Learning Styles

Auditory Learners

A Look at Auditory Learners:

Auditory learners learn best by listening and talking aloud. They typically notice and remember sounds. They are good at remembering things that they hear. They are also good with words and language. They often read to themselves as they study. They are also often distracted by noise and sounds.
Key Learning Methods for Auditory Learners:

Auditory learners learn best through hearing the information. They often need to read the written word aloud to help them remember key points. Verbal repetition is an effective means of study for auditory learners.
Ways to Adapt Lessons for Auditory Learners:

Provide students with oral along with written instructions for assignments. Include whole group discussion in your class. Provide students with videos to complement the written text. Allow time for students to read out loud or talk through problems they might be having. Provide breaks from silent reading periods. Also, realize that those who are strong in auditory learning typically take longer to read a passage.


Visual Learners


A Look at Visual Learners:

A typical visual learner uses visualization techniques to remember things. They often have a good sense of direction because they visualize maps and directions in their mind. Many prefer to read information in a textbook or on the whiteboard rather than listen to the teacher lecture. They also enjoy doodling and drawing. Visual learners typically use sight words in their everyday terminology. For example, they might say "Let's take a look at this." or "Let's look at this from a different perspective." They remember details including colors and spatial arrangements.
Key Learning Methods for Visual Learners:

Visual learners learn best by seeing what they are being taught. Visual learners typically prefer images, maps, graphs, and other visual representations over other forms of instruction. They will find that if they include images, mind maps, lists, and other visual techniques in their notes then they will have a better chance of remembering key information.

Ways to Adapt Lessons for Visual Learners:

Including diagrams, mind maps, word webs, visuals, and other forms of graphic organizers will help visual learners get the most from your instruction. Teach students to use highlighters when going through their notes and to create flashcards when studying for tests and learning information. Try not to give only oral instructions before requiring students to complete an assignment. Further, stay away from lecture without accompanying notes and/or visuals.


Kinesthetic Learners

A Look at Kinesthetic Learners:

Kinesthetic learners typically learn best by doing. They are naturally good at physical activities like sports and dance. They enjoy learning through hands-on methods. They typically like how-to guides and action-adventure stories. They might pace while on the phone or take breaks from studying to get up and move around. Some may seem fidgety, having a hard time sitting still in class.

Key Learning Methods:

Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing including manipulating items, simulations and role plays, and other methods for presenting subject matter that physically involve them in the learning process. They enjoy and learn well from experimenting and first hand experience. Further, they learn best when activities are varied during a class period.

Ways to Adapt Lessons:

Vary instruction not only from day-to-day but also within a single class period. Provide students with as many opportunities as your curriculum warrants to complete hands-on work. Allow students to role-play to gain further understanding of key concepts. Provide students with the opportunity to work in small discussion groups as they study materials. If possible, plan a field trip that can help reinforce key concepts. Allow students to stretch partially through the class if they seem to become restless.