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Sensory Learning Preferences
FIGURE 1-4 Verbal learning strategies appeal to people who like to process information by talking.
Verbal learning can include the spoken and written word. Note that when reading aloud, the spoken word is also heard, and the written word is also seen. This is an example of how three senses are used simultaneously to learn. You may feel that you are a verbal learner, but if you read aloud, you are actually using auditory and visual learning as well. You may benefit from studying with a partner or in a study group, which provides ample opportunity for discussion. It is helpful to explain challenging concepts or to teach your study partners about a given topic. By preparing to teach, you are developing a deeper understand- ing of the material for yourself, making it easier to remember. This is known as the protégé effect. For example, the members of your study group may decide to teach one another about the four major joint types in the body: hinge, ball-and- socket, pivot, and gliding. Each person describes the appearance and function of a type of joint and gives an example. One person may compare a hinge joint, like those found in the knee and elbow, to a door hinge, and describe how it moves back and forth like a door that swings open and shut. The next person may compare a pivot joint, such as the one in the neck, to a chair that rotates back and forth in a 180-degree half-circle. This type of exercise may also involve visual and kinesthetic learning as the members of the group demonstrate what they are verbalizing. Kinesthetic Learning Most people have some kinesthetic (tactile) aspects to perceiving, understand- ing, and remembering information. People who are strong kinesthetic learn- ers use their bodies as they learn. They like to touch and manipulate objects (Figure 1-5). This is especially important when learning physical skills. Kines- thetic learners often use their visual, verbal, and auditory senses in conjunction with their kinesthetic sense. Role-play and simulations are common in health- care education and are a good example of using all four senses in a single learn- ing activity. Kinesthetic learners benefit from memory techniques that allow them to move their body or touch objects. For example, if you are learning the bones of the body, touch that bone on your own body or combine it with visual learning by pointing to it on a partner, an illustration, or a model of a skeleton. Add verbal and auditory learning by saying the name of the bone aloud as you touch it. When learning skills or procedures, your best strategy is to actually get your hands on the needed supplies and practice the procedure. When physical prac- tice of a skill is not possible, visualization is a great alternative. It gives you the
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