The manner in which a student learns is considered his or her learning
style. A student may learn best by seeing, hearing, being active, or
reflecting, to name a few. Learning styles are typically described by
a student's sensory modalities (i.e., visual, tactile, auditory, and k
inesthetic) and intellectual processes (i.e., active, reflective, glob
al, or analytical). Teaching styles and tools also vary and typically
include giving lectures, holding discussions, role playing, or demonst
rating. Mismatches between teaching styles and student learning styles
can cause students to become inattentive and unproductive in class. N
umerous learning style inventories are available to identify individua
l student learning styles. These inventories help both student and ins
tructor learn how the individual student best processes new informatio
n. Therefore, we suggest instructors administer learning style invento
ries to obtain a profile of students' learning styles. Students will u
ndoubtedly learn more effectively if instructors match their teaching
styles to student learning styles.