Identifying Students' Learning Styles
Strategies for Educating Kids Through Different Modalities
Jan 9, 2009
People take in and process information in different ways. Some may prefer to receive new material in one specific way, while others may be equally comfortable regardless of the modality in which information is delivered. For students who show a clear preference, knowing their learning style is crucial. An awareness of a student’s learning style can help a teacher increase the child’s understanding in the classroom, and can help students make the most out of their educational experience by using study strategies geared towards their particular strengths.
There are three primary learning styles: auditory, visual, and tactile. Students may be able to identify themselves simply from the descriptors below, or they can take a more in-depth inventory such as the one found at education planner.org.
Auditory Learning Style
Auditory learners receive and process information best through hearing. They probably prefer material that is spoken aloud rather than written on the board or read in a book. When reading, they may find it easier to comprehend the material if they use a strategy like saying words or chunks of text out loud, or repeating important information several times. It may help to state directions out loud so that they are heard in order to be best understood. It’s a good idea for auditory learners should always make sure that there are no distractions that will prevent them from hearing information, and teachers should make sure to verbally explain written concepts for the benefit of these learners.
Visual Learning Style
Visual learners primarily use sight to receive and process information. They are adept at processing pictures and written words. In fact, in order to fully process information they receive verbally, they may have to write it down so they can look at it. These students may find it helpful to see or present information in the form of pictures, maps, and diagrams, or to visualize things in their minds. Visual learners may want to make sure they are always in a position in the classroom where they can see things clearly, and teachers should be sure that verbal information is also presented in written form for these students.
Tactile Learning Style
Tactile learners receive and process information through their sense of touch. They learn best by actually doing something, rather than reading or hearing about it. They might prefer to build, move around, draw, or engage in some other physical activity to fully process information. Manipulatives, computers, role playing, and other physical tools and activities can enhance the learning experience for these students. Tactile learners should try to get physically involved in their learning whenever possible, and teachers can help by offering opportunities for hands-on learning experiences.
Some students may present with a combination type learning style. For example, they may be equally strong at processing information both visually and tactilely. In these cases, a variety of strategies that enhance each learning style may be most helpful for these students.
To offer the best opportunities for learning, both students and teachers can benefit from an awareness of individual learning styles. Teachers who regularly present information in a variety of modalities can be sure they are reaching all of their students, and students who know their learning style can tailor their learning strategies and study habits to best suit their own needs.
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