Each of us learns in different ways. The phrase "learning
style" refers to the way we use our senses to maximize learning. Our senses
don’t work independently, but in concert with each other. Frequently, people
have a dominant style that is supported by a second one.
Parents who assist their young children in homework
and studying can benefit from knowing the differences among these learning
styles. It is especially useful for parents to understand that their children’s
preferred mode may differ from those of the parents. This is especially
significant because it means that the methods that were useful to parents when
they were students may not work as well with children who learn differently.
Tactile learners
These people learn best by doing. The body has to be
in motion in order to have them involved in the learning process. If they are
not moving, if moving is suppressed, there may be a lot of fidgeting. In order
to engage them, get them to do what needs to be done, as listening and watching
will not be effective. It helps to have objects to manipulate while studying.
This can include a pen used to write things down.
The body must always be free to move around. It will
be important to offer breaks on a regular basis.
How do you best work with a tactile learner?
These are some useful techniques for working with
these children:
- Act things out. This can be a challenge, but it will work
out best if you can translate material into movement.
- Clapping, tapping, and other regular motions help in the
learning of numbers, syllables, and spelling.
- Show what needs to be done and have the child repeat the
motions.
- Ask the child to come up with motions to associate with key
information that needs to be learned.
- Breaks need to be built into study sessions. An hour of
elapsed time may be needed for a job that you think should take only twenty
minutes.
