Learning Modalities: Pathways to Effective Learning Article by
Dr. Patricia Hutinger Learning modalities, learning styles, or
multiple intelligences - these word labels emphasize the
different ways children and adults learn best. Just as a single
shoe size doesn't fit everyone, neither does a single learning
environment ensure learning for all. We come not only from
differing localities, abilities, cultures, and home experiences,
but we inherently have different learning modalities. In
addition, we possess varying combinations of these learning
modalities - it's not an all or none issue. Your own learning
style affects your teaching and what you plan for and with
children. Overview and Definitions Some theorists and
practitioners reduce learning modalities to three categories
including visual, motor, and auditory. Visual children tend to
learn by watching and looking at pictures and may be easily
distracted by movement and action in the classroom. Those who
respond to motor/kinesthetic stimuli tend to be invo