1. Physically-centred learners

Characteristics

As with any learning style that attempts to classify a large group of people, we must recognize that First Nations People are not a uniform group - there are hundreds of different tribal groups in North America. Even within the same tribal group, individuals can be considerably different from one another. ¹⁰

• Learn best when learning is a part of the whole context
• Learn best when the content is practical
• Need to relate new experiences to past learning
• Like to learn by watching and doing - not by listening to detailed instructions from the tutor
• Task-orientated

Ideas for tasks and activities

• Videos
• Role-play
• Personal, experiential stories and variety
• Change activity frequently

2. Intuitive learners ⁹

Characteristics

• Need to know why they are doing something
• Connect what they are learning to what they already know
• Need time alone to process new concepts and information
• Adapt easily to new learning situations
• Can synthesize large amounts of information
• Thorough, remember the smaller details

Ideas for tasks and activities

• Experience-sharing discussions
• Crosswords
• Debate
• Word games (Scrabble, crosswords)
• Videos - to watch and discuss
• Oral history
• Self-awareness and self-assessment exercises

⁹ Dianne Hill, "Prior Learning Assessment Recognition: Applications for an Aboriginal Model of Holistic Learning." Joe Duquette High School. Saskatoon, November 16, 2001. Used with permission from Dianne Hill.
¹⁰ Karen Swisher. (May 1991) American Indian /Alaskan Native Learning Styles: Research and Practice. National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition & Language Instruction Educational Programs. [on-line], Washington, DC. Available: ncela.gwu.edu/miscpubs/jeilms/ vol13/americ13.htm [2003, February]