Learning Styles and Learning Preferences.

             For many years a great debate has existed in the field of education. Teachers and educators have attempted to uncover the best method for teaching students. The majority of evidence available suggests that multiple factors influence a student's ability to achieve in the classroom, none the least of which is learning styles and preferences. There is ample evidence supporting the notion that intelligence aside, most students have a learning preference related to their cognitive style of thinking that is ingrained or innate. .

             Because of this students will react to material presented to them in the classroom in different ways. It is vital that teachers begin recognizing the significance of these individual learning differences and uncover methods for coping with and addressing learning style differences and preferences within the classroom. Only then will all children be afforded the opportunity to learn equally and achieve to the best of their ability within the classroom. .

             Individual Learning Differences and Learning Needs.

             There are many different styles of learning individuals adapt, which can affect their aptitude for information, their willingness to participate in the classroom and even the preferences they express when learning (Grabowski & Jonassen, 1993). The ability of a student to construct meaning from information and apply it to settings and situations as well as a student's ability to perform varying tasks depends on their learning style. The academic environment that students reside in must among other things support learning in a "comprehensible and effective" manner for the learner (Grabowski & Jonassen, 1993). Teachers must understand the individual learners style to facilitate this process. .

             Learning styles may include differences in learner traits, which include " a broad range of differences spanning specific abilities and generally styles" (Grabowski & Jonassen, 4).