Informational Essay

Informational Essay

Learning styles can be looked at in several ways. We will see this through the eyes of three different authors along with three different articles. Can Generations Xers Be Trained ?, by Shari Caudron, A Tale of Four Learners, by Bernice McCarthy, and Improving the Dietary Patterns of Adolescents Using a Computer-Based Approach, by Krista Casazza and Michele Ciccazzo, we will discover that there are many ways to learn the use of different styles and methods of learning. The authors of each of the three essays use tools and patterns for their purpose to work their learning styles in the setting that relates to a certain group of people that can be comparable and different. We will look at the three authors information stating how their styles are beneficial in today’s world and compare their similarities and differences.

The first article, Can Generations Xers Be Trained? by Shari Caudron refers to the type of language that needs to be used today rather than language from the baby boomer era. The training needs to be geared towards the changing America, which will help with communication. A lot of companies are favoring this sort of training, which seems to work well for all ages, especially for the upcoming generation. Generation Xers, today’s generation, can get bored with informational training and might not want to work for that particular company. Generation Xers want to take the information learned and apply it to the workplace. They get a lot of their information from the computer. Caudron said, “Many, if not most, grew up with computers at home, in school, and at arcades on weekends, so they are amazingly technoliterate.” Can Generation Xers Be Trained? article refers to the generation known as “latchkey kids”. While both parents work they find themselves learning to be independent and solving problems on their own. This generation is used to pressing a button and having an instant outcome, so learning needs to be entertaining. They use CD-ROMS, videos, audio, and eye-catching training materials to help with learning.

The second article, A Tale of Four Learners, by Bernice McCarthy, PhD, uses her own system she created, The 4MAT. It is broke down into four types of learners. Type 1, experiencing, Type 2, conceptualizing, Type 3, applying, and Type 4, creating. This individualizes the learning process. In the four types of learning processes McCarthy describes students, middle school age group, that relate to each of the learning processes in a school setting. After describing each learning process, McCarthy tells how each student benefited from the learning process that fit their situation. This system gives every child opportunities for different learning experiences. A pattern is formed as one sees reality and reacts to it then uses that pattern to form ideas and skills. The learner learns by moving through a natural cycle. As McCarthy said, “ A movement from feeling to reflecting to thinking and finally to acting.” Each type of learner was found to need visual or auditory aid as a tool to assist them in their pattern of learning. They need the tools to assess children and what learning styles are in their best interest.

The third article, Improving the Dietary Patterns of Adolescents by Krista Casazza and Michele Ciccazzo looks at learning how to eat healthy and keep physically fit. This article states that young adults are becoming more obese and overweight throughout our generations. Casazza and Ciccazzo use a computer-based approach to change the learning styles of children and adolescents in general nutrition education. The article “Improving the Dietary Patterns of Adolescents Using a Computer-Based Approach” refers to the concern of overweight young people. Unfortunately, children who are overweight are more than likely will be overweight as adults. The concern with being overweight may lead to health issues. This is why it is important to get the information to young adults so they may be aware not only of the health issues, but the alternatives to a healthier diet. This article targets an overall group of young people. It wants all adolescents to learn what will benefit their well-being.

The article Improving the Dietary Patterns of Adolescents Using a Computer-Based Approach uses the computer to help get their learning