Understanding the Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model

A learning style refers to how we prefer to learn — for example, by watching, listening, or doing. Understanding our learning style can help us learn more effectively.

One well-known model of learning styles is the Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model. This model identifies different preferences for how people receive and process information, helping educators design more effective learning experiences.

The Felder-Silverman model divides learning into four continuums, and each continuum has two opposite learning styles:

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1. Active vs. Reflective

This dimension shows how learners process information.

• Active learners enjoy engaging in activities when learning new information. They prefer group work and social interaction.

• Reflective learners are more introspective. When facing new information, they like to think about it privately before responding or acting.

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2. Sensing vs. Intuitive

This dimension focuses on how learners prefer to receive and understand information.

• Sensing learners like to discover facts. They learn better by focusing on data and practical information, and often prefer solving problems using known methods.

• Intuitive learners prefer exploring possibilities and seeing patterns or connections. They enjoy innovation and abstract thinking.

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3. Visual vs. Verbal

This dimension refers to the preferred form of content presentation.

• Visual learners learn best through visual aids such as charts, graphs, pictures, and diagrams.

• Verbal learners learn better through spoken or written words, often by listening or discussing with others.

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4. Sequential vs. Global

This dimension describes how learners organize and understand information.

• Sequential learners prefer a step-by-step and logical approach to learning.

• Global learners tend to see the big picture first. They often understand concepts in a holistic way and then break them down into smaller parts.

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Understanding your learning style can help you find study methods that work best for you. It can also help teachers design more effective lessons that reach different types of learners.