Rating: Summary: Very interesting but out of context... Review: I truly enjoyed this book. Ulrich manages to give meaningful yet simple overviews of various methods of establishing "types" of learning styles and people. She uses the Gregorc model of mind styles as the premise for the entire book, dovetailing it with some other well-known and scientifically researched theories. Her manner of presenting the information in terms of parent/child really was insightful for me and very useful in understanding my strong-willed young children and myself. HOWEVER, after she peaked my interest I was driven to find out more about the Gregorc Mind Styles which she so heavily relies upon for the book and in the process of doing so discovered that Dr. Gregorc, the creator of the Mind Styles model used by Ulrich, quite adamantly abandoned the model for use with children and students due to unreliable scientific results and "danger" to children. It would do one well to visit Gregorc Associates Inc. on the web and place Ulrich's information in context and read Dr. Gregorc's own lengthy comments on why he does not use the Mind Styles delineator with children. In light of Dr. Gregorc's reservations about using his own model with children I think it's quite surprising that Ulrich would use it as the basis for her entire book on how children learn. I think you'll find this book a fun read and most likely helpful in many of your relationships, not just with your children. But Dr. Gregorc has convinced me to be cautious in how I apply and assess these styles with respect to my children. I intend not to take it too seriously, and certainly not to label my children with one particular "style." I wish Ulrich had addressed Gregorc's research-based reasons for not applying it to children in order to put things better in perspective. But alas, I guess the book wouldn't sell as well that way would it? It's certainly an easier read than Gregorc's own work and many of the folks Ulrich reaches with her book might never have been exposed to Gregorc's work otherwise (myself included.) In any case, I intend to recommend this book to others with certain caveats because I believe the book is well written and there is certainly something to Dr. Gregorc's model when it comes to the way adults parent. The other scientific research and models she uses in the book are all controversial on some front (Gardner's "seven types of intelligence" comes to mind.) but if one approaches this book with a light heart and an understanding that you will have to incorporate each model into your own framework with a dose of skepticism then I think you'll find it useful.
Rating: Summary: Very interesting but out of context... Review: I truly enjoyed this book. Ulrich manages to give meaningful yet simple overviews of various methods of establishing "types" of learning styles and people. She uses the Gregorc model of mind styles as the premise for the entire book, dovetailing it with some other well-known and scientifically researched theories. Her manner of presenting the information in terms of parent/child really was insightful for me and very useful in understanding my strong-willed young children and myself. HOWEVER, after she peaked my interest I was driven to find out more about the Gregorc Mind Styles which she so heavily relies upon for the book and in the process of doing so discovered that Dr. Gregorc, the creator of the Mind Styles model used by Ulrich, quite adamantly abandoned the model for use with children and students due to unreliable scientific results and "danger" to children. It would do one well to visit Gregorc Associates Inc. on the web and place Ulrich's information in context and read Dr. Gregorc's own lengthy comments on why he does not use the Mind Styles delineator with children. In light of Dr. Gregorc's reservations about using his own model with children I think it's quite surprising that Ulrich would use it as the basis for her entire book on how children learn. I think you'll find this book a fun read and most likely helpful in many of your relationships, not just with your children. But Dr. Gregorc has convinced me to be cautious in how I apply and assess these styles with respect to my children. I intend not to take it too seriously, and certainly not to label my children with one particular "style." I wish Ulrich had addressed Gregorc's research-based reasons for not applying it to children in order to put things better in perspective. But alas, I guess the book wouldn't sell as well that way would it? It's certainly an easier read than Gregorc's own work and many of the folks Ulrich reaches with her book might never have been exposed to Gregorc's work otherwise (myself included.) In any case, I intend to recommend this book to others with certain caveats because I believe the book is well written and there is certainly something to Dr. Gregorc's model when it comes to the way adults parent. The other scientific research and models she uses in the book are all controversial on some front (Gardner's "seven types of intelligence" comes to mind.) but if one approaches this book with a light heart and an understanding that you will have to incorporate each model into your own framework with a dose of skepticism then I think you'll find it useful.
