ABSTRACT
Keefe (1991) defined learning style as a specific mental process or behavior that affects and psychologically helps learners to understand their learning, respond to what is taught, and interact with peers. Putting it in a nutshell, there is currently no widely accepted definition of learning style. Learning is how individuals perceive knowledge, using their interest and preference. Learning styles can be defined, categorized and recognized in many diverse ways. They can also be defined as a set of causes, deeds and approaches that enable learning for an individual in a given condition. The research literature on learning styles has come out with several corrections which contribute to the unrelated, varying and often different evidences regarding what constitutes learning style. Learning style remains a unique vital aspect which moves individual educational ability (Kolb, 1984). Researchers have opposing views when describing learning style. Kolb (1976) saw learning style as the exclusive learning method obtainable by the student during the learning progression and situation. Butler (1987) claimed that learning style is
an ordinary way that a person uses to absorb what is being taught. Learning style is also used by students to communicate with their surroundings in the easiest and most effective way. According to Grasha-Riechmann (1974), there are six types of learning style, namely, Competitive, Collaborative, Avoidant, Participant, Dependent, and Independent. The first learning style, Competitive, includes extracurricular activity that develops creativity and problem-solving skill among students to compete with each other (Tabesh, 2007). Collaborative learning style refers to learning in a large group. Teachers and students work toward achieving a certain goal by sharing their ideas. Avoidant learning style is a type of learning preferred by the quiet type of individual. Avoidant learners choose to be in large groups; however, they do not take part in any of the activities and remain quiet. Participant learning style is where students are participants in all the classroom activities. They enjoy learning and join all the activities. In Dependent learning style, the learners prefer teacher-centered learning. They expect the teacher to provide everything for them. Finally, in Independent learning style, the learners do not depend on anyone but they prefer to learn by themselves and seldom depend or wait for their teacher.
