Sir Auditor UviesherheLearning may simply be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience or being taught.
This art usually involves taking in information and experience so as to transform oneself and behavior.
Learning can be done through different means. These different means are what sum up to become what is known as learning styles.
Thus, learning styles are simply the various ways by which individuals or groups input knowledge, process them, and also reflect on them.
There are several learning styles. Amongst these styles are auditory learning, visual learning, learning by reading and writing, etc. In this article, eight learning styles will be discussed.
Additionally, hacks on how to discover your learning style, reasons and benefits of knowing your learning style, and how to improve your learning style will be discussed.
Have you been finding learning difficult in one way or the other? That may be due to lack of knowledge about what your learning style is.
As you read through this article, get ready to overcome your learning challenges by knowing the learning style that works best for you. Learning is about to get better! Let’s move.
What are Learning Styles?
According to Wikipedia, learning styles refer to a range of theories that aim to account for differences in individual learning. They are different methods of learning and understanding new information.
It can also be defined as the ways or processes a person takes in, understands, expresses, and remembers information.
According to some scientists, psychologists, and educational experts, different people have the way they learn. They have preferences and approaches to knowledge acquisition. These preferences are what is known as learning styles.
Take for example, individual A may like to acquire knowledge or skills by listening to audios or hearing someone speak while individual B may prefer reading books and writing.
The differences between individuals A and B define their learning styles. This shows that no two persons have the same approaches to inputting knowledge, skills, or experience.
Teachers, instructors, coaches, tutors, etc. can help improve their learners’ learning process if they are able to know, understand, and identify their learning styles. By doing this, learning will be effective.
To conclude, learning styles refer to the mode of acquiring new information which is personal to individuals or groups. Each person has different ways of assimilating, retaining, recalling, and reflecting on new ideas.
Knowing the method that resonates with learners can help educators and trainers improve learning activities.
8 Types of Learning Styles
Just as it has been established in the last subtopic, there are different types of learning styles. In other words, everyone has the way they acquire and process new information.
Some psychologists and educational experts have said that the learning styles do not have permanent definition and number.
They have suggested that they are anywhere between 3 to 170 different types of learning styles. However, only eight of them will be discussed in this article.
These eight types of learning styles are divided into four main types and other types which are based on one of the senses and social aspects. Let’s delve into them with a simple explanation.
The Four Main Types of Learning Styles
According to research, it has been discovered that there are four main types of learning styles. These styles are categorized using a model called VARK Model. The acronym VARK means visual, auditory, reading, and kinesthetic.
These four words give an outline of the four basic types of learners we have. Take a journey to what they mean through the explanation below.
1. Visual Learning:
This is a type of learning style which involves the use of visual aids like charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, etc. to transmit new information to learners.
Visual learners acquire knowledge and skills quickly and easily through visual aids made of patterns and shapes.
They don’t necessarily respond to photos or videos, but they learn best when relationships between different ideas are presented to them through visual materials.
For example, using a flow chart to explain a scientific process to them may help them understand and assimilate quickly.
Also, the use of drawn and painted diagrams to explain a concept can aid their understanding.
In short, visual learners will learn better when an environment that allows them to see what they are being taught is created.
The connection between what they see and hear usually leads to easy comprehension.
2. Auditory Learning:
This type of learning style involves the use of spoken words to pass new information across to learners. Those who learn through this style understand better when they listen to audios, lectures, etc.
They prefer that ideas be conveyed to them through talking since speaking loud helps them to assimilate and retain a concept better. They often enjoy engaging in group discussions that foster and encourage learning.
3. Reading/Writing:
This kind of learning style involves the use of orthographic letters of the alphabet. Learners in these categories can be called “word learners” because they learn best by words.
They learn by reading about a particular subject and taking notes simultaneously. To them, written words are more important to them than images or sounds.
Additionally, they understand word ideas better than visual or auditory ideas. They are usually good writers and avid readers.
Some of the ways they learn include taking written assignments, quizzes, or written statements.
4. Kinesthetic Learning:
Those who have this learning style are called practical learners. They learn by doing or practicing. They prefer taking in new information and experience by putting their hands to work.
They learn faster when they get more connected to reality. This makes them use tactile experience to understand something better.
Real experience, practice, examples, or simulations help kinesthetic learners to understand, assimilate, retain, recall, and reflect on new information.
They process new thoughts and ideas better when they can connect with them in the real sense.
For instance, repeating an experiment or anything that was done in their presence can help their memorabilia.
Other Ways of Learning
The other ways of learning which are based on one of the senses and social aspect are:
5. Logical/Analytical Learning:
Logical or analytical learners acquire new knowledge, information, and skills by depending on logic and their analytical skills.
They seek for connections, causes, patterns, and results in their learning. Questions that require interpretation serve as good tools of learning to them.
