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Every child learns in different ways, but understanding your child’s learning style is important when helping them achieve academic success. Here at Tutor Doctor we want to help you recognise the different learning styles and the best study practices for each.
What are learning styles?
To put it simply, learning styles are the way you acquire information. Students learn faster and retain more when the information is presented to them in their dominant learning style. However it’s important to remember that children can still learn when they are presented with other styles. The benefit of recognising your child’s preferred learning style means that you can help tailor information and present it in a way that benefits them best.
Visual Learners
Characteristics
- Learns by seeing
- Respond well to demonstrations
- Enjoys visually pleasing presentations
- Thinks in pictures
- Takes detailed notes
- Likes to sit at the front of class
Best Study Practices
- Use maps, charts, graphs and diagrams
- Use videos and PowerPoint presentations
- Make and use flashcards
- Highlight and underline when reading
Auditory Learners
Characteristics
- Learns by listening and verbalising
- Listens for keywords and phrases
- Responds well when things are read out loud
- Thinks in a linear fashion
- Reads slowly
- Prefers to hear, rather than read information
Best Study Practices
- Records lessons and listen again later
- Read material out loud
- Record yourself reading notes and listen later
- Explain concepts in your own way out loud
- Use word associations to help remember
Kinesthetic Learners
Characteristics
- Learns through doing
- Learns through trial and error
- Prefers a hands on approach
- Use multiple senses to engage with material
- Enjoys solving real life problems
- Suffers from a short attention span
Best Study Practices
- Make and use flashcards
- Study with others and exchange ideas with one another
- Study in short bursts
- Use examples when taking notes
Read-Write Learners
Characteristics
- Learns by reading and writing
- Best understands explanations on paper/screen
- Organises thoughts by making lists
- Translates lessons into words
Best Study Practices
- Take detailed notes
- Create and use bullet-pointed lists
- Translate charts and graphs into a verbal or written summary
- Write questions based on the material and answer them
Although it may be tempting to stick with what works, keep in mind that a child’s preferred learning style may change as they grow. Always keep an eye out for differences or if they are struggling with learning technique in particular.
