Learning Styles

Every individual responds to stimuli in different ways. This explains why all of us have different learning styles. The Learning Styles are nothing but different approaches with which we try to assimilate certain things. It’s one’s favorite mode of understanding what is being taught to him. Simply put, an individual learning style is the method by which one learns best. It is widely believed that by assessing the learning styles of students, a teacher can effectively make them learn in the best possible way. Major learning styles are briefly discussed below:  1. Visual Learning Visual (Spatial) learning is the most commonly observed style of learning among children. As is evident from its name, Visual Learning Style involves the use of graphics, pictures, images, diagrams, videos, illustrated textbooks, maps, colors etc., to make the understanding of the subject clearer. The learner tends to observe the body language and facial expressions of the teacher to understand the content. Another striking feature of Visual Learners is their tendency to remain frontbenchers in class. They don’t like any obstruction between the teacher and themselves. Research has shown that Visual Learning improves the overall performance of students. The retention power, comprehension, and organization in students can be enhanced by a Visual Learning Style. It has also been observed that students who rely on Visual Learning are better in critical thinking than their counterparts.  2. Auditory Learning Children dependent on Auditory Learning are very good listeners. For them, verbal lectures, discussions, talks, seminars etc. are the best ways of inculcating the subject. The debates over the topic seem to work best for the Auditory Learners. The oral dispensation of information through speeches and oral sessions are just about perfect situations for people with Auditory Learning skills. Experts believe that the learning capabilities of Auditory Learners can be enhanced if there is some sort of background music to the oral rendition. Such children are likely to benefit from tutoring other students in their group and discussing the subject with their teachers. In certain special needs classes we found that children attained between a 10 and 20 percent increase in testing marks when we played The Mozart Effect music for children compilation CD.  3. Kinesthetic Learning Kinesthetic (Tactile, or Hands-on) Learners believe in learning through physical activity. Visual demonstrations and auditory lectures are not sufficient for Kinesthetic Learners unless the subject is practically demonstrated. Such children need constant direction and attention from the teacher to show them how things work and are relevant in the context. They understand the subject through physical models, or participating in role-playing. Most successful scientists, engineers and sculptors are Kinesthetic Learners. Instead of classroom teaching, such children tend to get more inclined towards outdoor learning.  Identifying Learning Styles of a Child The identification of Learning Styles of a child is immensely beneficial for the teacher to mould his classroom teaching. He can easily develop alternative instructional methods and a variety of other learning resources if he knows the Learning Styles of his pupils. However, it must be remembered that not all children easily fit into one style of learning. It’s here that the concept of multiple intelligence attains a great deal of importance. It’s difficult to segregate the children on the basis of their Learning Style. However, the understanding of these Learning Styles goes a long way in creating ideal conditions for an ideal learning environment. Identifying Learning Styles of a child is anything but a simple task. However, experts have evolved different tests and charts to assess the Learning Style of a child. No test can be said to be foolproof, but these are fairly indicative of the actual Learning Style of a child.