As a fact, there are mainly 7 types of learning styles in the education procedure that result in different methods of learning. Maybe many people have the idea that there are more styles of learning. But surely they are moving away from the spectrum of learning styles. This post of Laramint is going to give everyone especially mentors to know the learning style of their learners and how to engage them more and better in education.
You are going to read these topics:
- The meaning of a learning style
- Why should we know the learning style?
- 7 types of learning styles and to deal with each type of learner
- 1. auditory and musical learners
- 2. visual and spatial learners
- 3. verbal learners
- 4. logical and mathematical learners
- 5. physical or kinesthetic learners
- 6. social and interpersonal learners
- 7. solitary and intrapersonal learners
- Do we have a mixture of 7 types of learning styles?
The meaning of a learning style
You know that when you want to learn something, the way of learning in you may be different from another person. For example, you like to learn something by listening to it or you prefer to do it as a practical activity to learn better. This means that you have a learning style. Because learners learn differently from each other, it tells that their brain has a distinct structure for learning.
Why should we know the learning style?
Each learner has his own distinct and clear way of perception, thinking and evaluation. Therefore, it is really important for mentors to get familiar with the learning style of their student. This is helpful in some ways: (1) Lets the mentor know how his learner’s characteristics and how well he is going to learn. (2) Helps the mentor discover his learner’s ability and capacity in learning. (3) Guides the mentor to select the kind of teaching material that is necessary for his learner, and (4) Develops learner’s level of education and speed of learning.
7 types of learning styles and to deal with each type of learner:
1. auditory and musical learners
These learners have the same strategy of learning and will easily learn by hearing something which they hear or you explain to them. We can say that they have a good ear for sounds, tones, and music. Auditory learners are those who like to read out loud or say words out loudly to understand their educational items better. These learners are the best in learning to play a musical instrument or rehearsing an orchestra.
How to engage them in learning:
- record lessons for them in order to listen and learn: It is the best way to keep them interested in what you are saying.
- keep them away from distracting noises: They are sensitive to any sound or noise.
- ask them to say or read what they know to others: This will let them hear what they are saying and learn it by heart.
- play voices of lessons or courses for them: No doubts! They are ready to memorize them.
2. visual and spatial learners
As the type mentions, diagrams, charts, processes, drawings, and some similar things in education are among favorite items for visual and spatial learners. The best way for them to learn is to see visual concepts or watch others making or drawing them. Even shapes and colors are so attractive for them. Similarly, spatial learners prefer to see, analyze, and understand visual information and items around themselves. Unlike auditory learners, they are not easily distracted and enjoy planning and drawing things.
How to engage them in learning:
- use colors and drawings more in education: These objects catch their eyes more.
- motivate them to take notes, plan for them, and rewrite them: They must sketch their ideas and notes and make mind maps.
- Try to have imagery options like maps, projectors, or charts: This is the best way to keep them interested in education.
3. verbal learners
As the title says, verbal learners are the ones who prefer learning mostly by speaking, reading poems, playing word games, and writing. Memorizing words formations and learning lots of synonyms and origins are their favorite. They are usually great story tellers and real bookworms. They will be the best writers, lawyers, and journalists of the future.
How to engage them in learning:
- ask them to write notes and give a summary of them: This is a perfect chance for them to present what they know.
- engage them to give speech for they know: Talking makes them active in learning.
- let them describe the lesson to others: They are free to let their speaking do the job in education.
4. logical and mathematical learners
Logical and mathematical learners are eager in accounting, programming, science, numbers, and research. These learners are the best choice in several logical subjects. Also the lessons that are related to classification, pattern recognition, and working with numbers.
How to engage them in learning:
- teach them items in category: This is the best way to get use of their inner ability.
- tell them how a system works: By this, they will have a map or flowchart of it in their mind and learn perfectly.
- give them statistics and numbers: By these items, they are able to master even the details of everything.
5. physical or kinesthetic learners
These type of learners must have a physical activity to learn something. They prefer doing something or engaging in a making process. Kinesthetic learners are the ones for being an athlete, a physical education coach, an actor or actress, or many other professions about manual activities.
How to engage them in learning:
- engage them in actions and movements: This is the best option for them to release their power of learning more.
- make physical interactions: Try to keep them active and energetic to make them more motivated in education.
- create role plays: These items will make the lesson so exciting for them and present themselves better.
6. social and interpersonal learners
If you see some learners are active in education in terms of cooperation, collaboration, or team works, they belong to the social and interpersonal learners. Get use of their interpersonal abilities and make them as a leaders and managers of groups where learning is so fun for them. These learners are usually perfect communicators and sociable people who will be great managers or leaders in the future.
How to engage them in learning:
- put them in groups of activity: They will show the best of themselves in group works and learn very well.
- create social connections for them: By this, you will have a perfect opportunity to observe their perfection in the learning process.
- make them a leader: Give a managing or a leading role to them and see they are perfect at managing a group and improve the group activity.
7. solitary and intrapersonal learners
Solitary and intrapersonal learners are happy when they learn something alone or by themselves. These learners like to have independence, privacy, and full attention and focus in education. Programmers, authors, and researchers are the clear examples of them.
How to engage them in learning:
- ask them to do their own project: Because they often reject working with their peers, it is better to ask them do an independent activity.
- make the place calm for them: They love to have their privacy while focusing on something.
- provide enough books and resources: This is awesome for them to find themselves among a pile of books and education resources to show what they have inside.
Do we have a mixture of 7 types of learning styles?
The answer is YES. It happens that mentors face with some learners who have a mixture of some types of learning styles, no matter in a small or in a big classroom. As a result, it is usual to have this combination of learning styles in several people. In this case, a mentor must be careful to use different strategies for these learners in order to keep them motivated in learning.