If you are reading this blog, this shows that you are passionate about learning new things and improving yourself. Do you love to read on your laptop or mobile screen? Would you love to read this same blog in other forms, like videos, audios, infographics or chart?
When it comes to learning new things, every individual retains and processes information differently. Learning style refers to the way how an individual absorbs, process and learn the information. Some students will learn faster through audio or visual material while others may learn faster through hands-on experiments.
Note that there isn’t any one- size- fits-all learning style for all students. However, knowing your preferred learning style is one of the key factors to study smart and learn fast.
What are the different types of learning styles?
While there has been a number of studies over the last decades, education theorists have come up with various conclusions regarding learning style. Among them, one of the most accepted theories of learning style is VARK (Visual, Auditory, Verbal, Kinesthetic). This model outlines that students’ learning style will influence their behaviour and learning process. That’s why it’s equally essential to identify your preferred learning style and use effective strategies in your study techniques.
This blog will give you an insight into understanding different types of learning style and implement them in your study. The different types of learning style are:
Visual learning style
As the name suggests, visual learners are good at learning information through visual tools. They prefer the use of images, pictures, mind maps and flowcharts to understand information. For example, a visual learner may process the information better by seeing, instead of listening to class lectures.
Some of the common characteristics of visual learners are:
- Retain information better when they read than what they listen.
- Learn faster from seeing things.
- Use diagrams, charts, and maps to understand information.
- Prefer taking notes during a class/presentation.
- Like coloring, drawing or doodling to organize information.
- Have a good sense of direction.
Auditory learning style
Students who are auditory learners understand new information better through lectures, audio instructions or audiobooks. They respond primarily to sound and learn fast through listening and speaking in various situations. Usually, a learner with this learning style will remember 75% of what they hear. For instance, this learning style is widely preferred by most musicians; they hear the pitch and tremor of the notes and practice them as they go. Let’s take a look into the common characteristics of auditory learners:
- Learn fast through listening and speaking.
- Prefer to participate in lectures and group discussion.
- Have a good sense of sound.
- Like listening to music in the background when studying.
- Remember information better using rhymes, rhythms or mnemonics.
Verbal learning style (Linguistic)
If you are a verbal learner, you will find easier to process information through written or spoken words. These learners learn better through words, and they have the ability to translate abstract concepts into words (essay). They are good at public speaking, writing, journalism and debating. Take this example: if you tend to take notes in the classroom during a lecture, it’s very likely that you’re a verbal learner. Here are some characteristics of verbal learners:
- Prefer writing down notes or reading out loud.
- Understand information easily through discussion and conversation.
- Enjoy reading or writing.
- Love learning new words and have a great vocabulary.
Kinesthetic learning style (Physical)
Kinesthetic learners learn best when they are physically involved in the learning process. They learn best by actually doing things or through body movements. These learners often find difficult to learn in a classroom setting because they cannot focus on learning when they sit idle for a long time. They are able to process information when there is actual coordination of brain and body movements.
For example, kinesthetic learners enjoy drawing pictures, using storyboard when they are studying or teaching concepts to others. Moreover, your favorite football star is most likely a kinesthetic learner who learned those neat tricks by practicing. These learners have the following common characteristics:
- Prefer moving when they are studying.
- Enjoy sports and outdoor activities.
- Learn fast through hands-on experience (tactile learners).
- Like to note down information (use a pen, pencil or highlighter when studying).
- Use role play to understand new concepts.
- Understand information through projects, making models or doing jigsaw puzzles.
How to apply your learning style in your studying?
By understanding your learning style, now you can implement the techniques into your lesson plan. The more you understand your learning strength, the more you will be able to study smart and learn more in less time.
Remember that there is no right or wrong way to learn. Even if you found your learning style different from your friends, you can utilize your preferred learning style to learn a new concept. Moreover, you can mix various styles to understand difficult concepts. Let’s say, you are studying a chemical reaction in your chemistry class. You will find it easier to grasp new information when teachers explain it theoretically and demonstrate practically. Here, you will notice the implication of both verbal and kinesthetic learning style, and this makes learning fun and more engaging.
The odds in our school education system is using the same teaching methods, though each student learns differently. Students will learn better when integrating different learning styles in teaching. At Samriddhi School, we understand that each student learns differently. Considering this, we have incorporated interactive learnings, presentations, extensive group-based assignments, and extra-curricular activities into our curriculum. Furthermore, we also encourage our students to participate in our programs such as art exhibition, sports day, children’s day, fancy dress competition, among others.
Contact us, today for more information.