The Way They Learn

The Way They Learn

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97  ·  rating details  ·  363 ratings  ·  36 reviews
The learning-styles expert gives parents a better understanding of the types of learning approaches that will help their children do better in school.
Paperback, 168 pages
Published April 1st 1998 by Focus on the Family Publishing (first published 1994)
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Adriane Devries
The Way They Learn, by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias, aims to unlock the secrets to each child’s unique intelligence. The process of taking in information (Perception) can be divided into two camps: Concrete (five senses, tangible, obvious) and Abstract (symbolic, thematic, imagination). The way we order information (Ordering) can be divided into two further camps: Sequential (follow the steps) and Random (skip around according to interest). By combining your dominant Perception with your dominant Order...more
Mystie Winckler
Own. (purchased used for $1) Recommended to me years ago as a good book on learning styles.

I am a strong Abstract Sequential, and I was a little disappointed to learn that that explains my predisposition and ability to decide what emotions I will and will not allow. It's not because I'm wise and wonderful. It's just the way my brain works. And -- I always think unfortunately -- not the way most people's brains and emotions work. As is usually the case when I take temperament tests, I have one of...more
Courtney


Helpful, but not anything groundbreaking. In fact, she just explains several different styles that other people have discovered. However, it is nice to not just look at how the mind works, but also how different people remember, learn, process, study, and hear. Most learning styles books look at one of those, but in this book she puts it all together and helps you see how everyone's preferences feed other parts of them. For example, I'm definitely concrete, but couldn't determine if I was seque...more
Karla
A bit dated, but offers some useful ideas/research regarding how the mind works, environmental preferences for learning, learning strategies, how we process information, and multiple intelligences. I realized, after reading this book, that my own mind tends towards "Abstract/Sequential," I am an auditory learner, and I tend to process new info "globally," rather than analytically. A good read for those who are involved in the education of their own children (which would include any parent, reall...more
Mary-Jane
A quick read and overview of several learning style theories. Personally, I am not a big fan of Gardner. Informative. I would be hesitant to categorize children too early since they are still developing their learning styles. Probably the best approach for children is to give opportunities that use a variety of learning styles so they can be exposed and best develop their own strengths.
Teresa
Wow, what an eye-opener! First book I read that taught me that people take in information in different ways and need certain types of environments to study in; how global thinkers think differently than analytical minds; how some are concrete/sequential and some are abstract/random and all combinations of each; and it taught me the word 'floccinaucinihilipilification!
Jennifer
I enjoyed this book that looked at ways of categorizing learning styles beyond the basic visual-auditory-kinesethic that I was familiar with in the past. I found it amusing that I was also recently steered towards an article that highlighted the lack of research supporting the hypothesis that teaching to a person's learning style actually helps them learn better.
Dawn
Jul 05, 2012 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars
Recommended to Dawn by: Anyone wanting an introduction to learning styles
This book provides a good survey of five aspects of learning styles: the mind styles of Gregorc, environmental preferences, modalities, analytical/global information processing and multiple intelligences. If you are looking for an accessible introduction, this book would be a good place to start.

However, if, like me, you have already read a number of books on learning styles, you will find this book lacking in depth and detail.
Carrie
This was an interesting book that discussed a lot different learning styles and theories. It is a little outdated (Gardner's Multiple Intelligences now recognizes 8 intelligences, not 7). However, the information is given in a straightforward manner with a lot of anecdotal illustrations. If you are interested in this topic (for yourself or for dealing with your children) it is worth the read.
Christina
This is another "must have" for a parent's library. I found this book interesting but I had a couple of problems with it. There were not a lot of tips in helping you figure out your child's learning style other than reading the descriptions. Most of the checklists and self tests seemed to be geared towards adults. My children are preschool age, so maybe as they get older they might more easily match up to some of the descriptions.

I also didn't find a lot of practical tips for helping a child le...more
Jen
I like the information presented in this book. It helped define some of my child's tendencies and I am glad to have a resource that will help me support his learning process.
Tina Crisman
Well.........I read the majority of it and skimmed the rest. I was looking for ideas on how to figure out what works best when it comes to teaching my son's. Mostly though I was bored with the writing and had a hard time getting through this (which is why I just starting skimming). I'm sure this is very helpful for others (as I see in other reviews), but for me, I was left more confused then helped.
Kelly
I LOVED this book! My son is too young to have a predominant style, but I learned a LOT about myself and my husband!
Michelle H
I love how easy she is to read. I love the practical stories. We need an option to say we are re-reading!
Sam
Great learning style study that really crosses over into parenting and discipline. Must read.
Dawn
A must read for every parent and teacher out there. Life changing. This book will rock your world.
Marcy Bates
This book changed my life as a young teacher and I still refer to it today as a parent
Kori
Apr 23, 2008 Kori rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who want to understand more about people
I liked the info. in this book. At first I didn't know if I would be able to apply the information I was getting. Then, I had to prepare a lesson for Sunday School...
I found myself thinking that I had better write on the board so those kids who were more visual learners could get more out of the lesson...and I should make sure to include things to help the more auditory learners too...
It was fun to discover in what ways I learn the best, what helps me remember better, how I take in information,...more
Heather
I gained so much insight into my relationships with everyone from this book!
Kim
I have read this book many times and continue to pick it up about once a month to refresh my memory about how my children learn. I find it very helpful to understand how my children learn and hear my directions and how they express their learning. One of the reasons that I chose to homeschool was so that my children can learn and grow the way that God made them. So rather than trying to get them to learn the way that I teach, I'm trying to understand them and bring out the best in them. This boo...more
Nancy
This book should be a must-read for every parent and teacher!
Jenny
read in 2002
Sam
very good, quick, basic intro to learning styles.
Kellie
Feb 19, 2012 Kellie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Parent;s, Homeschoolers, Teachers
Shelves: education
Wish I had of read this book years ago. It is an excellent book delving into the various ways children and adults learn. Not only have I learned more about my own learning style, but my children's. Very beneficial book for parents, homeschoolers, and teachers.
Angela
I found this book to be equal parts learning style and personality explanation. I enjoyed it and found new insight into not only my children, but also myself, and other adults as well. I would think, "Oh, that's why so-and-so bugs me so much. We're, in essence, opposite personalities!" I could then value our differences.
Jessica Mitlyng Ledoux
This really hit home for me and helped me realize how concrete I am. That has made a huge difference is how I understand things (or don't). Now that my children are a little older, I'd like to re-read it.
Nancy
I learned alot about my own learning style reading this book. I picked it up to help me help my children and as always in that process we help ourselves. I'm very much a visual learner. What are you?
Caryn
Dec 31, 2007 Caryn rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all parents/educators
This is a book that is a great resource for parents -- I learned so much -- it made a difference in my parenting and in how our house runs! I was able to learn about each child and what makes them tick!
Marlee Naylor
Great for helping us understand our children, and even ourselves.
Mom
Gave me understanding why others react differently to things than I do. Helped me in guiding my kids though school. And our schools are not set up for different learning styles.
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