In the introduction to learning styles, we explored the three main learning styles, or three ways of processing information.  Besides visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles, there are other ways to organize learning style models. These fall into general categories such as information processing, personality patterns, and social interaction.

Information processing distinguishes between the way children sense, think, solve problems, and remember information. Most children (and adults) have a preferred, consistent way of perceiving, organizing, and retaining information.

Personality patterns focus on attention, emotion, and values. Understanding these differences allows you to predict the way your child might react and feel about different situations.

Social interaction looks at likely attitudes, habits, and strategies learners will take toward their work and how they engage with their peers when they learn. Some learners are independent, dependent, collaborative, competitive, participant or avoidant.

Getting as much information about how your child learns is one way to help him or her succeed.You should try to:

 

1. Teach the most difficult lessons using your child's preferred learning style.

2. Reinforce lessons using multiple learning styels.

3. Help your child improve their learning skils in the learning styles that they are less comfortable. In some cases, this requires helping them understand their own abilities including teaching them techniques for compensation (coming soon - a review of 3DLearners or Mel Levines techniques ----comments welcome via our new blog)

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Learning Styles - 3
Computers Can Address Many Learning Styles

 

As part of their wider learning experience, children can effectively use computers to play, explore, express themselves and solve problems.

Children love using computers because it puts them in control and they benefit from having the calm, impersonal support of an endlessly patient computer, especially when practicing subject that make them uneasy.  Computers put children at ease because they are non-threatening: a computer doesn't register negative emotion when children make mistakes.  This allows children the freedom to try new things and practice difficult subjects in a safe and private way.

Time4Learning has many online lesson demos that show you the kinds of skill-building activities children can try.Look at how the learning activities rely on audio, graphics, text, and interactivity to engage all three main learning styles. 

For example, the verbal comprehension demo Spencer Pigs Prize shows how computers can contribute to childrens literacy skills in ways that other learning experiences cant:
Differentiation  Children can choose to have the story read aloud or to read it by themselves.
Self-direction Since your child is in control, he can read through the story at his own pace.
Visual stimulation Colorful illustrations reinforce the story.  Key phonemes are highlighted throughout the text.
Auditory stimulation Children can listen to the computer read the story and follow along.
Flexibility Information is conveyed through all three main learning styles.
Support The computer never makes your child feel that he can't do it and provides endless opportunities to try again.

Visit Time4Learning to explore other demos and see how your child can effectively use the computer to complement her learning.

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Education MegaTrends & Computers
Reprinted with permission from: Learning & Fun Online