Types of Learners
Three Main types of Learning Styles
1) Auditory
2) Visual
3) Kinesthetic
1) Auditory
2) Visual
3) Kinesthetic
What does this mean?
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Common study methods
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Teachers should...
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1) Auditory Learners
- Auditory learners learn best when they listen to instruction and when something is being explained to them
- Tend to speak slowly, are natural listeners, think in a linear manner, |
- Reciting information out loud
- Having music in the background, however, other noises may become a distraction resulting in a need for a relatively quiet place |
- Instruct with good sounding words/phrases
- Deliver instruction in an organized conversational manner |
2) Visual Learners
- Visual learners learn best by looking at graphics, watching a demonstration, or reading
- Tend to be fast talkers, exhibit impatience, tend to interrupt, use words evoking visual images |
- Charts and graphs are easy for them to remember
- However, find difficulty in listening to information |
- Use demonstrations
- Incorporate visually pleasing materials/notes - Paint mental pictures |
3) Kinesthetic Learners
- Kinesthetic learners learn best by “hands-on” experiences
- Tend to be slowest talkers of them all, slow at decision-making, use all sense to engage in learning, learn by doing and solving problems, and prefer to learn through trial and error |
- Activities can be the easiest way for them to learn
- Writing notes can be easier than listening - Sitting still can be a challenge |
- Include hands-on activities, demonstrations, and problems to be solved
- Include student movement and engagement in activities |
Most people use a combination of two or three of these learning styles, but have a preference for one. It is important for students to understand the type of learner they are in order to accommodate for their study methods and learn easier.
However, even though a student may prefer learning visually, it is important for them to practice auditorally and kinesthetically as well. The other learning styles can be improved. This will be beneficial for their future so that they are more adaptable to certain learning situations, for example, a university class based on verbal lectures.
To find out what type of learner you are, click here!