Seven Learning Styles Explained

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Abstract

Learning styles are an important part of the education system since they deal with the manner in which learners are able to acquire new knowledge and skills. It is these different learning styles that are examined in this paper. An introduction places the learning styles in their context and the way in which they are grouped.

The learning styles are then examined individually with concrete examples to elucidate their practice. In the conclusion, the importance of the use of learning styles together and individually is stressed for a wholesome learning experience in education.

Introduction

Learning styles are an important part of the education system since they greatly determine how education is impacted on learners. Learning styles are important to teachers and all those who are involved directly with instruction at whatever level of learning. According to Advanogy, (2007), there are three basic learning styles that have been recognized in education. These are visual, kinesthetic and auditory.

The minor ones are aural, logical, social and solitary (Advanogy, 2007). These styles are used by educators to determine the way in which courses and instruction flows for the maximum benefit of the learners. These styles differ in the way that they present materials to the learners according to the manner in which learners interact with information.

Visual learning style

The visual learning style concentrates on the use of visuals in instruction. In this style, information, data, concepts and ideas are linked through images (Advanogy, 2007). This style is one of the basic styles and is widely used especially in elementary education. The style incorporates the use of idea maps, illustrations, graphics and other means with visual basis that can increase the learning of skills and thinking.

Visual learners have some unique characteristics including organization, visualization and direction. They rely on the visual learning style to help them make sense of information and ideas that they come across in their learning process.

According to Walker, (2010), it is important for teachers to assist students make sense of the new information they acquire and use it to relate to what they already know. Examples of this learning style include the use of diagrams, maps and visual aid during instruction.

In a classroom setting this may include use of visual letters to teach the alphabet to young students. For adult learners this would entail the use of maps and simulation for example.

Kinesthetic learning style

The kinesthetic learning style involves the use of physical activities during instruction so that learners are given an opportunity to physically perform activities for themselves instead of listening or viewing demonstrations (Advanogy, 2007). This learning style has also been described as hands-on learning.

This learning style includes the use of personal experience in areas like language where students are encouraged to give their own explanations, use their own vocabulary and be creative (Advanogy, 2007). This style uses the idea that learning takes place often with minimal interference from outside forces (Walker, 2010).

The learning process in itself has much to offer and incidental learning is also a welcome part of the process. As a result this style is excellent for such courses as sports and experiments whether in chemistry or other subjects. An example of the use of this learning style is the use of acting to dramatize and experience certain concepts during instruction. It can also include role playing.

Auditory learning style

According to Advanogy (2007), this is the learning style whereby individuals learn by listening. It also utilizes the use of speech to improve learning. This style emphasizes the use of spoken words. In order to make sense of information and data that they encounter, learners who use this style as the dominant way of learning depend on carefully listening in order to process the material (Advanogy, 2007).

An important example of the use of this learning style is the use of repetition in instruction. This skill is important so that learners can have enough time to interact with new information and gain new knowledge. Repetition can be used in elementary levels while lecturing can be used for adult learning.

Logical learning style

This style refers to learning that is impacted through the use of mathematical and logical reasoning (Advanogy, 2007). According to Advanogy (2007), this style therefore entails the use of reasoning, grouping and patterns so that connections can be made when apparently meaningless information is encountered.

This style also uses numbers and calculations. An example of the use of this style is the application of problem solving during instruction. This process allows learners to engage their reasoning capacities in order to acquire new knowledge and skills to build systems.

Organization of data to make sense is also a mark of this style whereby individuals learn from making logical patterns and building on these for further learning (Advanogy, 2007). Another example of this style of learning is the use of brainstorming. This method allows the learners to explore new problems in light of skills and knowledge they already have to come up with logical and practical solutions. This method can be used for all levels of learning.

Social learning style

This learning style refers to the use of social setting or extensive one-one instruction to facilitate learning (Advanogy, 2007). Learners who use this style dominantly excel when they work with others and can offer their ideas as well as absorb those of others as they try to make sense of new data or skills. This style also incorporates use of social activities during learning or as part of the learning (Advanogy, 2007).

Interpersonal communication is very important in this style and much of the learning occurs during the interaction as opposed to quiet learning or individual learning activities. An example of this style is the use of groups. Group work and discussions are vastly used in this style and learners can learn from each other as well as use the social setting to pass knowledge and skills. Peer learning can be utilized for young as well as older learners.

Solitary learning style

According to Advanogy (2007), this style of learning refers to learning whereby a learner does most of the learning by their own effort with little guidance from instructors. In this style, the individual will attempt to gain knowledge through their own independent efforts like research, study and use of other methods of learning that can add to their domain of knowledge and skills.

An example of this style in use is research work and projects. Although these may be accompanied by guidance from instructors, they largely use the independent work of the learner. Learners who largely like this style like working y themselves and making sense of information or skills on their own (Advanogy, 2007). This style is common in higher learning institutions where considerable knowledge may already have been gained in a certain area of study.

Aural learning style

This style is a combination of the auditory learning with the use of music. This style goes beyond the use of audio to incorporate use of music. This style uses sounds to enhance the learning and to make it easier to create memories.

Although it is not one of the basic learning styles, this style of learning is also used widely especially in elementary education (Sims and Sims, 1995). This style mostly works well with learning that requires memorization.

Learners who take musical courses and largely use this learning style mostly excel at acquiring the skills of playing different musical instruments. They may also excel at other skills that require use of auditory skills. An example of this style is the use of song and dance in instruction.

Some courses can really utilize music to make the material memorable and captivating. Audio tapes can also be used instead of lectures so as to give some variance to the lectures. This is especially in use with younger students. Songs can be used to teach a variety of subjects including mathematics, sciences and language.

Conclusion

As in indicated by Sims and Sims (1995), the learning styles have something to offer to education; no one method is treated as superior to others since they are all used by learners. During learning more than one style may be used to enhance the learning for most students.

Instructors are usually conversant with different styles although some styles may be dominant. The right style also needs to be used for the right kind of learners, for maximum benefit to the learners and to achieve the aims of education.

According to Sims and Sims (1995), balance is required during learning so that learners can have diverse ways in which they can learn better. In addition, not utilizing as many styles as possible might lead to the neglect of some learners who might end up performing below their potential (Sims and Sims, 1995). Knowledge of learning styles is therefore important to educators at all levels.

References

Advanogy. (2007). Overview of learning styles. Retrieved from: https://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/

Sims, R. R. and Sims, S. J. (1995). The importance of learning styles. Understanding the implications for learning, course design and education. Westport, CT: Green Press.

Walker, B. J. (2010). Literacy coaching: learning to collaborate. Boston, MA: Ally and Bacon.

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