Identifying Four Learning Types — Presidio Education®

Teachers all over the world are often taught to follow a certain curriculum to teach their students. This presents difficulties with ensuring that each student will learn productively. Each child interprets information differently. Various methods of teaching accommodate a diversity of learning styles. We, as individuals, need to take action in order to identify how we learn best. Proactive learning can foster confidence and a more impactful education.

Identifying Various Learning Types

There are four main types of learning styles: 1) reading and writing; 2) visual; 3) auditory; and 4) kinesthetic. All four of these distinct learning styles vary from student to student. For example, a student that prefers reading and writing learns best through retention exercises. This type of student will read texts, then complete writing assignments that incorporate information from the texts. Retention exercises are immensely productive because they train students to recall information on paper. However, a student who is a visual or spatial learner may not benefit as much from reading a textbook without pictures. Visual learners often find diagrams and pictures most helpful when studying new subject material. Diagrams and pictures help visual learners connect information, such as ideas, figurative speech, or examples, in their mind.

Auditory learners often prefer when teachers verbally explain information. This type of learning can also provide a healthy dialogue between students and teachers. For example, after hearing instructions or explanations, auditory learners will then repeat the information back out loud. Verbal repetition can vastly help students retain information because they can repeat the information on their own even outside the classroom. Reciting information, even under the breath, can help students build patterns. Cadences can also help students find patterns with verbal retention.

Kinesthetic learners receive information by experiencing or performing the subject material. This type of learning requires more physical classroom space. Students will use their hands or even whole bodies, such as with dancing, to make gestures. This helps kinesthetic learners feel more connected to the subject material because they will learn to express themselves in creative, physical motion. Although kinesthetic learning may not be as common in many schools, this type of learning is actually quite motivational for many students.

Researching and trying out these unique learning styles can determine which learning methods are most effective for individual students. Another method is to take tests and quizzes from credible websites that can help narrow down what type of learning style may lead to personal success. Regardless, students should embrace their own learning style with confidence and motivation.

Accommodating Each Learning Style

After carefully, and honestly, thinking about how one most effectively learns information, one may start developing accommodations both in the classroom and at home. Not only will coming up with tips help one learn the material more effectively, this will help one better prepare for future career paths while creating positive lifelong skills. For example, if one is an auditory learner, one would benefit from forming a study group with classmates to review subject material taught in class. Creating tapes, which will help build muscle memory retention, of important points can be repeatedly listened to. Kinesthetic learners might benefit from physically moving around while learning material or studying with music in the background. For visual learners, drawing pictures or diagrams might be helpful when trying to understand something new or using bold colors to highlight main ideas. For writing and reading learners, lectures and note taking would be a great way to learn subject material.

Building Effective Study Habits

Once one figures out one’s learning type, one can create effective study habits. This can help one better understand school assignments. Taking solid notes and communicating well with teachers can also build more tailored study habits for each student. But more than that, embracing one’s learning type can foster new confidence. We all learn in our own ways, but we should feel encouraged.

We Help Students Find Their Learning Style

Please contact Presidio Education® if you or your child needs help identifying a learning style. Our teachers are truly proactive with pulling out the best from students. All students should embrace their learning styles and know that we shall support them the whole journey. Thank you!

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Author: BRITTNEY POWERS

Brittney Powers, Content Editor, is one of our leading college interns training under our English Department. Originally from South San Francisco, California, United States, Brittney loves exploring creative writing and reading novels such as Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. Currently, Brittney is learning to sharpen her writing, editing, formatting and publishing skills. With her goal to uphold her stellar grade point average (GPA), Brittney’s career goals include becoming an entrepreneur and writing her own book.