Four Styles of Learning

Each individual has a unique way of learning that they must discover on their own. However, as educators, there are four categories of learning styles to keep in mind when developing a class or study plan for a student. The four main learning styles are visual, auditory, literacy (read/write), and kinesthetic and each comes with different teaching methods and strategies for study.

Visual learners have strong visual processing and prefer learning materials with pictures, figures, charts, and video. With visual learners, the orientation of information matters. For example, not everyone processes best from left to right and it may be necessary to arrange your material from top to bottom or some other preferred orientation. Color coding is also a strong method of organizing or breaking down information for visual learners. Therefore when studying they will use highlighters and colored tabs while also preferring to reference figures when reviewing materials.

Summary of strategies:

• Visuals: images, charts, video

• Orientation of information

• Color coding

• Materials: multicolor highlighters, sticky notes, label stickers

Auditory learners focus best on sound and therefore do well with lecture or seminar formats for classes. These students find it beneficial to record lectures and notes for later listening. While studying these students will read materials and notes aloud to help with memorization. Discussing the class material with another student when studying will also help.

Summary of strategies:

• Class format: lecture or seminar

• Record lectures and/or notes

• Read notes and materials aloud

• Discussion with fellow students or a tutor for review

Literacy or text-based learners absorb information best through reading and writing. Reading textbooks, reading definitions, taking notes, reading notes, rewording or summarizing notes, making review lists and doing practice tests are strong study methods for literacy learners. Another beneficial learning trick is making a dictionary/glossary of each new term encountered for later reference.

Summary of strategies:

• Classroom: reading lecture notes, writing on board, reading textbook

• Reading textbook glossaries

• Taking and rewriting notes

• Rewording or summarizing notes (especially in list form)

• Creating their own glossary of terms

Kinesthetic learners best absorb new concepts by doing, especially when engaging all five external senses. What works best for them are labs, 3-D models, and tutorials, which unfortunately can't be applied to all subjects. In that case, all of the above learning methods can apply to kinesthetic learners if there are strong real world examples incorporated that they can imagine themselves in. Memorization is even stronger if the student can construct the examples themselves and/or engage in a physical activity whilst learning. Practice questions and exams are useful study materials for these learners.

Summary of strategies:

• Class: practicums, demonstrations, labs, tutorials, and interactive exercises

• Materials: 3-D model kits, home lab kits, practice questions and exams

• Applying real world examples and problems

• Doing a physical activity while learning or studying

Learning styles aren't set in stone and can change over time. Especially for neurodivergent learners, best approaches can change based on sensory states (overstimulation or understimulation) and if one regresses in certain skills during burnout. In these cases pivoting to a different learning style may be necessary to keep up with schoolwork. There are free quizzes available online to determine your learning style as an adult as a child (all ages).

References

Wilfrid Laurier University: Study Skills & Supplemental Instruction Centre (2008). Understanding your learning style. Retrieved from https://web.wlu.ca/learning_resources/pdfs/Learning_Styles.pdf