Theories addressing learning styles Essay -- essays papers

Theories addressing learning styles There are several different learning styles and theories about approaching them. Some students learn better through one or more of the learning styles than another. As Rita Dunn of St. John’s University says, â€Å"A students best â€Å"modality† for learning may be visual, auditory, or tactile, according to the speakers†(Walton,1991). An auditory learner may learn better through hearing material spoken. A visual learner learns better by reading instructions to himself. And finally, a tactile learner will usually learn most effectively when they are able to use models or things that they can touch or manipulate. Technology supports these three learning styles; auditory, visual and tactile. Animated graphics of computer software support the needs of visual learners. Not just in a regular classroom can children benefit through visual aids, but also in a music classroom. Amy Casey, a former elementary teacher in the Kansas City school district said, â€Å"My exper iences in my own classroom have proven that integrating technology into the music curriculum entices students to actively engage in learning† (2005). Setting up music centers in a classroom allows students to learn to use technology in various ways. Children are able to learn how to read music or learn the piano keys with the use of a computer. Students who excel through auditory learning may use technology so regularly they do not realize how beneficial it is to them. Auditory learners may prefer to listen to a book on tape or sing a song about numbers or multiplication facts. These are all ways to reach out to the auditory learner in a classroom. Technology in the classroom also enhances the skills of tactile learners with the use of a keyboard o... ... from the World Wide Web:http://search.epnet.com Serim, Ferdi. Building Virtual Communties for Professional Development. www.ed.gove/technology/futures/serim.html Schank, Roger. Futureperspective- A vision of Education for the 21st Century. www.thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A2598.cfm www.aten.scps.kl2fl.us www.nces.ed.gov/quicktables/details.asp?key1069 Fine, L. (January, 2002). Writing takes a digital turn for special-needs students. Education Weekly. Retrieved April 22, 2005 from the World Wide Web: https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2001/01/30/20wordte ch.h21.html?querystring=assistive%20technology Walton, S. (November, 1991). Experts urge teachers to adapt to students’ learning styles. Education Weekly. Retrieved April 22, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://www.edweek.org/ewarticles/1991/11/23/20wordtechh21.html