by: the Coordinator of the Engineering Education, FKJ

Credit to: AP. Ts. Dr. Mohd Kamaruddin bin Abd Hamid (Deputy Dean - Academics & International, FKJ)

The ultimate goal of understanding learning styles is to empower students to take ownership of their education. By leveraging the insights from the Index of Learning Styles (ILS), engineering students can implement targeted strategies to optimize their study habits, enhance their academic performance, and prepare for the diverse challenges of their field.

Adapting Study Habits to Your Learning Style

Each learning style has unique strengths and potential challenges. Students can use the following practical strategies to align their study habits with their preferences:

1. Active Learners:

• Engage in group discussions, brainstorming sessions, or study groups.

• Use hands-on activities, such as simulations or experiments, to solidify understanding.

• Practice problems actively, rather than just reading or listening to solutions.

2. Reflective Learners:

• • Allocate time for independent study and personal reflection after classes.

  • Summarize notes and concepts in your own words to deepen understanding.

  • Prepare before group discussions to feel more confident in contributing.

3. Sensing Learners:

• • Focus on practical examples and real-world applications of theories.

  • Use step-by-step guides and structured outlines for problem-solving.

  • Review course material with concrete details and avoid overemphasis on abstract concepts.

4. Intuitive Learners:

• Explore theoretical frameworks and innovative approaches to problems.

• Seek out challenging questions or topics that require creative thinking.

• Avoid skipping over details; take time to verify your understanding of foundational concepts.

5. Visual Learners:

• Incorporate diagrams, flowcharts, graphs, and videos into your study materials.

• Highlight key points in textbooks or notes using color-coded annotations.

• Use visual tools, such as mind maps, to connect ideas and organize information.

6. Verbal Learners:

• Engage in discussions with peers or instructors to clarify doubts.

• Write summaries, essays, or explanations to reinforce learning.

• Listen to lectures, podcasts, or audiobooks for additional insights.

7. Sequential Learners:

• Approach problems in a logical, step-by-step manner.

• Use outlines or structured plans to break complex tasks into manageable steps.

• Focus on understanding the process before moving to the next topic.

8. Global Learners:

• Start by understanding the big picture or overall concept before diving into details.

• Use examples that show the broader implications of a concept or solution.

• Don’t hesitate to revisit topics multiple times to strengthen understanding.

Leveraging Learning Styles in Collaborative Settings

Engineering often involves teamwork, requiring students to adapt their styles to work effectively with peers. For example:

• Active learners can lead discussions or facilitate group brainstorming.

• Reflective learners can contribute by analyzing and organizing group outputs.

• Sensing learners can focus on practical aspects of the task, while intuitive learners explore innovative ideas.

By understanding their learning preferences, students can position themselves strategically within a team to maximize their contributions and learning outcomes.

Recommendations for Educators to Support Diverse Learners

Educators play a crucial role in accommodating various learning styles in their teaching methods. Here are some strategies to support a diverse classroom:

• Incorporate a mix of lectures, group activities, and hands-on projects to engage both active and reflective learners.

• Use a combination of visual aids and verbal explanations to address visual and verbal preferences.

• Provide real-world examples for sensing learners while discussing abstract theories for intuitive learners.

• Offer structured step-by-step guidance for sequential learners and overarching concepts for global learners.

When educators create inclusive environments, students feel empowered to excel, regardless of their individual learning preferences.

Building Self-Awareness for Lifelong Learning

One of the most significant benefits of using ILS is helping students build self-awareness. Understanding their learning styles not only enhances their academic performance but also prepares them for lifelong learning in their careers. Engineering students who are aware of their strengths can adapt to new challenges, improve problem-solving skills, and remain agile in dynamic professional environments.