Page 178 - Crisis in Higher Education

Becoming Student-Centered • 149

might be that customized learning is too expensive because faculty and
students would have to work closely in one-on-one sessions or in small
groups, much smaller than typical class sizes used at public universities
today with 30, 40, 50, or 300 or 400 students. Using traditional pedago-
gies, such as lecture and discussion or case analysis, in small groups, even
in groups as small as 10 or 15, would drive instructional costs at public
1
universities “through the roof.” The plan is to use advanced technology to
develop customized learning so costs are low.
Experts in the field have identified the following seven learning styles.
Understanding these styles may provide useful information about appro-
priate careers. For example, engineers often learn visually, logically, and
physically, whereas psychologists may learn best verbally and socially.

1. Verbal (Linguistic): These learners like to read, write, and commu-
nicate verbally, and they learn best by saying, hearing, and seeing
words.
2. Visual (Spatial): They are very good at working with colors and pic-
tures and using the “mind’s eye” to understand and resolve complex
problems. They learn best when words are replaced with pictures and
when colors are used to highlight important points.
3. Logical (Mathematical): These are analytical problem solvers who
learn best by categorizing, classifying, and working with abstract
patterns and relationships. A systems perspective and thinking help
them understand the big picture.
4. Aural (Auditory-Musical): They use sound, rhythm, and music to
learn. They often learn best when reading or studying with music in
the background.
5. Physical (Kinesthetic): Hands-on learning using physical objects suit
these learners. They may also create and use drawings and diagrams
to learn and explain ideas.
6. Social (Interpersonal): They prefer to learn in groups and with other
people. They enjoy role playing and tackling group assignments.
7. Solitary (Intrapersonal): They prefer working alone. They are inde-
pendent, pursue their own interests, and have a deep understanding
of themselves. They do best in self-paced instruction and individu-
alized projects. 4,5

A review of these learning styles indicates that the distinctions among
the seven types are not razor sharp. For example, both visual and physical