Sensory Learning Styles
Learning is a lifelong process that requires personal insight into what works best for the individual. Discovering one's sensory learning style opens the door to highly effective learning. A method that works for one person may not work for the next. It all depends on personal preference.
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Background
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As psychology advances, the need to understand the processes by which people learn increases accordingly. Learning styles are not clearcut and operate in a gray area. Sensory learning styles is an area of continuous examination and research.
Sensory Preferences
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Visual, auditory, kinesthetic (touch and movement-oriented) are the defined areas of sensory learning styles. Sensory preferences tend to be predicated on environmental perception and personal preference.
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Visual Learners
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A visual sensory learning style leans toward visual conceptualizations, which includes reading and anything containing visual input. Instruction that includes pictures, charts, graphs, videos, maps and timelines is beneficial to visual learners. Flash cards are excellent tools for these visual learners.
Auditory Learners
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Lectures and class interaction through discussion and role play are preferred by auditory learners. They get stimulated by listening and discussing topics. Good tools include taped lectures, reading text aloud and group study.
Kinesthetic Learners
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The kinesthetic learning style can be broken down into two parts: movement and tactile. These learners must be physically involved in the learning process. They must be moving and cannot sit for long during class time. Role playing, labs, field trips and other hands-on activities are exceptional learning tools for kinesthetic learners.
Benefits
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Teachers who incorporate each learning style into the classroom can increase the learning curve and heighten the overall educational experience for all of their students. Students learn faster and better when they use all of their senses.
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