Three main types of learning styles can be highlighted:
- Visual. People learn information better when it is presented in a visual format. They prefer charts, graphs, maps, and other visual aids.
- Auditory. Auditory learners like to use listening and speaking to learn the information they have heard better than the information they have seen.
- Kinesthetic. These learners like to learn through practical actions and handwork. They are more active and prefer to be involved in manual tasks and movement.
There are also other types of learning styles. Understanding individual learning styles helps to adapt learning methods to the needs of a particular person.
Visual Learners
The visual type of learning is a style in which a person prefers to receive information in a visual way, using maps, graphs, charts, and other visual means. Visual learners prefer visual associations such as patterns and shapes rather than photographs or videos. Graphs, diagrams, infographics, and photographs can be used to help visual learners understand the information.
- You may prefer to learn through reading and seeing pictures, and may find that you understand and remember things better when you can see them.
- You may picture what you are learning in your head and like to see what you are learning.
- You may prefer to learn through visual means, such as watching videos or looking at diagrams.
- You may find that you learn better when you can see the information being presented.
- You may review pictures or diagrams to help you remember key words and concepts.
Auditory Learners
In contrast to learners who perceive information in a visual way, auditory learners learn via listening and speaking. These learners prefer class discussions, verbal instructions, audio books, podcasts, and lectures. They better remember the ideas they have heard.
- You may prefer to learn through listening and hearing, and may ask your lecturer for spoken instructions in addition to written ones.
- You may choose to remember things by hearing and listening, rather than reading or seeing.
- You may prefer to learn through auditory means, such as listening to lectures or podcasts.
- You may find that you learn better when you can hear the information being presented.
- You may prefer to follow spoken instructions and may learn spelling by listening to words.
Tactile Learners
A tactile type of learning is a method when students learn better through physical activity rather than listening to lectures or watching demonstrations. They prefer a hands-on approach, using touch and movement to process information. Tactile learning can include activities such as construction, experimentation, or role-playing. For tactile learners, the act of action makes their understanding more tangible.
- You may prefer to learn through physical movement and hands-on activities, and may find that you understand and remember things better when you can touch and manipulate objects.
- You may call yourself a “hands-on” learner who prefers to touch, move, build, or draw what you learn.
- You may prefer to learn through tactile means, such as building models or doing experiments.
- You may find that you learn better when you can engage in physical activity, such as playing sports or taking frequent breaks to move around.
- You may use physical movement to help you remember, such as chewing gum or using finger spelling.
Multimodal Learners
Multimodal learning is an approach that uses multiple modalities (channels) to transmit information. It takes into account people's different preferences in receiving and processing information.
- You may prefer to learn through a combination of listening, seeing, and doing, and may find that you understand and remember things better when you can engage with information through multiple senses.
- You may choose to learn through a combination of auditory, visual, and tactile means, such as watching videos, taking notes, and doing hands-on activities.
- You may prefer to learn through a combination of spoken instructions, written directions, and hands-on activities.
- You may find that you learn better when you can engage with information through multiple senses, such as watching a video and then doing a hands-on activity.
- You may use a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile methods to help you remember, such as drawing pictures, listening to audio, and taking written notes.
Adapting to Different Learning Situations
All people study differently. All students and learners perceive the given information in the way they find the most effective. Taking into account a diverse range of learning styles and situations, a learner can identify appropriate learning strategies and methods to learn more efficiently.
- You may need to adapt your learning style to different situations, such as a lecture or a group project.
- You may need to use different learning strategies, such as taking notes or creating concept maps.
- You may need to work with others who have different learning styles, and find ways to communicate and collaborate effectively.
- You may need to use technology, such as online resources or multimedia presentations, to support your learning.
- You may need to take breaks and use physical movement to help you stay focused and retain information.
Using Your Learning Style to Your Advantage
Using your learning style to your advantage contributes to more effective training, reduced study time, exam success, preparing for career changes, choosing the best mental loads, and improved well-being. To use your learning style to your advantage, you can regularly review what you have learned in a style that suits you, apply what you have learned, receive feedback on your progress, and adjust your teaching methods.
- Once you know your learning style, you can use it to your advantage by choosing learning strategies that work best for you.
- You can use your learning style to help you stay motivated and engaged in your learning.
- You can use your learning style to help you retain information and achieve your learning goals.
- You can use your learning style to help you communicate more effectively with others, such as in a group project or presentation.