Learning Styles and Motivation in the ESL/EFL Classroom.

Learning styles

To start the topic, let´s talk about learning styles.

Learning styles encompass a range of individual preferences in how we acquire and process information. They play a crucial role in how effectively we absorb knowledge and, ultimately, in our overall educational experiences, and as the name suggests, there is more than one learning style. There are, in fact, a lot of them; really, there are a lot of categorized learning styles and models, but let´s start with the most well-known.

VARK Model

One of the most accepted understandings of learning styles is that student learning styles fall into three categories: Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. These learning styles are found within educational theorist Neil Fleming’s VARK model of Student Learning. VARK is an acronym that refers to the four types of learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference, and Kinesthetic

It's common for people to have a dominant style while still benefiting from other styles. By understanding what kind of learner you and other people are, you can gain a better perspective on how to implement these learning styles into your lesson plans and study techniques.

Visual Learners

Visual learners primarily rely on their sense of sight to understand and retain information. They have a strong preference for visual aids, graphics, and other forms of visual representation. Here's more about visual learners:

• Characteristics: Visual learners are often skilled at recognizing patterns, colors, and shapes. They may have a good spatial understanding and can easily remember the visual layout of diagrams and charts. They tend to be detail-oriented and appreciate visual aesthetics.
• Preferred Learning Materials: Visual learners gravitate toward materials like diagrams, charts, infographics, photographs, slideshows, videos, and illustrations. These visual elements help them absorb complex information more easily.
• Study Strategies: Effective study strategies for visual learners include creating colorful mind maps to connect ideas, using flashcards with images to reinforce memorization, and watching educational videos that provide visual demonstrations.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners are those who excel when information is presented through sound and spoken words. They have a remarkable capacity to grasp complex concepts when explained verbally. Here's a closer look at auditory learners:

• Characteristics: Auditory learners are typically excellent listeners. They have a strong ability to remember spoken information and may excel in oral communication. They often appreciate music and have a good ear for sounds and rhythms.
• Preferred Learning Materials: Auditory learners prefer lectures, discussions, podcasts, audiobooks, and recorded presentations. These materials enable them to absorb and retain information through listening.
• Study Strategies: Effective study strategies for auditory learners include participating in group discussions to reinforce key concepts, reading learning materials aloud to themselves, and recording important lectures or class sessions for later review.

Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners

Kinesthetic learners are experiential learners who thrive when they can actively engage with their surroundings. In other words, they learn by doing, touching, and manipulating objects. Here's a more detailed exploration of this learning style:

• Characteristics: Kinesthetic learners have a strong need for physical movement and hands-on experiences. They tend to have excellent motor skills and coordination. They learn best through action and often have a strong sense of touch and bodily awareness.
• Preferred Learning Materials: Kinesthetic learners favor practical activities, hands-on experiments, role-playing, and real-world applications of knowledge. They require interactive learning experiences to grasp and internalize concepts.
• Study Strategies: Effective study strategies for kinesthetic learners involve engaging in physical activities related to the subject matter, conducting experiments to understand scientific principles, and participating in role-playing scenarios that simulate real-world situations.

 

Reading/Writing Learners

Reading and writing learners find comfort in written materials and excel at processing information through the written word. These learners may present themselves as copious note-takers or avid readers and can translate abstract concepts into words and essays. Here's a more in-depth look at this learning style:

• Characteristics: Reading and writing learners often have a strong aptitude for reading and writing. They enjoy reading books, articles, and written documents and are adept at taking notes, summarizing information in written form, and expressing themselves through writing.
• Preferred Learning Materials: These learners thrive on textbooks, written notes, articles, and written assignments. They may prefer reading materials in print or digital format to acquire knowledge.
• Study Strategies: Effective study strategies for reading and writing learners include creating comprehensive outlines and written summaries of material, taking detailed notes during lectures, and rewriting information in their own words to reinforce understanding.

It is important to remember that people often possess a blend of these learning styles, and their preferences can vary depending on the subject matter, context, and individual factors. Being aware of the primary learning style, as identified by the VARK model, can help tailor learning and study methods to the strengths. However, it's equally essential to remain flexible and open to other styles to become a more versatile learner and effectively adapt to diverse learning environments and challenges. Finally here is an overview of the learning styles that might be helpful to remember all this info.

Now as we mentioned before there is more than one model of learning styles, Let's talk about another one, shall we?

Kolb's Experiential Learning Model

David A. Kolb's Experiential Learning Model is a comprehensive framework that describes the learning process as a cycle consisting of four stages, each representing a different aspect of the learning journey. Kolb's model suggests that effective learning involves a continuous progression through these stages. 