Rating: Summary: Very interesting but out of context... Review: I truly enjoyed this book. Ulrich manages to give meaningful yet simple overviews of various methods of establishing "types" of learning styles and people. She uses the Gregorc model of mind styles as the premise for the entire book, dovetailing it with some other well-known and scientifically researched theories. Her manner of presenting the information in terms of parent/child really was insightful for me and very useful in understanding my strong-willed young children and myself. HOWEVER, after she peaked my interest I was driven to find out more about the Gregorc Mind Styles which she so heavily relies upon for the book and in the process of doing so discovered that Dr. Gregorc, the creator of the Mind Styles model used by Ulrich, quite adamantly abandoned the model for use with children and students due to unreliable scientific results and "danger" to children. It would do one well to visit Gregorc Associates Inc. on the web and place Ulrich's information in context and read Dr. Gregorc's own lengthy comments on why he does not use the Mind Styles delineator with children. In light of Dr. Gregorc's reservations about using his own model with children I think it's quite surprising that Ulrich would use it as the basis for her entire book on how children learn. I think you'll find this book a fun read and most likely helpful in many of your relationships, not just with your children. But Dr. Gregorc has convinced me to be cautious in how I apply and assess these styles with respect to my children. I intend not to take it too seriously, and certainly not to label my children with one particular "style." I wish Ulrich had addressed Gregorc's research-based reasons for not applying it to children in order to put things better in perspective. But alas, I guess the book wouldn't sell as well that way would it? It's certainly an easier read than Gregorc's own work and many of the folks Ulrich reaches with her book might never have been exposed to Gregorc's work otherwise (myself included.) In any case, I intend to recommend this book to others with certain caveats because I believe the book is well written and there is certainly something to Dr. Gregorc's model when it comes to the way adults parent. The other scientific research and models she uses in the book are all controversial on some front (Gardner's "seven types of intelligence" comes to mind.) but if one approaches this book with a light heart and an understanding that you will have to incorporate each model into your own framework with a dose of skepticism then I think you'll find it useful.
Rating: Summary: Quick insight into communication and learning styles Review: It has been said that no two snowflakes are alike. In my view, the same can be said with regard to children. Author Cynthia Ulrich Tobias recognizes this, and offers excellent information and insight within the pages of The Way They Learn. Cynthia speaks to us in layman terminology. You will be able to understand and process each child's style. As an educator, and Mom of two wonderful daughters, I highly recommend this publication. Cynthia Tobias Ulrich has a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in learning styles, and she is founder of Learning Styles Unlimited. She and her husband John, have twin boys, Michael & Robert. She is author of many inspiring books including "You Can't Make Me." My first awareness of this fine author was during a speaking engagement she held in May of 1997. Since then I have read this publication numerous times, and continue to "ear" yet another page. Detail and Insight From birth there are evident, innate, differences in all people. This factor even lays relevant in multiple birth situations. In this publication, Cynthia provides easy to understand descriptions of the learning styles, quizzes to assist you toward realizing the style of your child and yourself, and a lot of well thought out information. When given insight to the different learning styles, you can effectively understand and teach each child. I guarantee you that after absorbing the information in this book, you will be able to "understand" your child in a manner not before realized! This publication even assisted me with my marriage. Allowing me to realize that some of the irritating things my spouse does are not meant to annoy me, they are just part of his "style." You will realize that some of the things your children do that irritate you really aren't purposeful. Further, you will foster an understanding that all children are smart, but in different areas. Quite simply, we just all have differences. Knowing the way your family unit perceives and orders information will allow for a more unison acceptance of each other. The information presented will allow you to arrive at a better understanding of how your child learns. Based on The Gregoric Model of Learning Styles, Cynthia explains to us how our minds receive and perceive information. You then will understand why certain teaching styles allow your child to succeed easier. Once you have realized your child's learning strengths, you will be empowered to help them succeed! You will see why each child reacts differently and learns uniquely. You will see why one child eases through their math homework but gets frustrated with the assigned art project. The wealth of knowledge in The Way They Learn will also aid you in conflict management, by providing you with admiration (what characteristics others notice & admire about that style), perceptions (negative perceptions that other dominant styles perceive), and getting along advice (ten commandments for getting along with each style) for each dominant learning style. Further, you are provided stress trigger examples for each dominant learning style. In conclusion, this is one of my favorite parenting books and the first that I recommend to others.
