Introduction to Learning Styles

There are three different categories that student learning styles fall into. These are Visual Learners, Auditory Learners and Kinaesthetic Learners. These learning styles were pioneered by educational theorist Nick Fleming, who formulated a VARK model of Student Learning.

 

Keep reading to learn more about the different learning styles you should know about.

Different Learning Styles

According to Nick Fleming’s VARK Model of Student Learning, the four types of learning styles are Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing Preference and Kinesthetic (these four combine to make VARK). This model acknowledges that all students have different ways of processing information (‘preferred learning modes’). These learning modes have a big influence on a student’s behaviour and learning and can benefit the student’s learning experience when matched up with strategies to help the student learn.

 

You may be wondering, what is my child’s learning style? You can find out more about the different learning styles, as well as the different methods of learning below.

Visual Learners

Visual learners are those who prefer to see things in order to process and learn them. They may remember and subsequently be able to recall information through sight. They may benefit from the use of visual methods such as images, maps or graphics to understand the information presented to them.

 

Learning methods:

 

• Highlighting information on a page
• Using graphics such as charts, graphs and diagrams

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners are those who prefer to hear and listen to things in order to process and learn them. They would benefit from listening and speaking to understand information which is being presented to them.

 

Learning methods:

 

• Repetition
• Mnemonic devices
• Recording and listening to your notes

Kinaesthetic Learning Style

Kinaesthetic learners are those who prefer to experience things in order to process and learn them. They are ‘tactile’ learners and may benefit from figuring things out by actively handling them. They work best through touch, motion and movement.

 

Learning methods:

 

• Using real life case studies to help understand concepts
• Using photographs that illustrate the concept

Different Methods of Learning: Conclusion

We all have different ways we learn and it’s important to cater to the different methods of learning and to understand which of the  four learning styles your child works best under. The different methods of learning are based on each individual’s cognitive and environmental strategy as well as experiences they have had. Understanding your learning style takes into account all these factors.

 

The VARK model for learning styles is the most accepted understanding for the different ways we learn as it acknowledges that we all have different approaches to processing information.

 

We adapt our teaching and work with our students in a way that they learn best, in order to help them achieve their full potential. Contact us to find out more about our bespoke tutoring.

 

We offer tutoring for a range of different subjects and can also provide  mentoring, online tutoring and residential placements. If you want to discuss the advantages of homeschooling please contact us.