Here's a closer look at each of the stages and the characteristics associated with them:

1. Concrete Experience (CE)

   • Characteristics: In this initial stage, learners engage in hands-on experiences and direct interactions with the subject matter. They rely on their senses and emotions to gather information and form perceptions.
   • Preferences: Individuals who favor the concrete experience stage are often action-oriented, adventurous, and open to new experiences. They enjoy trying things out and participating actively in learning activities. They may value real-life examples and practical applications.

2. Reflective Observation (RO)

   • Characteristics: In this stage, learners take a step back to contemplate and review their experiences. They seek to understand and make sense of what they've encountered, looking for patterns and connections.
   • Preferences: Reflective observers are introspective and analytical. They appreciate opportunities for thoughtful discussion, self-assessment, and peer feedback. They enjoy reviewing their experiences and often value feedback and diverse viewpoints.

3. Abstract Conceptualization (AC)

   • Characteristics: During this stage, learners use reflective observations to form abstract concepts and theories. They seek to create generalizations and principles based on their experiences.
   • Preferences: Individuals who prefer abstract conceptualization are typically logical and analytical thinkers. They thrive when they can engage in structured discussions, concept mapping, and theoretical explorations. They value clarity, logical reasoning, and a systematic approach to learning.

4. Active Experimentation (AE)

   • Characteristics: In the final stage of the cycle, learners test their theories and concepts through practical applications. They aim to put their newfound knowledge into action and engage in problem-solving.
   • Preferences: Active experimenters are action-oriented and practical. They excel in situations where they can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, conduct hands-on experiments, and engage in active problem-solving. They value the opportunity to test their ideas and theories in practical contexts.

Kolb's model suggests that effective learning is not confined to any single stage but involves a continuous and dynamic process of moving through all four stages. Learners may have a preferred stage within this cycle, but they benefit from experiencing all stages to achieve a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding.

As you can see, this model of learning styles is different from the Vark model. That´s because this looks at things from a different perspective. Let´s see another model, and then we can compare them and see which one is better!

Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles

Honey and Mumford's model is an adaptation of Kolb's Experiential Learning Model and classifies learners into four distinct styles, each characterized by specific traits, preferences, and approaches to learning. These styles provide valuable insights into how individuals prefer to engage with the learning process. Here's a deeper look at each of these styles.

Activists

• • Characteristics: Activists are enthusiastic and outgoing learners who embrace new experiences with open arms. They often learn through trial and error, enjoying hands-on activities and challenges. They are spontaneous and willing to jump into tasks without too much forethought.
  • Preferences: Activists prefer active and experiential learning. They enjoy group work, role-playing, simulations, and real-world experiences. They appreciate variety and opportunities for problem-solving and exploration. However, they may struggle with maintaining focus in longer, more structured situations.

 

Reflectors

• • Characteristics: Reflectors are thoughtful and contemplative learners who value careful observation and analysis. They take their time to consider situations, often seeking multiple perspectives before taking action. They are patient and enjoy a structured approach to learning.
  • Preferences: Reflectors thrive in activities that allow for reflection, such as case studies, group discussions, journaling, and quiet self-assessment. They are skilled at reviewing past experiences, seeking patterns, and considering various viewpoints. However, they may find overly active or rushed learning environments less comfortable.

 

Theorists

1. • Characteristics: Theorists approach learning with a systematic and logical mindset. They are analytical and prefer to understand the underlying principles and theories behind concepts. They value clarity and structure in their learning materials.
   • Preferences: Theorists appreciate learning experiences that provide clear explanations, logical reasoning, and concept mapping. They excel in situations where they can create models, theories, or frameworks to make sense of information. They may find ambiguity and unstructured content challenging.

 

Pragmatists

• Characteristics: Pragmatists are practical and action-oriented learners who seek immediate applications of knowledge. They are motivated by learning that has direct relevance and usefulness in real-life situations. They value problem-solving and hands-on experiences.
• Preferences: Pragmatists enjoy activities that have real-world significance, such as practical exercises, simulations, and problem-solving challenges. They thrive when they can apply theory to practice. They may find purely theoretical or abstract content less engaging.

Now that we have seen three different models of learning styles, let´s compare them shall we? Let´s make a table to help us see how they compare to each other.

