The main learning styles are visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, reading/writing, verbal/linguistic, solitary/intrapersonal, and social/interpersonal learning. Discovering the best learning style for your child helps them to take in information more effectively, build their knowledge, increase memory, and overall provides them with a better understanding of the material being covered.
There is no right or wrong learning style, and often students follow more than one learning style. Students may also adopt different learning styles over time as they progress in their education. By understanding the learning style that works best for them, students can flourish in their education and learn in a way that helps them retain and build knowledge.
Visual and Auditory Learning Styles
Visual learners make up the majority of the population. To learn, visual learners understand best when including graphs, videos, illustrations, diagrams, and other visual material. For example, a video tutorial would work best for showing them how to do something new, accompanied by diagrams/illustrations for each step.
On the other hand, auditory learners typically learn best by listening to absorb information. For example, reading their notes aloud to help them retain information, using music/songs to remember information, and using discussions to repeat back what they’ve learnt. Combining auditory learning and visual learning methods is often a great way for students to learn.
Similarly to auditory learning, verbal/linguistic learners also retain information best by hearing or envisioning words. Verbal learners typically learn best through lectures, presentations, word games, and podcasts.
Kinaesthetic and Reading/Writing Learning Styles
Kinaesthetic learners learn best through action and doing, providing them with a hands-on experience and physically moving to build understanding. For example, practical elements such as science experiments, using real-life scenarios, and using physical activities to build knowledge and information retention.
Whereas, reading and writing learners tend to thrive with traditional textbooks, written notes, handouts, and written assignments. Reading and writing learners are similar to visual learners as they both prefer to see information on a page. Presenting information in the form of a book, quiz, assignment, article, or blog is beneficial for reading and writing learners.
Heading 4: Social/Interpersonal and Solitary/Intrapersonal Learning Styles
Social/interpersonal learners typically thrive in group discussions and activities as they enjoy speaking in front of others and interacting with their peers. Social learners typically like to give and receive feedback and enjoy bouncing ideas off others. Social learners learn best through public speaking, partner/group activities, and team-building exercises.
Opposite to social learners are solitary learners. Solitary/intrapersonal learners typically prefer to learn independently and thrive by studying by themselves. It’s important to still encourage peer communication, as feedback can help them continue to progress in their education.
Identifying Learning Styles
Learning styles can be easily identified after observing the way students tend to study and looking at the ways they find to help them understand material best. Everyone learns differently, and there is never a wrong way to learn.
