Illinois Imagines - Types of Processing or Learning Styles
Listening and Talking (Auditory; Interpersonal learning styles)
- Individuals are likely to learn best when hearing the information
- Individuals like discussions where they can talk about their experiences
- Providing maximum opportunities to "hear" and "say" the material to be understood will prove most useful, so techniques that involve listening and/or talking will be effective.
EXAMPLES: group discussions, lectures, reading out loud, listening to audio/music
Writing and Pictures (Visual, Logic, or Intrapersonal learning styles)
- Individuals need to "see" the information or material in some form
- Any technique allowing individuals to use their eyes will be effective
- Individuals may be more private and introspective (intrapersonal)
- Individuals prefer a pattern or predictable sequence to learn (Logic)
EXAMPLES: Written materials with lots of graphics (charts, tables, pictures, Picture Exchange Communication System??, etc.); Videos and film; Drawing or coloring; Assignments to journal, write or draw their thoughts; Agendas, schedules, calendars that organize across time
Music (Auditory; Kinesthetic)
- Individuals prefer music to access a memory, process a feeling or learn a new concept or skill
- Individuals relate to the lyrics of a song much better than hearing the message without music. For some individuals, music is a more powerful teacher than any other kind of experience.
EXAMPLES: Singing, listening to music, talking about singers, songs and lyrics
Movement (Kinesthetic)
- Individuals need to do an activity, practice a skill or manipulate material physically in order to learn most effectively
- Individuals with a kinesthetic style prefer to be physically involved in learning, thus the key is lots of "hands on" activities
EXAMPLES: Field trips, role play, games, practice/rehearse, experiments
Content from the Illinois Imagines guide: Counseling People with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism
