Education
The Different Learning Styles STORY Jenna Galley Everyone learns differently. Some of us like to be shown what to do, some of us like to read instructions or diagrams, some of us prefer to watch and learn. Children are no different. While every child processes information at their own pace and in their own way, experts have identified seven main learning styles. Your child may fit into one category perfectly or may be a combination of more than one. Knowing which learning style best works for your child allows you to help them process new information in a way that is engaging, exciting, and beneficial to them.
The Different Learning Styles Visual or Spatial Learners • Like to map out, draw or write out their thoughts in order to really process what they are thinking • Tend to have a good spatial sense and sense of direction • Can easily visualise objects, plans and outcomes • Enjoy visual art like colouring, drawing, doodling and painting • May benefit more from watching a tutorial or even seeing a movie clip rather than reading instructions or listening to the literature being read aloud
Aural or Auditory Learners • Respond best to sound, have a good sense of pitch or rhythm and often excel in musical programs • May benefit from learning through oral presentations and reading aloud • Tend to focus better with music playing in the background • Can often remember lyrics • Use songs to help memorise and categorise information. For example, your child may make up a rap to help them remember key information for a test. Verbal or Linguistic Learners • Are the ‘wordsmiths’ – Verbal learners find it easy to express themselves on paper, have a way with words and often breeze through written assignments. • Excel in things like public speaking, journalism and debate – anything that involves either written or spoken word • Enjoy reading, writing, poetry and languages • Process information by writing it down through things like cue cards or through the popular Look Cover Say Write Check strategy used in many primary schools • Can also process information by reading the content aloud.
www.pakmag.com.au | April 2020 21
