Adapting to Different Learning Styles

Adapting to Different Learning Styles:

It is important as a student or a teacher in the martial arts that you know about the various learning styles. The way one person takes in and learns information is much different than another person. So whether you are the student or the martial arts instructor keep these different learning styles in mind when dealing with new information.

The pathways to the brain are the basic 5 senses – sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. Students process new information through these senses. Some prefer to process information through different pathways, ie. auditory learners, visual learners, and kinesthetic learners. You might not want to incorporate smell into your lessons, but understanding these principles can really help your teaching ability.

An auditory learner tends to ask more questions, and talk about techniques (often when they are should to be physically practicing them). These students will benefit from discussion of a technique before hand. Example: Describing the purpose and details of a movement before it is introduced.

A visual learner wants to see things demonstrated, or will ask to just watch the technique several times before actually trying it. Its good to have an instructor or blackbelt demonstrating the techniques along side them or near them when learning a new form/kata or drill. They also benefit from mirrors in the classroom, drawing diagrams of the form/kata, etc..

A kinesthetic learner is a great example of the Nike slogan, “Just do it”. Unless they have practiced the technique physically several times, they see no value in the theory of the technique or principles behind it.They also tend to have trouble standing still. It is helpful to make adjustments on the students technique physically, and allow them to feel the technique working properly. Push their front stance or realign their posture as they go, rather than try to explain everything perfectly from the beginning.

Not everyone prefers one type of learning style, and a combination of the above is recommended when teaching new material.