Exposing Students to the 12 Ways of Learning

Posted by Erica Warren on

Many know of the four common ways of learning: visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic. But did you know that students need to be exposed to even more ways of processing information too? Going multisensory is essential these days and presenting instruction that teaches to all 12 ways of processing, as described in the Student Processing Approach, can help prepare your students for a successful future of life long learning.

multisensory teaching

The other 8 ways of learning include:

1) Sequential Learning: teach students how to order information alphabetically or numerically.
Teach with timelines, successive instructions, outlines, and keep materials organized.
2) Simultaneous Learning: teach students how to categorize materials by similarity.
Web information, define and discuss main ideas and details, and use flow charts and diagrams.
3) Verbal Learning: teach students how to process ideas aloud.
Provide opportunities for students to process ideas verbally through one-on-one or group discussions.
4) Interactive Learning: teach students how to work with others.
Collaborate with your students on projects or classroom ideas, offer collaborative assignments and allow students to work in groups.
5) Logical/Reflective Learning: teach students how to think about and make connections to what they are learning.
Offer time for students to work independently and process ideas internally. Free writing activities and journals can exercise this modality.
6) Indirect Experience Learning: teach students how to observe and learn from a demonstration.
Offer vicarious learning experiences.
7) Direct Experience Learning: teach students how to learn in their environment.
Lead discussions about what students are learning in the “real world.” Inform them about educational opportunities available in our communities and local cities (museums, aquariums, historic sites …) and take them on field trips.
8) Rhythmic Melodic Learning: teach students how to use songs and rhythm to learn information.
Share music that defines a time period or mood, use melodies to help student memorize information, and play educational music.
Student Processing Inventory

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren


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