Have you ever been in a class where all the teacher does for the entire period is talk or give a lecture? It’s not horrible?! Not for some…
Don’t you hate it when it’s lab day in science class and you have to play with beakers and Bunsen burners? Not for some…
Isn’t it horrible when the teacher doesn’t write notes on the board, just makes silly pictures everywhere? Not for some…
What does that mean??
No two students learn the same way – students have different learning styles! What is good for one student may be terrible for the next.
There are many different categories of learning styles and many different learning style inventories that you can take to find out what kind of learner you are.
Here is a basic overview of three basic learning styles and a brief description of what it means to you, the learner.
auditory learner
A student with an auditory learning style learns best when information is presented verbally. In a classroom, this type of student likes to be lectured by teachers, as this is the easiest way to process new information. Recording a lecture and then listening to it on a CD or iPod is helpful for remembering.
tips
- Rewrite the notes the same day you heard them
- Organize notes by highlighting and repeating out loud three times
- Record lessons and listen to them while you exercise
- Talk aloud about math problems with another person
Kinesthetic
A student with a kinesthetic learning style learns best when there are hands-on activities: learning by doing. In a classroom, this type of student likes to be given the opportunity by teachers to create things…models, plays, build or manipulate something tangible. Field trips are helpful as the student can experience and be part of the learning.
tips
- Study small amounts of information at a time
- Take frequent breaks and move
- Try to create a body movement that represents a concept.
- Walk while studying notes or flashcards
Visual
A student with a visual learning style learns best when information is presented in an organized and systematic way. In a classroom, students with a visual learning style prefer outlines, bullet points, and examples with a visual organizer. Creating mental images helps students learn better.
tips
- Use colored pens/highlighters to sequence different steps or strategies
- Draw a picture to represent a concept.
- Create mnemonics to help remember difficult or lengthy material
- Create Venn diagrams to represent concepts
Knowing your learning style and understanding what type of learner you are is essential. If your teacher doesn’t use teaching methods that suit his specific learning style, now you have the knowledge to adjust the lesson to meet his specific needs!
