Understanding Learning Styles

Here is a breakdown of the four types of learners, along with tips for incorporating their needs into your lesson plans.

Visual

Visual learners prefer to take in information using charts, maps, graphs, diagrams, and more. Using images to explain concepts and ideas is the best way to reach a visual learner. However, this type of learning style does not include photographs or videos. Instead, visual learners learn best when information is presented using patterns, shapes, and other visual aids in the place of written or spoken words. One way teachers can differentiate their instruction for visual learners is by using graphic organizers to teach a lesson. A flow chart might be used to explain a scientific process, for example.

Auditory

This learning style describes students who learn best when information is heard or spoken. They benefit from lectures, group discussion, and other strategies that involve talking things through. “Often people with this preference want to sort things out by speaking first, rather than sorting out their ideas and then speaking,” VARK Learn Limited explains. To help auditory learners learn, teachers can post audio recordings of lessons on the class website, or incorporate group activities that require students to explain concepts to their classmates.
Reading/Writing Preference

Students who have a reading/writing preference prefer information to be presented using words. They love to read and perform well on written assignments such as stories or book reports. “This preference emphasizes text-based input and output – reading and writing in all of its forms,” VARK Learn Limited notes. A great way to help these students learn is by having them describe diagrams or charts using written statements. Then, they can study their notes later to better retain the information.

Kinesthetic

Kinesthetic learners learn best when they can use tactile experiences and carry out a physical activity to practice applying new information. “People who prefer this mode are connected to reality, ‘either through concrete personal experiences, examples, practice or simulation,’” VARK Learn Limited explains. Give these students a working example of an idea or process, or task them with recreating experiments to illustrate concepts.

Knowing how to address the learning needs of your students is an important part of creating meaningful classroom experiences and helping them retain what they learn. To learn more about strategies for different learners, check out our course, Differentiated Instruction. It gives teachers the knowledge and tools to plan instruction that reaches a wide range of learners. With this course, you can engage students and effectively differentiate learning for better outcomes. And don’t forget to explore our other professional development courses!