Rating: Summary: So, Do You Know The Way They Learn? Review: It has been said that no two snowflakes are alike. In my view, the same can be said with regard to children. Author Cynthia Ulrich Tobias recognizes this, and offers excellent information and insight within the pages of The Way They Learn. Cynthia speaks to us in layman terminology. You will be able to understand and process each child's style. As an educator, and Mom of two wonderful daughters, I highly recommend this publication. Cynthia Tobias Ulrich has a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in learning styles, and she is founder of Learning Styles Unlimited. She and her husband John, have twin boys, Michael & Robert. She is author of many inspiring books including "You Can't Make Me." My first awareness of this fine author was during a speaking engagement she held in May of 1997. Since then I have read this publication numerous times, and continue to "ear" yet another page. Detail and Insight From birth there are evident, innate, differences in all people. This factor even lays relevant in multiple birth situations. In this publication, Cynthia provides easy to understand descriptions of the learning styles, quizzes to assist you toward realizing the style of your child and yourself, and a lot of well thought out information. When given insight to the different learning styles, you can effectively understand and teach each child. I guarantee you that after absorbing the information in this book, you will be able to "understand" your child in a manner not before realized! This publication even assisted me with my marriage. Allowing me to realize that some of the irritating things my spouse does are not meant to annoy me, they are just part of his "style." You will realize that some of the things your children do that irritate you really aren't purposeful. Further, you will foster an understanding that all children are smart, but in different areas. Quite simply, we just all have differences. Knowing the way your family unit perceives and orders information will allow for a more unison acceptance of each other. The information presented will allow you to arrive at a better understanding of how your child learns. Based on The Gregoric Model of Learning Styles, Cynthia explains to us how our minds receive and perceive information. You then will understand why certain teaching styles allow your child to succeed easier. Once you have realized your child's learning strengths, you will be empowered to help them succeed! You will see why each child reacts differently and learns uniquely. You will see why one child eases through their math homework but gets frustrated with the assigned art project. The wealth of knowledge in The Way They Learn will also aid you in conflict management, by providing you with admiration (what characteristics others notice & admire about that style), perceptions (negative perceptions that other dominant styles perceive), and getting along advice (ten commandments for getting along with each style) for each dominant learning style. Further, you are provided stress trigger examples for each dominant learning style. In conclusion, this is one of my favorite parenting books and the first that I recommend to others.
Rating: Summary: Not worth reading unless you're a parent at wits' end Review: This book is more for parents than educators, and even then I think it would mostly interest parents dealing with a child having great difficulty, academically or behaviorally. There are a few tips that could enlighten parents and teachers in general, but not enough to buy the book. Along a similar topic, I prefer work discussing the four temperaments by Tim LaHaye, although his books don't focus just on learning as this one does.
Rating: Summary: A fun 'how to' understand and foster learning Review: This book provides valuable information about how children deal with new information as they grow and develop, which also lends to pratical application for understanding adult behavior. It explains different learning styles with examples of how to best assist the learner in his or her growth, both personal and intellectual. This book is written in an easy to read, interesting format that involves the reader while providing a wealth of information. I feel this book is extremely helpful for parents, teachers and anyone interested in taking an active role in fostering a child's education and development.
Rating: Summary: A fun 'how to' understand and foster learning Review: This book provides valuable information about how children deal with new information as they grow and develop, which also lends to pratical application for understanding adult behavior. It explains different learning styles with examples of how to best assist the learner in his or her growth, both personal and intellectual. This book is written in an easy to read, interesting format that involves the reader while providing a wealth of information. I feel this book is extremely helpful for parents, teachers and anyone interested in taking an active role in fostering a child's education and development.
Rating: Summary: A very Eye-opening book! Review: This book was wonderful. As a homeschooling mother I was able to understand the different learning styles for my children and myself, which only helped to make me a better teacher. I am able to guide them to do their best. This is a wonderful book and Cynthia U. Tobias writes so that anyone can understand her. I would recommend this book be read by any homeschooling parent, or any person who is working with children; i.e. day care workers, teachers, etc. Thank you for the clarity you give in your work!
Rating: Summary: Putting learning styles into practice for teachers. Review: Tobias's book, "The Way They Learn" is a well structured composite of the five most useable theories of learning styles. Being an experienced teacher, and having focused on my students' styles of learning over the past years, I have seen a remarkable increase in student involvement in the learning process when the activity is matched to the learning style of the child. The introductory chapters give a good foundation for understanding the learning style models, but I particulary like parents to read and discuss with me the chapters on how we concentrate, how we remember, and how we understand. Parents are often amazed that their children can learn very easily in a completely different environment than they need to focus and concentrate. This book not only gives the basics, but along the way gives lots of good tips for working with children on specific learning problem areas. All teachers and parents should know this research exists and is accurately useful.
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