Whenever we hear about students failing the exams or getting to know that whatever they are taught in school isn’t helping them study or imprive? Don’t worry about it then, every person is unique have their own ways of learning and have their own preference when it comes to learning. Some of the ways are:
- Visual
Visual learners (sometimes called spatial) use pictures, colors and images to learn. They understand and like maps and charts. Their spatial reasoning is solid and can understand placement of objects in relationship to the environment with ease. The visual sense is managed by the occipital lobes at the back of the brain. Both the occipital and parietal lobes manage spatial understanding.
Characteristics of a Visual Learner include the following:
a. Usually sits at the front of the classroom if there is a choice
b. Information makes more sense if explained with a chart or graph
c. Makes outlines for everything
d. Copies what is written on the board
e. Sees colors with everything
f. Makes lists with bullets and stars
g. Enjoys visual technology - Auditory
The auditory (aural) learner describes a child that retains information easier when the instruction is reinforced through sound. They enjoy music and can hear distinct notes. These kids gravitate to voice and song recordings, like podcasts or auditory lectures, and frequently sing to themselves. The temporal lobe in the brain handles the auditory information. The right temporal lobe is particularly important for music.
Characteristics of an auditory learner include the following:
a. Prefers lectures over reading the material
b. Frequently reads out loud to themselves
c. Likes oral reports
d. Participates in discussions
e. Likes debating
f. Uses songs or jingles to memorize important information
g. Remembers names easily - Verbal
The verbal or linguistic learner loves words in both speech and writing. These kids enjoy both listening to the spoken word and reading it. They find it easy to express themselves. The key areas in the brain responsible for this learning style are the temporal and frontal lobes.
Characteristics of a verbal learner include the following:
a. Usually an excellent memory
b. Will reread and rewrite notes
c. Create lists with keywords when studying
d. Enjoys role-playing when learning new concepts
e. Good at word games, rhymes and tongue twisters
f. Does well at getting thoughts down on paper - Kinesthetic
The kinesthetic (physical) learner explores their world through touch. The child learns by moving their body and using their hands abundantly. They do best in large spaces when learning and delights in moving around, which is why this learning style makes sense for sensory seekers. Children who often use this learning style enjoy manipulating a model or actual object that is being taught. The cerebellum and the motor cortex (at the back of the frontal lobe) engages much of the child’s physical movement processes.
Characteristics of a kinesthetic learner include the following:
a. Enjoys drawing and doing many kinds of art
b. Building with blocks and counting with objects come easily
c. Hands-on teaching is ideal for these kids
d. Reading or reciting while walking back and forth helps these learners
e. Thrives on lessons turned into art projects
f. Athletically gifted
g. Lives in the moment - Logical
This type of learner (also known as mathematical) is skilled at mathematical and logical reasoning. These kids are able to solve number problems with ease. Logical learners excel at understanding cause and effect relationships. They attempt to classify and organize anything and everything because it helps their brain make sense of the material. The parietal lobes in the brain, especially the left side, drive the logical thinking.
Characteristics of the logical learner include the following:
a. Enjoys strategy games
b. Classifies and regroups objects
c. Good with numbers
d. Likes to understand the why behind the answers
e. High level reasoning skills
f. Focuses on statistics
g. Likes math games and brain teasers - Social
The social (also referred to interpersonal) child learns best when they are in a group setting. This learner is usually a good communicator and enjoys talking to others. Social interactions and large bodies of people build positive feelings in this child. The frontal and temporal lobes of the brain handle much of a person’s social activities.
Characteristics of the social learner include the following:
a. Excels in group learning
b. Can read other people’s emotions easily
c. Socially intelligent
d. Likes to teach others what they have learned
e. Enjoys studying with sharing knowledge
f. Communicates easily and loves dialogue - Solitary
This solitary (intrapersonal) learner enjoys working alone and thrives on quiet surroundings. They seek to study and learn independently. They are great at self managing goals and time-management. The intrapersonal child likes to play alone and displays a great imagination.
The frontal and temporal lobes handle this type of learning as well. The limbic system also plays a role with mood and basic emotions.
Characteristics of the solitary learner include the following:
a. Prefers to work alone
b. Viewed as the quiet one in a group setting
c. In tune with feelings
d. Will try and find a quiet and comfortable place to study
e. Establishes personal learning or achievement goals
f. Likes to keep a journal
Students can achieve their learning potential with greater ease if they not only understand their preferred learning styles, but also develop and practice skills in the other learning styles to become a well-rounded learner. When the child is a well-rounded learner, they will be able to adapt in various educational, personal and social settings.
Source: http://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-02-learning-styles-one-size-fits-all-doesnt-work/