil and Coil 2005 pg. 145)

Teachers should also understand the different learning techniques that are available. They should try and incorporate all the learning methods in their teachings since different students understand using different learning styles. The kinesthetic technique should not be ignored as involving the learners in the various activities will serve as a reminder when they are tested on the concept learnt. They should also avoid using the auditory technique as a means of teaching only as it makes the lesson boring and tedious.

References

Abels, P. (2005). Distance education in social work: planning, teaching and learning. New York: Springer

Coil, c and coil, c (2005).Learning modalities. Moorabbin, Vic: Hawker Brownlow Education

How people learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School (expanded edition) National Academics Press Retrieved March 20th, 2017 http://www.wikipedia/learning

Joiner Steven visualize learning Retrieved March 20th, 2017 http://myRegence.com

Mayer, R.E (2001). Multimedia learning New York: Cambridge University Press Retrieved March 20th, 2017 http://www.wikipedia/learning

VARK a guide to learning styles: Read/write strategies Retrieved March 20th http://www.vark-learn.com/strategies/ readwrite-strategies