Perhaps the most simple way of describing 'learning styles' is to say that they are different methods of learning or understanding new information, the way a person takes in, understand, expresses and remembers information. There are 4 predominant learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic.
There are 7 categories of Learning Styles:
Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
The term "active learning" is often used to describe an interactive process, such as doing a hands-on experiment to learn a concept rather than reading about it. But "passive learning" (reading a text, listening to a lecture, watching a movie) is still learning, and can be effective.
I am a photography teacher of difficult concepts to “learn”. I believe that by providing the “content”of the lesson in as many ways as possible the student increases their chances of “learning” the concept and then remembering it in practical application.
Photographers are most often visual learners and prefer to work alone and use self study. This is not a hard and fast rule but in practical environments like the classroom I see it more often then with people who like to learn in a social environment (classroom).
Solution?
Provide as many options for learning photography and editing software as possible in the classroom or individual tutoirng. My teaching methods include visuals in the form of images to work with for the visual learners; Powerpoint slides and lectures provide words and sound for the auditory learners; exercise/assignments for those who need to move around and touch in order to learn or apply concepts. This approach has worked very well in the classroom and for individual. It is powerful to combine the tools for a full learning experience.
I use the same methods for tutoring individuals who prefer to work alone but need some sort of guidance and structure to jump start their learning.
The first thing I try to find out about a potential student is their learning “style” through a short series of questions. This helps me provide the necessary tools for the student to learn.
Please contact me if you would like to use your learning style for Lightroom, Photoshop or your Camera. We all hit a brick wall when it comes to complex concepts.
Email: barbara@batistamoon.com
