Understanding the different learning styles

By: Hermekay Dehaney

Each person possesses a different combination of learning styles, and identifying your styles can be very helpful in helping you improve comprehension and knowledge retention.

In this article, I will tell you the top four primary learning styles, and their characteristics to help you figure out which ones best fit you, and how you can adapt to them.

The four main learning styles are:

Visual learner

Visual learners are people who prefer to learn in a more visual format. They learn best with drawn-out charts, maps, and videos. Visual learners tend to remember things they see rather than hear, such as remembering people’s faces rather than their names. If this is you, here are some tips to help you adjust.

Color code your notes and planners: Using different colors to better understand what you are learning can help with organization and memorizing.
Making mind maps: A mind map is a technique used when you put down all the things you’ve learned and make connections between them. This can help you visualize the relationship between the things you’re learning.
Watch videos: For visual learners, watching videos rather than reading textbooks can help with illustrating complex concepts visually.

2) Auditory learner

Auditory learners learn better when listening. They may prefer listening to lectures, and audiobooks, and contributing to discussions. Here are some tips to take advantage of being an auditory learner.

Recite: Reciting things can help to better remember and comprehend.
Listen to audiobooks and podcasts: Listening to audio recordings on the related subject is a way to absorb and retain the information.
Music: Listening to music preferably without lyrics is a good way for auditory learners to focus when doing assignments or studying.

3) Kinesthetic learners

Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best through hands-on activities. They prefer to actively engage in the material, such as performing experiments instead of listening and watching, that’s why most usually have difficulty sitting for long. They have a strong sense of touch and tend to remember information they physically experienced.

Tips for kinesthetic learners:

Interactive learning: Things such as online simulations, education, and making models allow kinesthetic learners to be comfortable while also learning something.
Use gestures: Incorporating gestures in learning can help kinesthetic learners symbolize the concept by acting it out to help with memory recall.
Take breaks: Allow yourself to take breaks during homework and studying by going on a short walk, or stretching. Doing so allows you to be focused and engaged.

4) Reading/writing learner

Reading/writing learners learn better when the information is in written word/text. They retain information better with textbooks, articles, and written instruction.

Here are some tips for reading/writing learners:

Rewrite/reread: Rewriting and reading text in your own words helps with understanding.
Flashcards: Creating flashcards with questions on one side, and answers on the other side. You can write it down yourself or use apps such as Duolingo. Quiz yourself regularly to test your knowledge and memory.
Take detailed notes: Writing down key points, and definitions when reading, and studying assignments.

Pay attention to your natural techniques and methods that seem to work best for you whether it’s being a visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or reading/writing learner.

Don’t limit yourself to one learning style, the majority of people have a combination of the styles. Once you identify the learning styles that fit you, adjust your study habits and learning strategies accordingly.

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