What are Learning Styles?
Every individual is born ready to learn. Yet children (and adults) generally have a preferred style in which they learn best. A child might learn through a combination of styles, but usually there is one learning style he or she favors over the others.
For example:
- You may be able to spell by visualizing a word, but your child may not be able to memorize him or her spelling words unless he or she writes them down first.
- Your child‘s incessant pencil tapping may actually help her or him stay on task.
There is no right or wrong learning style. Your primary learning style may be different from your child‘s. To work effectively with your child, you need to understand both your own learning style and your child‘s.
When you identify how you and your child learn best, you can help your child have more positive learning experiences.
The Most Common Learning Styles
The three most common learning styles are:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Physical (Kinesthetic)
Visual Learners learn by watching. They use images to remember, creating a picture in their heads. To learn spelling, for example, they may picture the way a word looks.
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Visual learners may also: |
Teaching methods for visual learners include: |
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Enjoy art and drawing |
Making flash cards for key information |
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Read maps, charts and diagrams well |
Drawing symbols or pictures |
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Like mazes and puzzles |
Visually highlighting key words and pictures |
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Making charts to organize information |
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Translating words and ideas into symbols, pictures and diagrams |
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Using to-do lists, assignment logs and written notes |
Auditory learners benefit from traditional teaching techniques. They learn well when directions are read aloud or information is presented and requested verbally. They remember facts when presented in a poem, song or melody.
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Auditory learners also like: |
Teaching methods for auditory learners include: |
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To tell stories and jokes |
Reading out loud together |
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To play word games |
Encouraging them to read out loud when they study, so they can "hear" the instruction |
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To use tape recorders |
Studying with a partner, so they can talk out the solutions to problems |
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Writing out a sequence of steps to solve a problem, then reading the steps out loud |
Physical learners learn best through movement and physical manipulation. They like to find out how things work and want to touch, feel and experience what they are being asked to learn. Most kindergartners are physical learners, but by second or third grade their learning styles may change to visual or auditory. However, half of all students in high school and beyond remain physical learners.
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Physical learners may also: |
Teaching methods for physical learners include: |
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Need to manipulate, handle and try things out |
Letting them participate in science or math laboratories |
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Have a short attention span |
Creating and participating in dramatic productions |
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Need to be moving to learn |
Going on field trips |
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Show you things rather than telling you about them |
Creating and performing skits and dances |
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Encouraging them to take notes and draw diagrams |
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Having them make models. |
In addition to the learning styles shown above research has shown that there are many additional Learning Styles such as:
Thinking Styles
Brain – Reflective & Impulsive Thinkers
Analytic – Left Brain Dominant
Holistic – Right Brain Dominant
Senses
Auditory
Visual
Tactile
Kinesthetic
Physical
Mobility
Intake
Time
Time
Social
Alone
Pair
Peers
Team
Authority
Environment
Sounds
Light
Temperature
Workplace
Attitudes
Motivation
Persistence
Conformity
Responsibility
Structure
Variety
How Understanding Learning Styles Helps Your Child
If a subject in school is not taught using your child‘s preferred learning style, he or she may struggle to understand it. You can help your child grasp difficult material by practicing at home using your child‘s best learning style.
You may also be able to talk with your child‘s teacher about how your child learns best. This can help both your own and other children in the class. In the past, most instruction was delivered verbally (although only about 10 percent of secondary school students are auditory learners). Many teachers are now aware of the need to deliver instruction in ways that accommodate all learning styles.
Understanding your child‘s learning style also helps you:
- Keep expectations realistic
- Help your child at home
- Become an advocate for your child at school
- Teach your child coping skills for situations that are not geared to his or her learning style
- Prevent your child from feeling frustrated when he or she is not doing work that is up to his or he potential
- Experiment with different learning styles and environments to improve your child‘s accomplishments and feelings of achievement
To find out more about your child's specific learning style, please check out the FamilyIQ Resources page or go directly to the Learning Style Analysis Test at http://www.familyiq.com/tests/edutests.asp
