Describing the different kinds of learning styles

When most of the people were in school, they had to cram a load of information just before sitting for a test. Cramming was one of the best-known tactics to make a good grade. Some may have created flash cards or revised recordings of previous professors' lectures or came up with easy mnemonics devices to help their memories remember a semester's course work. People internalize information differently. It is very important to make work easier while studying by coming up with more suitable personalized method. (Kolb, 2014)

 There are a number of learning styles which are commonly known to most people and one can analyze the categories separately:

A popular theory known as the VARK model categorizes learning into four groups: the visual learner, the auditory learning style also known as reading or writing and Kinesthetic. Each of the above-mentioned styles responds based on specific modes of teaching that a teacher or lecturer accepts to apply. Auditory learners will remember information easily after they have recited it back to a listener or presenter whereas kinesthetic learners will excel well when they participate in a given hand- on activity (Kolb, 2014)

 Visual learners

They prefer seeing information which in turn helps them to develop ideas and relationships between concepts. Images, pictures or spatial arrangement of concepts assist visual learners to internalize everything they are learning without much struggle. A picture helps a visual learner find data or information at the back of his mind by rewinding their memory tape that resides at the back of their minds. Hence, they should be allowed to analyze an image during learning before the image is taken away. Visual learners can solve mathematics problems correctly but they can find it hard to explain how they arrived at an answer .Students should be provided with ample tools to develop their visual abilities (Richlin, 2006).

 

Auditory learners

These are individuals who acquire information through hearing. They like to recite information out loud for the purpose of internalizing and remembering the information and applying it in other areas. When an auditory learner asks a question and calling on the audience to answer, they are trying to internalize it through hearing. Auditory learners prefer information rather than reading it or seeing it through images. They learn well when they are assisted by music rhymes, speaking or listening to other people .The best way to teach such types of learners is through situations such as discussion groups and lectures (Richlin, 2006).

 

Reading and writing type of leaners

 They usually learn best through reading and writing. When they come into contact with an actual text, it is more memorable than listening or visualizing through images. Reading and writing type of learners make very good conventional learners. They can fit in any type of academic institution as most schools pass information through reading and writing. Persons who learn through reading and writing are good at writing down notes during class or a lecture (LeFever, 2011).

 The characteristics of learners good at reading and writing are explained below. They enjoy reading especially by themselves. These type of learners write down a lot of notes while attending class. They perform best under quiet calm conditions or environments. Usually turn graphs or pie charts into words they can read and write about. Lastly, they are constantly rewriting their notes (LeFever, 2011).

One of the tactics that can be used to teach learners of this kind is by administering quizzes that gives them an opportunity to read and write down what they have learned and measure  content they have not yet internalized .Presenting them with handouts or brochures will further help them in the acquisition of knowledge (Kolb, 2014).

The other type of learning style is kinesthetic learning. They are a hands-on type of learners. A kinesthetic learner is more practical than theoretical. When moving their busybody parts, they also use their hand gestures and sense of touch to acquire information.

Kinesthetic type of learners move a lot. They are not confined to one place. They need to move and touch things for them to learn.  Kinesthetic learners are known to be very active and difficult people to be around with as they can only learn by moving or engaging in an activity that maximizes their learning abilities and give them exposure to what they can be good at (Kolb, 2014).

Characteristics of kinesthetic learners are associated with moving around. While in conversation, they use their hands to make gestures and touch the person they are having a conversing with. They enjoy physical activities and take frequent breaks while in the middle of a study and they do not usually spend most their time reading. Kinesthetic learners like to spend their time-solving issues (LeFever, 2011).

Kinesthetic type of learners should be given tools such as models, number lines and puzzles to assist them with more hands-on experiments. More learning opportunities such as experiments, field trips or role-playing come in handy when they are in college (LeFever, 2011).

 

References

 

Kolb, D. A. (2014). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development.

LeFever, M. D. (2011). Learning styles: Reaching everyone God gave you to teach. Colorado Springs, Colo: David C. Cook.

Richlin, L. (2006). Blueprint for learning: Constructing college courses to facilitate, assess, and document learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus Pub.