What Learning Style Best Works for You?

All three learning styles can be tied together for an interactive experience

There are three main learning styles: auditory, visual and kinesthetic. The first focuses on learning based on information that is heard, as when a person listens to an instructor lecturing a class. The second focuses on information shown and is reliant on the sense of sight. The last involves learning through the sense of touch. Each person is capable of utilizing all of the learning styles. According to "Learning RX", most people have a preference for only one. A child allowed to explore their full potential can perfect all three.

Auditory Learners

The learning style based on the auditory sense focuses on information that is processed best through hearing. Once the information is dispersed, the person is able to process its meaning and pinpoint the areas of importance and relevance. A solid example of this type of learning style is those that benefit from in-person lectures. The information may or may not be supported by visual aids. An auditory learner will be able to interpret the words and concepts being expressed so the overall message is understood. On the other hand, if the auditory learner is faced with a visual or tactile experience, it may not be as simple.

Visual Learners

Visual learners rely on their sense of sight to understand, interpret and process the information before them. In terms of learning, they work well with images, words and models that are physically in front of them, rather than an abstract concept. This type of learner may be able to memorize images for use in understanding a concept. An example of this would be a demonstration with slides or cue cards. The visual aids will allow this type of learner to grasp the concept due to the presence of these sight-based tools. Similar to auditory learners, if there are no visual aids, it becomes more difficult for the person to comprehend the information.

Kinesthetic Learners

This type of learner benefits from movement and tactile experiences for their understanding, interpretation and processing of the information presented. A person who is able to grasp information through tactile experience prefers hands-on approaches to all projects. They would rather touch, hold and move the components to a project than look at them or hear them described. Many artists are tactile learners as their craft is based on their ability to manipulate their materials with their hands.

Well-Rounded Learners

The most beneficial learning style is a combination of all three. A person who relies too heavily on one learning style may not realize their full potential. Each person tends to have a dominant learning style, but the others can always be improved upon for a more well-rounded approach to learning. Practice, perseverance and determination are key factors toward improving the non-dominant styles. Once all three learning styles have been developed, there are no limits to what experiences can be interpreted.

References

• Learning RX: Types of Learning Styles

Resources

• LD Pride: Learning Styles Explained