THREE LEARNING STYLES

Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways. There are three main cognitive learning
styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

The common characteristics of each learning style listed below can help you understand how you learn
and what methods of learning best fits you. Understanding how you learn can help maximize time you
spend studying by incorporating different techniques to custom fit various subjects, concepts, and learning
objectives. Each preferred learning style has methods that fit the different ways an individual may learn
best.

VISUAL Tips for Visual Learner

• Uses visual objects such as graphs, charts,
pictures, and seeing information
• Can read body language well and has a good
perception of aesthetics
• Able to memorize and recall various information
• Tends to remember things that are written
down
• Learns better in lectures by watching them
AUDITORY
• Retains information through hearing and
speaking
• Often prefers to be told how to do things and
then summarizes the main points out loud to help
with memorization
• Notices different aspects of speaking
• Often has talents in music and may concentrate
better with soft music playing in the background
• Turn notes into pictures, charts, or maps
• Avoid distractions (windows, doorways, etc.)
• Learn the big picture first and then focus on the details
• Make mind and concept maps instead of outlines
• Color code parts of new concepts in your notes
• Use flash cards when trying to study vocabulary
Tips for Auditory Learner
• Record lectures and then listen to them
• Repeat material out loud and in your own words
• Discuss materials in your study groups
• Read textbooks aloud
• Listen to wordless background music while studying

KINESTHETIC Tips for Kinesthetic Learner

• Likes to use the hands-on approach to learn new • Take study breaks often
material • Learn new material while doing something active (e.g.,
• Is generally good in math and science read a textbook while on a treadmill)
• Would rather demonstrate how to do • Chew gum while studying
something rather than verbally explain it • Work while standing
• Usually prefers group work more than others • Try to take classes with instructors who encourage
demonstrations and fieldwork

Adapted from:
Cuyamaca College. (2003). Visual learning. Retrieved July 3, 2008, from:
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/eops/DSPS/resourcesvis.asp
Landsberger, J. (n.d.). Study guides and strategies: Visual/spatial learning. Retrieved July 3, 2008, from:
http://www.studygs.net/visual.htm
Wong, L. (2006). Essential study skills (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

http://blc.new.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/3-learning-styles
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 Overview of Learner & Learning Styles

Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques.
Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning
styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less
use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different
circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability
in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques.
Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning
styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less
use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different
circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability
in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Using multiple learning styles and �multiple intelligences� for learning is a relatively
new approach. This approach is one that educators have only recently started to
recognize. Traditional schooling used (and continues to use) mainly linguistic and logical
teaching methods. It also uses a limited range of learning and teaching techniques. Many
schools still rely on classroom and book-based teaching, much repetition, and pressured
exams for reinforcement and review. A result is that we often label those who use these
learning styles and techniques as �bright.� Those who use less favored learning
styles often find themselves in lower classes, with various not-so-complimentary labels
and sometimes lower quality teaching. This can create positive and negative spirals that
reinforce the belief that one is "smart" or "dumb".
By recognizing and understanding your own learning styles, you can use techniques
better suited to you. This improves the speed and quality of your learning.

The Seven Learning Styles

• Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
• Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
• Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
• Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
• Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
• Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
• Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Why Learning Styles? Understand the basis of learning

styles
Your learning styles have more influence than you may realize. Your preferred styles
guide the way you learn. They also change the way you internally represent experiences,
the way you recall information, and even the words you choose. We explore more of
these features in this chapter.
Research shows us that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. By involving
more of the brain during learning, we remember more of what we learn. Researchers
using brain-imaging technologies have been able to find out the key areas of the brain
responsible for each learning style.
For example:

• Visual: The occipital lobes at the back of the brain manage the visual sense. Both the
occipital and parietal lobes manage spatial orientation.
• Aural: The temporal lobes handle aural content. The right temporal lobe is especially
important for music.
• Verbal: The temporal and frontal lobes, especially two specialized areas called
Broca�s and Wernicke�s areas (in the left hemisphere of these two lobes).
• Physical: The cerebellum and the motor cortex (at the back of the frontal lobe) handle
much of our physical movement.
• Logical: The parietal lobes, especially the left side, drive our logical thinking.
• Social: The frontal and temporal lobes handle much of our social activities. The limbic
system (not shown apart from the hippocampus) also influences both the social and
solitary styles. The limbic system has a lot to do with emotions, moods and aggression.
• Solitary: The frontal and parietal lobes, and the limbic system, are also active with this
style.
What are the different types of learners?
As mentioned above, for a long-time people have been sorted into certain categories
of learning.
The main categories our experts mentioned were:
❑ Visual learners
❑ Auditory (or aural) learners
❑ Kinesthetic (or hands-on) learners
 ❑ Reading and writing learners

Visual learners
Visual learners absorb information best when they can visualize relationships and
ideas. Maps, charts, diagrams and even essays work well for visual learners. When
instructors illustrate or diagram their lectures on a whiteboard, visual learners may
find they remember the information much better.
Auditory learners
Auditory learners are all ears. They tend to prefer listening to information rather than
reading it or seeing it visually displayed. Auditory learners may speak and read slowly.
They tend to be linear thinkers and may repeat things they hear out loud. When it
comes to studying, an auditory learner might remember material best if they talk
about it with someone else, since it will be easier to recall a conversation than a visual
image of words on a page.
Kinesthetic learners
Kinesthetic learners are the most hands-on learning type. They learn best by doing
and may get fidgety if forced to sit for long periods of time. Kinesthetic learners do
best when they can participate in activities or solve problems in a hands-on manner.
Sometimes even being physically engaged (tossing a ball, knitting) will help them
retain information better. They tend to remember what they do best.
Reading & writing learners
Reading and writing learners are extremely comfortable with the written word. They
prefer to consume information by reading texts and can further absorb information by
condensing and rephrasing it. The traditional college textbook and annotation process
works well for the reading/writing learning style.
 Types of Assessment
Formative Assessment
It is an essential part of teaching and learning. It does not add to the final marks given
for the unit; instead, it put into learning through given advice. Also, it points out what is
good about the work and what is not? Similarly, it also affects what the students and
teacher will plan in the future for learning.
Summative Assessment
It shows the amount of learners’ success in meeting the assessment. Also, it contributes
to the final marks given for the unit. These are conducted at the end of units. In
Addition, it provides data for selection for the next level. The logic and dependability of
summative assessment are of great importance. It can also provide information that has
formative value.
Diagnostic Assessment
Just like formative assessment, diagnostic assessments intended to improve learner’s
knowledge. Besides, it looks backward rather than looking forward. It reviews what the
learner knows and difficulty that they are facing in learning. Not diagnosing these
difficulties could limit their participation in learning. Often used when a problem arises
or before it.
Differences between Formative & Summative Assessment: