Learning styles :
Every student has a strategy they use to remember information more efficiently
while studying. Some of them take notes; some make diagrams; some prefer to
listen to lectures, etc. scientists have for years tried to understand the best ways
students learn through research. One of the popular theories, to this day, is the
VARK model. This model identifies four types of learners: visual, auditory,
kinesthetic, and reading/writing. Most people are a combination of these four
styles, but more times than not, they have a predominant style of learning.
Visual learning style
Visual learners are individuals who prefer to take in their information visually—be
that with maps, graphs, diagrams, charts, and others. The best way to present to
visual learners is by showing them the relationship between different ideas
visually. For instance, when explaining a scientific process, it can be done by using
a flow chart.
Auditory learning style
Auditory learners are individuals who learn better when they take in information
in auditory form when it is heard or spoken. Auditory learners learn best when
information is presented to them via strategies that involve talking, such as
lectures and group discussions.
Kinesthetic learning style
Kinesthetic learners are individuals who prefer to learn by doing. They enjoy a
hands-on experience. They are usually more in touch with reality and more
connected to it, which is why they require using tactile experience to understand
something better.
The best way to present new information to a kinesthetic learner is through
personal experience, practice, examples, or simulations. For instance, they can
remember an experiment by recreating it themselves.
Reading/Writing
Reading/writing learners consume information best when it’s in words, whether
that’s by writing it down or reading it. To them, text is more powerful than any
kind of visual or auditory representation of an idea.
Other Types of Learning Styles
Recent studies and theories from psychologists and experts in this field suggest
that there are anywhere between 3 to 170 different types of learning styles.
Other types of learning styles, based on one of the senses and a social aspect,
include:
1. Logical/analytical learners
2. Social/linguistic learners
3. Solitary learners
4. Nature learners