Reilly Medzadourian

Learning Styles

Every student learns differently and has different learning styles. Children process and

comprehend information differently from their peers. In order to have effective instruction in a

teacher’s classroom, the teacher must address a variety of learning styles. English Language

Learners (ELLs) experience a myriad of challenges when in the classroom and therefore teachers

must address their specific learning styles as well. It is critical to tailor instructional strategies to

distinct learning styles of ELL students for there to be academic success. Visual, applied, verbal,

independent, and pragmatic learners are just some of the types of ELL learners that will be in a

classroom and therefore didactic methods must be in place.

Visual learners’ strengths lie in visual modes of learning, which include reading and

studying pictures, diagrams, and graphs. Visual learners rely on images and their sight to learn

and learn best when information is accompanied by visuals. Visual learners can also learn

through computer graphics, maps, graphic organizers, cartoons, posters, and videos. Teachers

must incorporate these visual modes of learning throughout their lessons. For example, teachers

who are teaching a grammar lesson can create an outline on the board of the lesson to assist the

visual learners in their classroom. In addition, flashcards are also an effective strategy in

assisting visual learning students, especially ELLs. Accompanying visual cues with words ELLs

hear also help ELL students learn in new environments.

Moreover, applied learners are practical learners who prefer learning through real objects

and situations. Applied learning takes place when students engage directly with the information

given. Applied learning is often a hands-on approach and fosters student-centered instruction.

Teachers can incorporate experiment-based learning into their lessons to address the needs of
applied learners. While there may be a communication barrier, ELL students who are applied

learners can engage in inquiry-based instruction. For example, when teaching the water cycle

through physical experiments, ELL students will be able to understand the process better than if

a PowerPoint presentation were used. Applied learners learn through real-world applications and

therefore teaching the water cycle physically, rather than on paper, would be very constructive

for ELL students who are applied learners. Knowing this information is a distinct advantage

because teachers can take a more hands-on approach to teaching with their ELL students.

Furthermore, verbal learners prefer using language skills in speech and writing rather

than positioning things in space. Verbal learners choose to hear a detailed explanation over a

visual demonstration and favor using their words. Word games, puns, and rhymes can be used as

teaching tools for verbal learners. ELL students who are verbal learners can benefit from

teachers asking them questions and teaching others. For instance, during a math lesson, a teacher

can pair ELL verbal learning students with partners so they can teach their peers. It is important

for teachers to know if their ELL student is a verbal learner, so the teacher can effectively

communicate that student. Overall, teachers should use activities that involve a great deal of

interactions and words for verbal learners.

Additionally, independent learners prefer to work alone and are self-directed, self-

motivated, and goal-oriented. Independent learners choose to learn by themselves and self-study.

Independent learners are also known as solitary learners. Some strategies for teaching

independent learners include asking questions to understand what they are thinking and

providing individual problem-solving exercises. Independent learners can also be visual, verbal,

or pragmatic learners, so it is also important to address the other types of learners they may be. It

is significant for teachers to know who their solitary learners are, so they can engage them in
other activities. ELL students who are independent learners can benefit from working in a group

project or a structured group activity that has distinctive tasks.

Lastly, pragmatic learners are practical, logical, and systematic. Pragmatic learners prefer

to follow a set of directions from a guide when completing a task. Pragmatic learners also use

reasoning and systems and enjoy problem-solving. Teachers can address the needs of these

students by including instruction that has multi-step processes, data collection, and mysteries.

Pragmatic learners favor analyzing cause and effect relationships and therefore teachers must

provide them with critical thinking exercises. Teachers must know if their ELL students are

pragmatic learners so they can help them learn the best way possible. For example, ELL students

who are pragmatic learners will work better with data tables and charts rather than with

experimentation.

All in all, teachers must know the specific learning styles of their students to have

effective instruction. Teachers have to address the learning styles of ELL students in the

classroom so the students can have academic success. Visual, applied, verbal, independent, and

pragmatic are just some types of learning styles that teachers will encounter in the classroom.

Teachers must implement effective strategies when addressing these learning styles for ELL

students.