|
|
a typical class of 30 students, 22 will be fairly balanced in their
ability to take in information in a variety of ways. They will generally
be able to cope when the information is presented in either visual,
auditory or kinesthetic ways.
Two to three of the youngsters will
have difficulty learning because of factors outside the classroom. And
the remaining youngsters - up to six in a class of 30, or 20 per cent -
will be "visual only," "auditory only" or
"kinesthetic only" learners. They have great difficulty in
absorbing information unless it is presented in the favored style.
Grinder dubs them VO's, AO's and
KO's. And he says, "It's not just a coincidence that the initials
'KO' stand for 'knockout.' These kids are 'knocked out' of the
educational system. In every study I have seen regarding 'kids at risk,'
kinesthetics make up the vast majority of the 26 percent dropout
rate."8
How you organize and
process information
People with strong left-brain traits
take information in logically - they can absorb it easily if it is
presented in a logical, linear sequence.
People with right-brain dominance
generally like to take in the big global picture first; they're much
more comfortable with presentations that involve visualization,
imagination, music, art and intuition.
And if you can link together the
powers of both hemispheres, and tap into those "multiple
intelligence centres", you'll obviously be able to absorb and
process information more effectively.
The conditions that affect
your learning ability
The physical environment
obviously affects learning. Sound, light, temperature, seating and body
posture are all important.
People also have different emotional
needs. And emotion plays a vital part in learning. It is in many
ways the key to the brain's memory system. And the emotional content of
any presentation can play a big part in how readily learners absorb
information and ideas.
People also have different social
needs. Some like to learn by themselves. Others prefer to work with
a partner. Still others, in teams. Some children want an adult present
or like to work with adults only. The Dunns say most underachievers are
very peer-motivated.9
Contents
Page Preface
Introduction
|
