Introduction
There is no such thing as a
‘one size fits all’ learning environment... Some people learn best when they see what is
being taught, while others process information best auditorily.
Many will prefer movement or touching to make the learning
process complete. The best approach to learning styles is
a multisensory approach. This type of environment allows
for children, who are primarily kinesthetic or motor learners,
to be able to learn through touch and movement; it allows the
visual learner to see the concept being taught, and the
auditory learner to hear and verbalize what is being taught.
Ideally, the best learning takes place when the different types
of processing abilities can be utilized. Dr. Mel Levine
had this in mind when he wrote his book, “A Mind At A Time.” This book explains how we learn and why
it is okay to learn the way we are wired.
The theory of multiple
intelligences is one that we believe makes sense... Dr. Howard
Gardner, in his original book, “Multiple
Intelligences” refers to eight different forms of
intelligence, refuting the theory that there is just one way to
measure a child’s intellect.
There is also the frustration
that can happen when the process of learning is blocked...or thwarted due
to some type of learning interference. Difficulties in
learning can be exacerbated by the way they are handled or
ignored in childhood. Physical limitations and perceptual
motor issues also play a big role in the ability to receive or
process knowledge.
The desire to learn is in our
nature as human beings... God created us to be inquisitive and creative.
It is our intrinsic desire to want to acquire knowledge,
but the way in which we learn and our reasons for learning can
be very different. According to the Random House College
Dictionary, to learn is “to acquire knowledge or skill by
study, instruction or experience.” The Bible
invites us to learn, by the hearing of the Ten Commandments, to
respond to the Lord our God in worship, trust, service,
obedience and commitment (Deut 31:9-13). Jesus gives us
rest for our souls from the burden of sins when we take His
yoke upon us and learn from Him (Matt, 11:28-30). We will be
ready to follow God’s leading when we continue in what we
have learned from scripture (2 Tim. 3:14-17). God wants
the transformation of our minds and our lives as we live for
Him. The dictionary defines what learning is, and the
Bible helps us understand the reasons we learn.
