4 Types of Learning Styles And Which is Right For You
Not every student is created equal. Different students have different learning styles, and teachers need to be able to adapt to their student’s preferred learning style to cater to their student’s strengths. Building a toolbox of various learning techniques can help the student to efficiently learn new information.
There are four different categories of learning styles students can fall under. Here are some ways to identify each type of learner and the best methods to cater to their learning styles.
- Visual learners
Visual learners absorb information the best when they visualize relationships and concepts. Using mind maps, charts, diagrams, and pictures helps the visual learner to grasp ideas better. These learners like taking notes, drawing pictures, and making lists.
To cater to the visual learner, use a whiteboard to draw diagrams and pictures. Ask the student to draw examples based on the topic they’re learning. Make a visual presentation or handout. Give the student some time and space to absorb the visual cues and process the information. Also, encourage them to engage visually through drawing and art.
- Auditory learners
Auditory learners process information better through sound. They learn through listening to lectures and using their voices to reinforce new concepts and ideas. These types of learners prefer reading out loud to themselves. They aren’t afraid to speak up in class and are great at verbally explaining things. They also may be slower at reading and need to repeat things out loud.
These students find it hard to stay quiet for long periods of time, so get them involved by asking them to explain concepts back to you. The Feynman technique is a useful study technique for auditory learners. They also benefit from watching videos or using music or audiotapes to learn.
- Kinesthetic learners
Kinesthetic learners are tactile and learn through experiencing or doing things. They like to use their hands to touch and handle things and act out events. They typically are very physical and struggle to sit still. They often excel at sports or dance.
A good technique for teachers to help kinesthetic learners is to keep them moving. Incorporate hands-on activities in lessons such as having them write on a whiteboard as part of an activity. Help them focus in class by engaging them in activities and playing games.
- Verbal learners
Verbal learners prefer to read and write and learn through written words. They like to read articles and books, take handwritten notes, and search the internet. They excel at writing essays and are the type of students who are constantly taking notes as the teacher is lecturing.
Help these learners by giving them opportunities to read and write, through printing out articles for them and assigning written assignments. Give them time to take notes as their primary modality is using language to absorb knowledge.
–
Which type of learner are you? Knowing your learning style will greatly benefit you since you can then adopt the necessary methods and tools to improve your studying. Not only will you get better grades and test scores, you will find learning more fun as well.
About the Author