Materials that test their problem solving skills and reasoning abilities also help them to learn. They learn by fact.
6. Social/Linguistic Learning:
This involves the use of socialization in learning activities. Learners in this category understand new ideas better when they socialize through team or group work that foster interaction and open discussions.
Sharing of personal stories and experiences also help their learning process. They are active and relational learners.
7. Solitary Learning Style:
This learning process involves personal activities that can help to input new ideas and information.
Those who learn by using this method are known as “solo learners.” They are the opposite of sound learners. They learn best when they are alone.
They do not enjoy interacting with others because it may hinder their ability to understand. They like keeping journals or diaries.
8. Nature Learning:
This is a learning style that involves the use of nature to exchange knowledge and skills with learners for their attention.
Nature learners learn best when they have contact with nature. They love being in a serene, calm, and relaxing environment.
They are similar to tactile learners. The only difference between them is the nature part. They learn best when they are outside where they see and smell nature.
To conclude, we have four basic types of learning styles which can be remembered using the VARK MODEL.
The four other types discussed are also styles of learning which scientists, psychologists, and educational experts have seen individuals demonstrate.
Although one person can have more than one of these learning abilities, one will also be predominant.
Learning will become an easy and interesting path to navigate when Both the teachers and learners acquaint themselves with the learning styles that work best for them.
How to Discover Your Learning Styles
As earlier stated, learning will be fun if you know and understand the learning styles that work.
This is why this aspect of the article will teach you how to find your learning style. Ready to find out how you learn best? Take the flight below.
Experiment with Different Study Methods:
In order to find the learning style that works best for you, you have to try out all the methods of learning you have learned about.
As you try them out one after the other, take note of the one that makes learning easy, fun, and interesting to you.
Although learning is not always easy, you can enjoy it when your learning style is adopted.
This is why you have practiced the different methods of learning to know the one that suits you best.
Reflect on the Method that Works Best:
As you try out the eight learning styles, watch out for the one that works best for you and note it down.
Reflect on how susceptible you are to the different processes attached to each learning style. How well did you learn after using the style?
Do you understand easily and quickly after exploring the learning style? Were you able to retain and recall what you learned by using the style?
These and many other questions can help you do the reflection.
- Know Yourself:
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses in the aspect of learning can also help you to discover your learning style. Find out if you are a social, investigative, artistic, or realistic person.
The hints you get from this discovery can help you know the learning style that works best for you.
- Practice the Style You have Discovered:
As you experiment, reflect, and know yourself, you will begin to gain clarity on what your learning style is.
When this clarity starts coming, ensure to practice the style you have discovered. This will enable you to gain more clarity.
In summary, experimenting with different learning methods, reflecting on your experiment, knowing yourself, and practicing your discovery are proven hacks that can help you to discover your learning style.
If you implement these hacks, finding what works best for you will never be a herculean task.
Why Should You Discover Your Learning Style?
There are several reasons you need to find out what your learning style is. Amongst these reasons are:
- Learning Becomes Easy for You:
When you know what your learning style is, it makes the learning process less cumbersome for you.
It gives you the opportunity to learn easily and quickly. You will easily comprehend what you are learning because your method of learning is involved.
- You will Learn Better:
Your learning prowess becomes better when you understand the method that works best for you.
If you were a slow learner before, you can become a fast learner in a short time when you employ learning mode in the learning process.
- Retention and Recalling Becomes Achievable:
Many learners find it difficult to retain and recall what has been learned because they learn by using the style that does not resonate with them.
When you use the method of study that works best for you, you will be able to retain and recall what you have learned. This will save you from being a forgetful learner.
- It Makes the Teaching and Learning Process Effective:
The teaching and learning process will become more effective when you discover your learning style.
This will happen in such a way that your tutor, instructor, teacher, or coach will tailor the teaching to suit your style. This will make teaching less stressful for the teacher and less tedious for you too.
- Learning Becomes Fun:
Learning is not meant to be endured but enjoyed. One thing that can make you enjoy learning is knowing your learning style.
If you are not a type that learns by reading and writing, you will not enjoy the learning process when you are forced to use that method.
However, if that’s your learning style, you will find it interesting to do. Do you desire to take learning from a boring experience to an intriguing experience? Find your learning style.
To summarize, knowing what your learning style is has a lot of benefits to offer. For this reason, you shouldn’t snooze on discovering your learning style.
Conclusion on Understanding Learning Styles
The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and information that shape your behavior, thoughts, and experience can be done in different ways.
These different ways form the different learning styles that have been discussed in this article. Also, you stand to learn better and effectively when you know what works best for you.
Therefore, efforts should be made to know, understand, and implement the learning style that works best for you. As you do this, you will see yourself becoming a great learner.
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