Aspect	VARK Model	Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles	Kolb's Experiential Learning Model
Number of Styles	Four: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic	Four: Activist, Reflector, Theorist, Pragmatist	Four stages within a learning cycle
Primary Focus	Sensory preferences for receiving information	Learning preferences and approaches	Phases of the learning process
Characteristics of Styles	- Visual: Prefers visual aids and diagrams  - Auditory: Learns best through listening - Reading/Writing: Excels in written materials - Kinesthetic: Learns by doing and manipulating	- Activists: Eager for new experiences, hands-on - Reflectors: Thoughtful and contemplative - Theorists: Systematic and logical thinkers - Pragmatists: Practical, focused on real-world applications	- Concrete Experience: Hands-on, experiential learning - Reflective Observation: Thoughtful analysis - Abstract Conceptualization: Theoretical understanding  - Active Experimentation: Practical application
Preferences in Learning Materials	Visual aids, auditory materials, written content, hands-on experiences	Varied learning materials based on their style (e.g., hands-on, reflective, theoretical, practical)	Varied materials in different stages, including real-world examples, discussions, theoretical readings, and practical applications
Flexibility and Adaptability	Recognizes the possibility of a combination of styles and adaptability	Encourages flexibility but focuses on dominant style	Emphasizes a dynamic cycle where learners move through all stages
Educational Application	Tailoring teaching methods to match students' primary styles	Adapting teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles	Incorporating elements from each stage into teaching to engage a range of learners

As you can see, the three models have some simulitudes between them; the three have four components, and they also have some flexibility that allows them to work in a variety of ways. All of them can be used in the classroom by teachers and alumni alike, so with that said, which model is better? The answer is that none is better than the other; each one has its own strengths; it is just a matter of personal preferences!

Motivation

After all of that, let´s talk about the other half of the topic! motivation!! What is it? How do I use it? Can I eat it? let´s start!

The word "motivation" is derived from the Latin word "motivus," which means "pertaining to motion" or "causing motion." This connection emphasizes the idea that motivation is what sets things into motion, driving us to act and achieve our goals.

The term motivation describes why a person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions. Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

For instance, motivation is what helps you lose extra weight, or pushes you to get that promotion at work. In short, motivation causes you to act in a way that gets you closer to your goals. Motivation includes the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate human behavior.

Motivation is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or animals initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. It is a complex phenomenon, and its precise definition is disputed.

Motivation is often divided into two phases: in the first phase, the individual establishes a goal, while in the second phase, they attempt to reach their desired goal or outcome.

Concepts of motivation from different approaches

PSYCHOLOGY

In psychology, motivation refers to the complex interplay of internal and external factors that stimulate, guide, and sustain our behavior. These factors include desires, needs, values, and the promise of rewards or the threat of punishment.

 

"The impetus that gives purpose or direction to behavior and operates in humans at a conscious or unconscious level"

HUMANISM

Humanism is a psychological perspective that focuses on personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the innate desire to achieve one's potential. In this view, motivation is seen as an intrinsic and self-determined force that guides individuals toward self-actualization, the realization of their full potential.

Humanistic theories of motivation emphasize the idea that motivation is affected by how we perceive the world, how we think about ourselves, and the degree to which the environment is supportive and encouraging.

BEHAVIORISM

Behaviorism is a psychological perspective that emphasizes observable behaviors and their relationship to external stimuli.The behavioristic approach examines how motives are learned and how internal drives and external goals interact with learning to produce behaviour.

Motivation in behaviorism is often explained in terms of rewards and punishments, with behaviors driven by the anticipation of positive outcomes or the avoidance of negative consequences.

EDUCATION

In the field of education, motivation plays a critical role in student engagement and learning outcomes. Motivated students are more likely to be committed, persistent, and successful in their studies.

In education, motivation helps children and young people to focus their attention on a key goal or outcome. In doing so, they are unfazed by possible distractions, and are therefore able to maintain their attention during longer periods of time.

What are the types of motivation?

The two main types of motivation are frequently described as being either extrinsic or intrinsic.

• Extrinsic motivation arises from outside of the individual and often involves external rewards such as trophies, money, social recognition, or praise.

• Intrinsic motivation is internal and arises from within the individual, such as doing a complicated crossword puzzle purely for the gratification of solving a problem.

Why motivation is important

Motivation serves as a guiding force for all human behavior. So, understanding how motivation works and the factors that may impact it can be important for several reasons.


Understanding motivation can:

• Increase your efficiency as you work toward your goals.
• Drive you to take action.
• Encourage you to engage in health-oriented behaviors.
• Help you avoid unhealthy or maladaptive behaviors, such as risk-taking and addiction.
• Help you feel more in control of your life.
• Improve your overall well-being and happiness.

References

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