Grasha-Riechmann 
Student Learning Styles

Participant/Avoidant

Students with a participant style are eager to learn course content, enjoy learning, and take responsibility for their own learning. Students with an avoidant style don't want to learn the content, do not enjoy learning, and avoid taking part in course activities.

Students with a participant style are more likely to do well in distance learning, which requires more effort on their part than the typical classroom. To reach students with an avoidant style, demonstrate how learning the material will benefit them in their own lives.

Collaborative/Competitive

Students with a collaborative style work well with others and enjoy cooperative learning and working in groups. Students with a competitive style see the classroom as a win-lose situation in which they must win. These students will enjoy competitive activities.

Distance education that stresses cooperative learning and group projects will appeal to students with a collaborative style. For students with a competitive style, provide opportunities for individual recognition. Instructional games or case study competitions will also appeal to competitive learners.

Independent/Dependent

Students with an independent style are curious and confident learners. They prefer to work on their own in individual activities. Students with a dependent style see the teacher as a source of information, want to be told what to do, and will learn only what is required.

For students with an independent style, give them opportunities for independent study, self-paced work, or special projects based on their interests. Students with a dependent learning style will need more guidance from the teacher. It is important to recognize these students in a distance learning situation, as they may flounder without explicit instructor guidance.

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