Parents who have a child struggling in school may suspect a learning disability, but they may just have a unique learning style. Recent research on learning styles has determined that we are all born with a preferred learning style. We can learn to use different styles but we will always learn best with the style that is inherent.
There are three basic learning styles:
- Visual learners learn best when information is presented in pictures, charts, maps or diagrams. When they read or listen to new concepts, they form pictures in their mind. Some benefit from doodling in class while they listen to a lecture. Later they recall specific information by looking at specific doodles. To understand a new concept, visual learners may write detailed notes with step-by-step instructions. If they need to recall information, they will ”see” the information the way they wrote it.
- Auditory learners absorb information by listening not only to words, but also to nuances from the voice of the speaker like a rise in pitch for emphasis or differences in tone to indicate levels of importance. When they recall information, they will remember the way they heard it. Auditory learners often do not absorb information from a textbook until it is read aloud. Participating in group discussions and talking things out work best for auditory learners.
- Tactile/Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. They understand new concepts when they can physically work with new information. They learn best by participating in science experiments, learning activities and field trips. They quickly loose interest during lectures and often fidget in their seats because they are anxious to do something.
In the past, teachers taught in one style: Lecture, writing on the blackboard, memorization and repetition. Learning styles weren’t really understood until the 1980’s. Today, a good teacher will try to include teaching methods from all three learning styles while introducing a new concept such as using pictures or diagrams for visual learners, lectures for auditory learners and class activities for tactile/kinesthetic learners. Children aren’t conscious of their learning styles; they just know when they ”get it.” Teachers who expose children to all the styles will teach them to adapt to other methods of learning. For example, if a child doesn’t understand a new concept until it is taught in their learning style, they can make comparisons and connections between the three styles and start adapting. After enough exposure, they can absorb new information from different learning methods. Before you start to worry if your child has a learning disability, find out if he/she simply learns differently. To determine which learning style works best, talk with your child about their classroom experiences with various teaching methods and consider free online learning style tests that will help you determine what style works best for your child.
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