Ways of learning: A closer look at 4 learning styles
Learning styles and preferences take on a variety of forms—and not all people fit neatly into
one category. But generally speaking, these are the most common types of learners:
1. Visual learners
How to recognize visual learners in your class: Someone with a preference for visual learning is
partial to seeing and observing things, including pictures, diagrams, written directions and
more. This is also referred to as the “spatial” learning style. Students who learn through sight
understand information better when it’s presented in a visual way. These are your doodling
students, your list makers and your students who take notes.
How to cater to visual learners: The whiteboard or smartboard is your best friend when
teaching these types of learners. Give students opportunities to draw pictures and diagrams on
the board, or ask students to doodle examples based on the topic they’re learning. Teachers
catering to visual learners should regularly make handouts and use presentations. Visual
learners may also need more time to process material, as they observe the visual cues before
them. So be sure to give students a little time and space to absorb the information.
2. Auditory learners
How to recognize auditory learners in your class: Auditory learners tend to learn better when
the subject matter is reinforced by sound. These students would much rather listen to a lecture
than read written notes, and they often use their own 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. Additionally, they may be slower at
reading and may often repeat things a teacher tells them.
How to cater to auditory learners: Since these students generally find it hard to stay quiet for
long periods of time, get your auditory learners involved in the lecture by asking them to repeat
new concepts back to you. Ask questions and let them answer. Invoke group discussions so
your auditory and verbal processors can properly take in and understand the information
they’re being presented with. Watching videos and using music or audiotapes are also helpful
ways of learning for this group.
3. Kinesthetic learners
How to recognize kinesthetic learners in your class: Kinesthetic learners, sometimes called
tactile learners, learn through experiencing or doing things. They like to get involved by acting
out events or using their hands to touch and handle in order to understand concepts. These
types of learners might struggle to sit still and often excel at sports or like to dance. They may
need to take more frequent breaks when studying.
How to cater to kinesthetic learners: The best way teachers can help these students learn is by
getting them moving. Instruct students to act out a certain scene from a book or a lesson you’re
teaching. Also try encouraging these students by incorporating movement into lessons: pacing
to help memorize, learning games that involve moving around the classroom or having students
write on the whiteboard as part of an activity.
Once kinesthetic learners can physically sense what they’re studying, abstract ideas and difficult
concepts become easier to understand.
4. Reading/writing learners
How to recognize reading/writing learners in your class: According to the VARK Modalities
theory developed by Fleming and Mills in 1992, reading/writing learners prefer to learn
through written words. While there is some overlap with visual learning, these types of learners
are drawn to expression through writing, reading articles or books, writing in diaries, looking up
words in the dictionary and searching the internet for just about everything.
How to cater to reading/writing learners: Of the four learning styles, this is probably the
easiest to cater to since much of the traditional educational system tends to center on writing
essays, doing research and reading books. Be mindful about allowing plenty of time for these
students to absorb information through the written word, and give them opportunities to get
their ideas out on paper as well.
The Seven Learning Styles – How do
you learn?
Contrary to the traditional educational framework, there is actually a diverse range of
learning styles appropriate for every student. Schools generally use linguistic or logical
learning styles, but other styles may be more effective for some learners.
When students are not performing as well as they could be, it is likely they just need to
be taught in a different way. It is important to remember; diversity is not exclusively
about qualities, beliefs and faith, it can also determine how we best learn new skills.
Some people learn through movements and hands-on activities, while some need visual
information to fully understand a concept. A successful teacher is the one who does
not only disseminate knowledge and encourage learning but can also identify the
learning styles of students and tend to each one of them.
1. Visual (Spatial)
Do you need to draw things out?
Are you constantly doodling? If you find it easier to understand something if it is in a
diagram, you are probably a visual learner. Knowledge or concept maps use visual
symbols as a way to express knowledge, concepts, thoughts or ideas, and the
relationships between them. These are a great tool for visual or spatial learners as you
can draw connections or use colour coding to group ideas.
By representing information spatially and with images, students are able to focus on
meaning, reorganise and group similar ideas easily, and utilise their visual memory to
learn. Visual learners often pursue careers such as architecture, engineering, project
management, or design.
2. Aural (Auditory-Musical)
Do you dislike reading?
If you need someone to tell you something out loud to understand it, you are an auditory
learner. You depend on hearing the information to fully understand it, rather than just
reading it from a book. Group discussions are a great way for auditory learners to grasp
new ideas.
Auditory learners have the aptitude to notice audible signals like changes in tone, or
pitch to name a few. For example, when memorising a phone number, an auditory
learner will say it out loud first and take note of how it sounded to remember it. Aural
learners often pursue careers such as musician, recording engineer, speech
pathologist, or language teacher.
3. Verbal (Linguistic)
Do you love words and writing?
People who find it easier to express themselves by writing or speaking can be regarded
as a verbal learner. You love to write and read. You like to play on the meaning or
sound of words such as tongue twisters, rhymes and so on. You’re familiar with the
definitions of many words and regularly make an effort to learn more meanings of new
words.
Techniques used by verbal learners involve mnemonics, scripting, role playing and
anything that involves both speaking and writing. Verbal learners often pursue public
speaking, writing, administration, journalism or politics.
4. Physical (Kinesthetic)
Are you a hands-on type of person?
In this style, learning happens when the learner carries out a physical activity, rather
than listening to a lecture or watching a demonstration. Those who have a preference
for kinesthetic learning are called ‘do-ers’ and much prefer hands on learning.
Kinesthetic learners make up about five percent of the population.
Kinesthetic learners are often interested in careers such as emergency services, safety
representative, physical education, or entertainment (such as acting or dance).
5. Logical (Mathematical)
Are you great with numbers?
When you like using your brain for logical and mathematical reasoning, you’re a logical
learner. You easily recognise patterns, and can connect seemingly meaningless
concepts easily. Logical learners often lean towards classifying and grouping
information to help them further understand it.
You excel in numbers and are fine with doing complex calculations such as basic
trigonometry off the top of your head! Logical learners could pursue careers in fields
such as scientific research, accountancy, bookkeeping or computer programming.
6. Social (Interpersonal)
Are you a people person?
Other learners prefer social or interpersonal learning. If you’re at best in socializing and
communicating with people, both verbally and non-verbally, this is what you are; a
social learner.
People often come to you to listen and ask for advice. They do because of the apparent
sensitivity you have to their feelings, moods and even motivations. You listen well and
empathize with what others are thinking and going through.
Social learners may pursue counseling, teaching, training and coaching, sales, politics,
and human resources among others.
