Learners come in a variety of shapes and forms. Understanding different learning styles helps curriculum developers and tutors to package learning content in the most effective way suited for the different learning styles of students.
Students that understand their learning styles are better positioned to achieve academic success because they can focus on what works best for them to achieve the best academic outcomes.
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Visual Learners
Using visuals to guide online learning can make the learning experience more fun and effective. For example, students can color-code readings or outline assignments to better understand the content.
Then, they can use PowerPoint presentations to provide clear examples of what they need to do. Providing visuals of weekly assignments and due dates can help visual learners stay engaged.
The visual learner enjoys pictures and graphics and will remember information more quickly and accurately. They like to draw and paint, and they will often retell stories.
They also enjoy reading. When studying, they will often say, “show me!” and need to see something before they can do it themselves. They may also learn better by incorporating auditory resources into their learning. They also do better when they can get a feel for how things work or what is being taught.
If you are a visual learner, you may enjoy online learning. Most online courses are designed to appeal to people who prefer to learn by reading and writing, but there are also some that offer a visual environment as well. Video lessons, audio lectures, and even interactive learning activities are popular options for visual learners.
When evaluating learning style, it is important to consider whether you’re a visual learner or an auditory learner. Visual learners are more likely to benefit from online learning, because most online materials are presented in writing rather than verbal. Visual learners often benefit from visual aids, such as outlines and textbooks.
As more students move to online education, online teachers and students will need to learn to adapt to a virtual learning environment. Different personalities respond to different types of learning, and online education has to address these unique preferences.
Non-visual learners may find it challenging to grasp new concepts in a visual learning environment. This why a hybridized approach to learning/teaching that accommodates different learning styles.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners tend to learn best by hearing and talking about the subject at hand. They retain information better when verbal reinforcement is given, which is why they benefit from group discussions and lecture recordings.
Auditory learners are often highly social and enjoy participating in class discussions. These individuals are more likely to ask questions before they have processed all of the information presented. Outschool has developed classes to accommodate these types of learners.
Auditory learners benefit from verbal games. Games such as “Just a Minute” and “Fact or Fiction” can be effective tools to help them learn. You can also use music to help them concentrate during silent periods, as it can drown out other noises that can distract them.
Students can also benefit from activities like “show and tell,” where they choose an object and describe it. These activities can also help auditory learners learn by enhancing their vocabulary.
Auditory learners can benefit from online courses that feature audio recordings. This way, they can take notes orally or organize the information that they’ve learned.
Alternatively, they can use audio recordings of lectures to learn more deeply about the subject. However, auditory learners may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts on paper.
Auditory learners also benefit from podcasts and audiobooks. These resources help them consume information while saving time. They can also ask questions to instructors directly. This is great for auditory learners because they don’t have to concentrate on writing notes and can focus on listening to the lecturer. Moreover, audiobooks and podcasts are great for general learning, not just specific courses.
Auditory learners also benefit from face-to-face interaction. They often learn best through hearing what others are saying, and they can also benefit from group projects or group presentations. Moreover, they can also benefit from online courses that feature oral instruction and discussions.
Kinesthetic Learners
If you’re teaching an online course to a kinesthetic learner, you’ll want to use visual aids as much as possible. These can help kinesthetic learners focus on the lesson, remember concepts, and take breaks.
For example, you can use a picture to illustrate how a certain concept is created, or use a simple diagram to show a specific process. In addition, kinesthetic learners may find it helpful to break the material up into sections, so that they can return to it in a fresh way.
Ideally, kinesthetic learners learn best through practical, hands-on assignments. This helps them remember the information because it’s embedded into their memories. Traditional classrooms aren’t suited for kinesthetic learners, who often become bored by lectures and lose focus if they’re forced to do a task they don’t enjoy.
Although online learning may not be the ideal choice for kinesthetic learners, it can be an effective learning option for them. Instructors can appeal to these learners by creating immersive materials or choosing tactile materials that are relevant to their lives. Even instructors without sophisticated technological resources can effectively engage kinesthetic learners.
Online learning programs can help kinesthetic learners develop their learning style and learn more effectively. Most of the best learning programs allow students to use their five senses to engage with the material. You can ask curriculum developers to suggest ways to engage each sense. This will allow students to learn material more efficiently and expand their learning style, thereby improving retention.
Logical/Mathematical Learners
Logical/mathematical learners thrive in structured environments where they can develop logical strategies and solve problems. These learners enjoy working with numbers and using simulations to understand new concepts. They may also enjoy computer science and technology, computer programming, and detective work. While they may struggle to write, logical learners are great at creating outlines and graphs.
Logical/mathematical learners may struggle with assignments that leave them to infer new information. They may need prompts to help them get started. They may also struggle with open-ended creative assignments. These learners can become overly focused on the details and miss the big picture. Because of this, it’s important to provide them with larger context, and teach them why a certain topic or concept is important.
Logical learners are better at analyzing information, and they can benefit from projects that stretch their thinking skills. For example, in a history class, students can create a timeline of events and compare them. They can also benefit from maps, which allow them to visualize geography and history.
Logical/mathematical learners can become scientists, computer programmers, researchers, attorneys, and accountants. Some famous mathematicians and inventors share this trait. For instance, Warren Buffett is an example of a logical/mathematical learner.
A logical learner needs goals, a process-oriented project, and a higher level of structure. Students who are logical-mathematical will benefit from a teaching style that emphasizes this type of learning. These students tend to work best online.
Logical/mathematical learners tend to think conceptually and abstractly. They enjoy solving puzzles, and they enjoy exploring causes and effects. They can benefit from computer games and other multimedia, and will benefit from lectures and creative materials.
Extroverts
In-person education is a different beast than online learning. Traditional face-to-face classes can be overwhelming, and an introvert may feel shy to speak up. Online learning, on the other hand, gives both types of learners ample opportunities to participate in class and interact with other students.
While introverts may not be suited for online learning, they can still make the most of it. For example, an asynchronous class will work for an introvert, who prefers a quiet environment to learn. However, a synchronous environment is better for extroverts.
For the extrovert, a synchronous class will allow them to interact with others without feeling left out. For both, it’s a good idea to log into the class early to review material ahead of time and have small discussions before the class starts.
The most important thing for educators to remember is that the online classroom is a different world for each type of student. Extroverts benefit most from a social environment, while introverts tend to benefit more from quiet surroundings. Extroverts also benefit from the support of their introverted peers, who can encourage them to speak up in class and focus during study groups. With these types of peer support, students can thrive in online classes and in their career after graduation.
A recent study has highlighted the importance of instructors to be aware of the social personality of their learners. This personality type affects both learning performance and engagement in an online classroom. The study results show that students who are more extroverts will perform better in online learning than their introvert counterparts.
How to Discover your Learning Style
There are various exercises, activities and assessments you can take to discover your learning style.
Education Planner has a learning styles quiz that can assist you to figure out what your learning style is.
You can check out the quiz here. Learning Style Quiz
VARK Learn also presents the VARK questionnaire that is tailored to help you to discover your learning style. You can explore the questionnaire here: VARK Learn Questionaire.
Final Thoughts
Because learners may employ a variety of learning styles, online instructors should provide activities that address many learning modalities to increase the possibility that each student will have a positive learning experience. Make use of a variety of instructional tactics when creating online courses. A list of the most popular learning styles is provided below in a table. These descriptions represent many modes of perception (hearing, touching, and moving):