Different Styles of Learning
Different Styles of Learning - According to the learning style concept, different students learn best when information is given in a specific way. Every student adopts different types of learning styles and study methods that help them recall knowledge more effectively. Some take notes, others draw diagrams, others still prefer listening to lectures, and so on. Because no single learning style suits every student, scientists have undertaken studies to determine how students best absorb new knowledge through different ways of learning styles.
The VARK model is still one of the most prevalent ideas today. There are four different types of learning styles identified in this model: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Most people are a mix of these 4 types of learning styles, but they tend to have a dominant learning type. Each of these teaching approaches complements the other.
Let us have an in-depth view of the different ways of learning styles mentioned in this model.
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Different Styles of Learning- Visual Learners
The first of the 4 types of learning styles is visual learning. Visual learners like to absorb information through the use of maps, tables, pictures, graphs, and other visual aids. They prefer to get information through different visuals such as shapes and structures.
The most effective way to communicate with visual learners is to clearly explain the connections between diverse concepts. When describing a scientific process, for example, a flow chart can be used. This is one of the different ways of learning styles in which learners love evaluating and observing images, graphs, and charts that display clear information in a logical manner. Students who sketch, make lists, or take notes identify as visual learners.
Make sure that as a visual learner you have adequate time to review and absorb visual cues whether you're utilizing a blackboard, projector, or giving a presentation. Visual learners should, if possible, have access to additional handouts that detail topic matter with clear images. You can also draw illustrations, graphs, or diagrams of what you're learning to help remember it better.
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Different Styles of Learning- Auditory Learners
The second of the 4 types of learning styles is auditory learning. Auditory learners are people who learn faster when knowledge is presented to them in an auditory style, such as by hearing or speaking it. This is one of the different types of learning styles where students are more inclined to sort their thoughts after they have expressed them rather than thinking about them first.
Auditory learners learn better when the material is delivered in a conversational fashion, such as presentations or group discussions. This is one of the different ways of learning styles where students can benefit from listening to the classes again if they have the audio of the lectures and participating in group activities that challenge classmates to explain ideas, among other things.
If you pay attention and actively participate in a lecture, you may classify yourself as an auditory learner. Instead of taking written notes, you discover yourself nodding or asking a lot of questions. Additionally, to aid retention, you may read carefully and aloud to yourself, or repeat what teachers say.
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Make sure you're speaking directly to your teachers to engage yourself in the discourse. You must try to do things like verbally describing a new approach you just learned, and then follow-up queries with teachers. Other effective approaches to interest yourself as an auditory learner in the class include group discussions, lecture methods, and audio recordings.
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Different Styles of Learning- Reading/Writing Learners
The third of the 4 types of learning styles is learning through reading/writing. Some people absorb knowledge better when knowledge is delivered in text form, whether it is through writing or reading. They feel that text has a greater effect than any visual or aural representation of a topic. These individuals are typically exceptional writers.
This is one of the different ways of learning styles in which a variety of approaches can be used to engage and comprehend a reading/writing learner. For example, having them summarise charts and diagrams with written remarks, taking written tests on the topics, or giving them written assignments would be preferable.
Reading and writing learners can be identified by looking for students who take extensive notes, consult dictionaries to acquire new words or utilize online search engines to discover answers to their problems.
Reading and writing students prefer more traditional means of subject content delivery, such as writing essays, conducting an in-depth investigation, reading manuals, and so on. However, ensure that you have enough time to comprehend the textual course material and that you have adequate opportunities to write down your thoughts on paper or on a digital device.
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Different Styles of Learning- Kinesthetic Learners
The fourth of the 4 types of learning styles is kinesthetic learning. Individuals who learn via doing are known as kinesthetic learners. This is one of the different ways of learning styles where students like things that have a more ‘hands-on’ approach. They are more in touch with physical reality and attuned to it, which is why they seek tactile experience to better understand anything. Personal experience, practice, examples, or simulations are the most effective ways to convey new knowledge to a kinesthetic learner. They can, for example, recreate an experiment to remember it better.
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Kinesthetic learners tend to "play out" events or employ all of the senses when learning. These students are easier to spot since they have a hard time sitting still and may require frequent breaks during long periods of studying.
Kinesthetic learners must use their bodies and senses while learning as much as possible. For example, if you're learning Shakespeare, perform a passage with a few of your classmates. You can also design game-based learning that encourages you to move around the classroom at certain points throughout the course.
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How to Identify Your Learning Style
Read about different learning styles: Understanding the differences between the sorts of learners is necessary for determining your learning style. You can also consult a variety of books and websites to learn more about the topic.
Pay attention to your preferred style of learning:
Try incorporating additional visuals into the subject you're studying. Make a chart that explains the essential subjects if you're studying for a science test. If you find this useful, you might be a visual learner.
You might be an auditory learner if you need to listen to something read aloud in order to completely comprehend it. To check if hearing the content is beneficial to you, try repeating key points to a classmate.
Consider whether you prefer to read lecture notes. Do you produce written summaries of the material when you study? This indicates that you prefer to learn through reading/writing.
Kinesthetic learners rely on their movements, touch, and physical action to learn. For this type of learning, movement is crucial to remembering information. If the notion of sitting throughout a class makes you uneasy, physical activity may help you learn more effectively. Do you have a tendency to fidget a lot? This could be another indication that you are a kinesthetic learner.
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It would be incorrect to state that any particular learning style is the ideal route to go, considering that everybody has different styles of learning. Understanding your individual learning style out of different types of learning styles is essential for school performance.
Knowing the different styles of learning and understanding what type of learner someone is is critical since how they best consume knowledge can be a determinant in their academic achievement. You may do this by experimenting with all 4 types of learning styles and determining which one helps you recall the best. Once you know exactly what sort of style suits you, you may adjust your learning to fit your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to the learning style concept, different students learn best when information is given in a specific way.
Visual learners like to absorb information through the use of maps, tables, pictures, graphs, and other visual aids.
Auditory learners are people who learn faster when knowledge is presented to them in an auditory style, such as by hearing or speaking it.
When knowledge is delivered in text form, whether through writing or reading, readers and writers absorb it better.
Individuals who learn via doing are known as kinesthetic learners. This is one of the different ways of learning styles where students like getting their hands used.