What are the different learning styles?

There is a lot of different language used to describe learning styles. Although it all demonstrates the same personality traits, you may hear some people talk about learning styles as a personality type like “ENFP” or “Sanguine-Choleric.” However, the most widely used language referring to the different learning styles is a system which divides all learning styles into three basic categories: Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. 

 

Visual learners learn through seeing. These are the students who need to see the teacher’s body language as he or she teaches; they are assisted greatly by the use of diagrams and videos. Handouts and illustrations in the text book that they are reading help them understand better what the words are saying. It is often best for visual learners to sit in the front of a classroom, boardroom, or auditorium, where they won’t be distracted by people’s heads or other activities going on. Visual learners also usually benefit greatly from taking detailed notes during a presentation; this helps them absorb the information even further. Visual learners will often speak with words like, “clear,” “noticed,” and “color.” When dealing with people from other learning styles, visual learners often believe that the auditories and kinesthetics aren’t really paying attention.

 

Auditory Learners learn through listening. Discussions, special speakers, and lectures from the teacher – these are things that really appeal to an auditory learner. By listening, they understand. Usually, auditory learners interpret the speaker’s meaning by focusing on their tones of voice, speed, and other nuances of speech. Auditory learners are the kinds of learners that often benefit from reading the text aloud, since written information does not have much meaning until it has been spoken and heard.  You will often hear them using words like, “silent,” “squeal,” or “blast.”  When studying, those with the auditory learning style can profit greatly from the use of a sound recorder. Auditory learners often think that individuals with other learning styles aren’t really listening.

 

Kinesthetic Learners learn through doing. Also called Tactile learners, kinesthetic people need the hands-on approach. Touching things, trying them out, and moving around while discussing an issue – these are all ways that kinesthetic learners are able to actively explore the subject at hand and discover its meaning.  This is why kinesthetic learners may have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time and simply listening to lecture. Kinesthetic learners are likely to relate experiences with strong feelings and know that they have truly grasped something once they feel it inside. Their language will also often include such words as “felt,” “sensation,” and “touch.” In relating to others, kinesthetics often feel that other learners are insensitive.