Understanding Learner characteristics and learning style.

Dunn and Dunn (1992),learning styles as the way "each learner begins to concentrate on, process and remember new and difficult information" Only by examining each individual’s multidimensional characteristics, can we identify that person’s learning style. “an individual’s learning style is the way that person begins to process, internalize and concentrate on new material” Each person learns in a unique way. Howard Gardner's (1993) theory regarding the nature of intelligence stresses the importance of not viewing intelligence as a uni-dimensional construct, like the "general-factor," but rather as a series of independent intelligences:

 (a) verbal/linguistic

(b) logical/mathematical

(c) visual/spatial intelligence

 (d) bodily/kinesthetic

(e) musical/rhythmic

 (f) interpersonal

(g) intrapersonal

 (h) naturalistic

Checklist of Observable Behaviors
Characteristics of student learning the teacher needs to take into account

 1. Verbal /Linguistic Intelligence:

·         Asks lots of questions

·         Enjoys talking

·         Has a good vocabulary

·         Can pick up new language easily

·         Enjoys playing with words (e.g., word games, puns, rhymes)

·         Enjoys reading

·         Likes to write

·         Understanding the functions of language

·         Can talk about language skills

·         Is good at memorizing names, places, dates, and trivia

 2. Logical/Mathematical Intelligence:

·         Enjoys solving puzzles

·         Plays with numbers (counting)

·         Wants to know how things work

·         Is oriented toward rule-based activities

·         Is interested in "if...then" logic

·         Likes to collect and classify things

·         Is analytical in approach to problems

·         Does well at math, reasoning, logic, and problem solving

3. Visual /Spatial Intelligence:

·         Likes to draw

·         Likes to take things apart

·         Likes to build things

·         Enjoys puzzles

·         Likes to doodle

·         Has a keen eye for detail

·         Has a good sense of parts to the whole

·         Is mechanically adept

·         Remembers places by descriptions or images

·         Can interpret maps

·         Enjoys orienteering

·         Is good at imagining things, sensing changes, mazes/puzzles, reading maps and charts

4. Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence:

·         Has a good sense of balance

·         Has a good sense of rhythm

·         Is graceful in movement

·         "Reads" body language

·         Has good hand-to-eye coordination

·         Can solve problems through doing

·         Can communicate ideas through gesture

·         Has early ease in manipulating objects (e.g., ball, needle)

·         Is good at physical activities (e.g., sports, dance, acting) and crafts

5. Musical/ Rhythmic Intelligence:

·         Is sensitive to sound patterns

·         Hums tunes

·         Taps or sways in rhythm

·         Discriminates among sounds

·         Has a good sense of pitch

·         Moves rhythmically

·         Captures the essence of a beat and adjusts movement patterns according to changes

·         Remembers tunes and sound patterns

·         Seeks and enjoys musical experiences

·         Plays with sounds

·         Is good at picking up sounds, remembering melodies, noticing pitch/rhythms, and keeping time

6. Interpersonal Intelligence:

·         Demonstrates empathy toward others

·         Is admired by peers

·         Relates well to peers and adults alike

·         Displays skills of leadership

·         Works cooperatively with others

·         Is sensitive to the feelings of others

·         Acts as a mediator or counselor to others

·         Is good at understanding people

·         Is good at organizing communicating, and sometimes manipulating people

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence:

·         Can express strong like or dislike of particular activities

·         Can communicate feelings

·         Is aware of strengths and weaknesses

·         Is confident of own abilities

·         Sets appropriate goals

·         Works toward ambition

·         Is good at understanding self and focusing inward on feelings and dreams

·         Is good at following own instincts

·         Is good at pursuing own interests and goals

·         Likes being original

 8. Naturalistic Intelligence:

.  Immediate Environment: effect of sound, light, temperature, and furniture/setting design

. Emotionality: student’s own motivation, persistence, responsibility

. Sociological Preferences: effect of learning alone or in different-sized groups

. Physiological Characteristics: effect of when and how students learn--time of day, food and energy levels, and mobility while learning

. Processing Inclinations: global, analytical, right/left, impulsive/reflectiv

 Reference 

Intime. (2001) knowledge of students' characteristics: definition and checklist. Retrieved on May 08, 2013  from http://www.intime.uni.edu/model/teacher/teac1.html

Gardner,  H.  (1993).  Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences /10^th Anniversary Edition.  New York: Basic Books

 Dunn,  R., & Dunn, K. (1992).  Teaching secondary students through their individual learning styles:  Practical approaches for grades 7-12.  Boston: Allyn and Bacon