The Four Different Styles of Learning: Which One is Yours?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
Having spent almost two decades in the field of education while giving training to adult learners, I have seen it proven time and again that every learner is unique and has his or her own style of learning. The brain processes all information in a unique manner and just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, they also have a unique brain print. This means that different learners learn in different ways and how their brain processes information and stores it, determines their unique style of learning. The individual preferred styles of learning can vary, and a learner could be an auditory, visual, auditory, written and kinesthetic.
Research indicates that 65% of the population comprises of visual learners. A visual leaner needs to see it, in order to learn it. This could be in the form of printed or written information or even images of pictures and videos related to the topic introduced. Visuals add a component that written and verbal methods do not and that is speed! Scientific studies have indicated that brain processes visuals like videos and images 60,000 faster than written text, hence making image-based learning far superior to other styles.
On the other hand, the second biggest learning style group are the auditory learners that comprise of about 35% of the population. They grasp information better when they hear lectures, group discussions etc. Being an auditory learner means that the learner needs to hear it repeatedly in order to grasp it, process it, understand and store it. For application of the knowledge acquired, an auditory learner needs to hear it either in his or her own voice and the auditory output of the learner reenforces the knowledge gained, as it sees its application. This could be a solo performance or participation in a group activity or discussion. They do well in debates, narrating a story or a joke and enjoy group discussions. They are also able to recall 75% of the information that they have heard.
A reader learner is the one who does very well with written material and loves having hands out. Reading and writing is what they enjoy, and they are able to process and retain information once they read it on paper or a screen. They eagerly wait for written handouts with agendas, objectives, and explanations. Written text for them is way more powerful with deeper impact than hearing or seeing images. They do well in the real world as in most workplaces’ communication happens mainly through emails, reports, printed material and written notes. For students if vocabulary is being introduced, a list of nouns, verbs and adjectives can do wonders for them!
A kinesthetic learner also labelled as a tactile learner is the most physical of all the learners and research shows that they comprise about 5% of the population. A kinesthetic learner absorbs information the most through touch, movement, and motion. It cashes on the ability of the human body to sense body position and movement. So, all kinesthetic learners in order to really understand something do need to touch it, feel it, and move it around. These learners learn by carrying out physical activities rather than listening to a lecture or watching images, videos, or various demonstrations. They have more of a hands-on approach with ability to process information and store in brain by physically applying the knowledge gained. Many such learners also are dyslexic, or show ADD (attention deficit disorder).
In order to cater for all four-above kind of learners which may be encountered in a classroom setting of any grade at school, college, or university level, one should have a differential learning approach focusing on the content, methodology, output, and a productive learning environment.