“Learning styles” refer to the different ways in which we prefer to consume and process information. We all have a certain inclination to learn in particular ways, and it is useful to observe what we find makes the education process a more enjoyable and effective way to learn. As opposed to categorising ourselves into “types”, the awareness of the different learner styles should be used as a general guideline to help us identify our preferences to leverage our learning capacities.
The types of learning styles
Visual / Spatial:
Visual learners prefer to consume information by visualisation; using images, symbols, maps and diagrams. Visualisers are “dreamers” and often have a very creative and artistic mind.
Auditory / Aural:
Aural learners respond well to learning through hearing sounds in the form of different pitches, frequencies, music, rhythms and rhymes through tapes, audiobooks and lectures for example. Auditory learners often enjoy reciting information out loud and are attentive and receptive to the tonality of sounds.
Verbal:
Verbal learners like to communicate through speech and using words to associate information with. For example, the use of subtitles when watching TV, interaction and conversating with others in the form of discussion and writing things down whilst learning.
Kinesthetic / Physical:
Kinesthetic learners learn well with through feelings; sense of touch and physically being in action. For example, creating a physical model or representation of an idea, movement and engaging in physical products as opposed to simply learning passively. A kinesthetic learner’s experience is amplified if they are involved in physical activities and experiences. Role play, taking action and being in the experience can help kinesthetic learners understand and retain concepts better.
Logical:
Logical learners prefer to use systems and ideas to derive to an understanding of concepts. They like to understand the reasoning and are quite strategic in their approach. Mathematicians are often logical learners. They are problem solvers, feel they need to thoroughly understand why and how things work and work well by being given clearly defined step by step instructions to follow.
Social: Social learners enjoy working in groups to share ideas and interacting with others. Their enjoyment and engagement
Social learners enjoy working in groups to share ideas and to be able to interact with others. Their enjoyment and engagement is heightened through discussions with other people to “co-create”. They prefer to not work alone and see immense value in learning from and with others. This can either be in a physical environment or on an online platform such as in a seminar or a webinar online. Social learners often enjoy being part of a community or team and appreciate the comfort of having others to support them through learning.
Solitary:
Solitary learners prefer peace and seclusion whilst studying. They are independent learners and tend to work better when left alone. Solitary learners are usually strong willed and appreciate mental space to align with themselves and fully engage in what they are learning on their own.
Conclusion
Although there are 7 main categories of learner styles, we often fall into a combination of many of the different types, and we may find our preferences changing depending on our mood too. Our preference is also dependent on the suitability of the content to the style, too. For example, a visual learner is usually mentally stimulated by images and so their learning experience could be further enhanced by watching videos that involve images and sounds, too. Many of the learner styles complement each other and it is encouraged to experiment with different styles and keep an open mind to fully appreciate all the different ways in which we can process information effectively.
My personal thoughts
I personally would say the most superior learning style that maximises the way I process information is through logical reasoning and verbal communication. For me, words carry symbols of emotions and meanings that allow me to process information in an abstract way that perhaps would not be possible through other forms of communication. I appreciate the broad range of vocabulary the English Language has to offer and love to explore the emotions we can arouse through the symbols of words. It is said that the more vocabulary we have, the more we are able to experience and manifest certain “feelings”. I would describe myself to be very much a practical and logical thinker; systems and “formulas” allow me to quickly follow steps in order to find meanings and answers to problems. However, I find myself falling slightly into other learner categories; my love of listening to audiobooks whilst in transit allows me to appreciate the tonality and frequency in which content is being delivered to me. Sometimes the way someone says something has a greater impact that what they are actually saying; the unique style of delivery from a particular person can allow us to build a deeper connection with them in a way that we can resonate with. I find this helps me retain and solidify information easier if I can understand them better. This is why many parents prefer certain tutors with certain personality traits; some value calmness over speed of delivery for example. Socially, I find immense value in“masterminding” with others that can further enhance my knowledge too; teaching is also said to be one of the best ways in which we learn too. The synergy created between the exchanging of ideas allows us to open our minds, allowing scope to mentally develop.
How this relates to private tutoring
As private tutors, it is helpful for us to get to know our students and comprehend how they enjoy absorbing information in order to retain their attention and optimise their learning potential. When we understand their preferred style of learning, we can conduct our lessons in such a way that will captivate their attention to maximise engagement and retention.
A student who has a mathematical style and logical approach to understanding concepts may find it more challenging to master poetry or literature for example. In such incident, the student would benefit from being taught the logical structure of how words in poems are formed together; the order in which verbs, nouns and adjectives are often placed and the number of beats in a stanza for example.
A student studying geography who is a visual learner would benefit from visualisations using maps, images of places to associate with. An auditory dominant learner would prefer to consume books through audiobooks andworking closely and personally with someone rather than reading alone.
The power is in the process
Developing a thirst for learning, becoming excited about the process of enhancing knowledge is what creates a sustainable platform for success in education. Falling in love with the process is essential in order to pursue longevity in your child’s success in education. In order to achieve confidence and competence in a particular subject, it is important to master discipline as well as a discovering a genuine love for learning. When we are passionate, the process becomes almost effortless. To instill passion, we must empower children through understanding what makes them “tick” and become sympathetic towards their needs and desires. Sometimes it takes time and trialling and testing different methods, and it is also important not to negate what may seem like an unviable method. A certain level of persistence, open-mindedness and creativity is required to help leverage their learning potential to new heights, especially as children are always developing and their minds are constantly evolving. It can be pleasantly surprising the level of adaptability a child can develop when challenged the right way. Rather than focusing on categorising ourselves, we should try to use our awareness of the different learner types to our advantage and explore all the different possibilities in which information can be delivered.