Types of learning styles addressed at New Haven
Visual Learners: Learn through Seeing
These learners need to see the teacher's body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a lesson. They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions (e.g., people's heads). They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.
Auditory Learners: Learn through Listening
They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: Learn through Moving, Doing, and Touching
Tactile/Kinesthetic persons learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.
The teachers at New Haven place emphasis on the different learning styles along with the traditional skills of analysis, reason, and sequential problem solving. They design their instruction methods to connect with the various learning styles, using a combination of experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation. New Haven teachers introduce a wide variety of experiential elements into the classroom, such as sound, music, visuals, movement, experience, and discussion. They also employ a variety of assessment techniques by focusing on the development of "whole brain" capabilities.
