How can parents find out what learning style their children have? Why is it important? - Concerned
Answer: Learning styles are rather like fingerprints - they are different for each child. When you know what your children's learning styles are, you can help them study in ways that really work because you know how they learn best. Have each of your children take the following quiz to learn more about how they process information. They should place a check mark in front of each statement that describes them. In some sections, they might have several marks, while others might have none.
Section 1
-I remember what I read better than what I hear.
-I am able to visualize what pages look like in books that I have read.
-Looking at pictures and charts helps me remember facts.
-When I'm trying to learn something new, it helps me to form a picture of it in my head.
-I remember people's faces better than I remember their names.
Section 2
-I prefer to listen to the teacher instead of reading new material.
-I understand things better when I discuss them with others.
-I can usually remember what I hear.
-I understand material best when I read it aloud.
-I talk to myself when I try to solve problems.
Section 3
-I study best when I can move around.
-I take notes in order to understand materials.
-I move my lips when I read, and use my fingers to count.
-I learn best when I can handle objects.
-I would rather just get started instead of reading or listening to directions.
If most of your child's check marks are in Section 1, he or she is a visual learner who needs to see something written down or illustrated in order to remember it best. With most checks in Section 2, your child can be described as an auditory learner who needs to hear or discuss material to remember it easily. A child with the most marks in Section 3 is a kinesthetic/tactile learner who needs to personally experience things rather than reading or hearing about them.
It is important to understand that many children do not have a clearly defined style for learning material and choose the style that best fits a task. However, students with learning difficulties might find it much easier to learn in only one style.