NYS Offers Presentation About Learning Styles

Do you collect things? Do you like to take notes to review later? Do you turn the radio or TV up loud? Are you good at sports? Do you enjoy talking to others? Would you rather listen to music than view a piece of artwork? Do you talk to yourself? Do you prefer to stand while working?

Would you like to know what your answers indicate? Then mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 11. That evening, Newtown Youth Services will offer a program entitled “What Are Different Learning Styles?” Guest speakers for the evening Julie Birch, reading consultant at Head O’ Meadow School; Doug Russell, co-team leader for the Newtown Alternative High School; and Fran Tyluki, speech and language pathologist at the Pembroke School in Danbury will discuss learning styles.

Research has identified three basic learning styles that seem to fit most people. Most have a more dominant style, even if they may have characteristics of all three. The three main styles are visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic. People are often surprised to find out that their style may be very different from those of other family members. Understanding these differences may lead to better communication and learning.

Ms Tyluki offered an example. A student has a science project. Because we already know that all children approach a task differently, students may be given a choice. That project may be to write a paper; draw the subject; put together a video; or speak about the topic. “When we can understand our own learning and living styles, we can better match our interaction to the preferred styles of others. In doing this, we can avoid frustration and meet with success at home, in school, at work, and at play,” Ms Tyluki said.

Mr Russell is a firm believer in experience. “We can’t assume that all students learn the same. We have to give many opportunities and experiences so that the students and parents understand what their learning styles are.”

Ms Birch, believes that, “By understanding how a child learns we are better able to help them work stronger and more efficiently. We identify the student’s needs and learning style and then break tasks down to suit each child’s strengths.”

It is important to point out that different learning styles pertain to all relationships. NYS’s Program and Parent Education Coordinator Roseane Loring noted, “Learning styles reach across many ties. Parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, co-workers, and community members can all benefit by learning how to adjust learning styles. Sometimes a compromise is needed to reach a realistic solution.”

If you are interested in adding a little more order and understanding to your life, please call Newtown Youth Services, at 270-4335, to register for this free and informative presentation.