Learning Styles

Learning styles are meant to help students, but not everyone needs to figure out a preferred method. Finding the best way to learn takes time and some trial and error. Teachers and parents can support learners by creating a positive environment and planning lessons that reduce stress. These steps make learning more enjoyable and help students develop a good attitude toward education.

​This entry is going to help those who are trying to figure out their preferred method by giving them a bird's-eye view of the whole topic. It will explain its meaning, its types, and how you can find the best one for yourself. It will also help parents and teachers observe patterns in their child’s learning styles and further try to develop them.

What are learning styles in education and learning?

Learning styles are the different ways people learn, process, and remember information. In the past, education focused on memorising facts for exams. Today, learners focus on truly understanding ideas and keeping knowledge for the long term. This allows them to do better in school, work, and daily life.

Learning styles have been popular in UK schools for many years. However, research now shows they may not always be the most effective way to learn. Educators are exploring other methods, like interactive lessons and hands-on activities, to help students learn more effectively. Even the Educational Endowment Foundation notes that some learning style approaches have low impact and low cost.

Six main types of learning styles

Comprehending the various types of learning styles enables individuals to tailor study methods to their cognitive preferences. However, some educators and parents prioritise short-term memorisation over genuine understanding, potentially neglecting long-term retention.

​Here are the six main types of learning styles, which can help parents and teachers determine if students are studying most effectively. While some people use a combination of methods, most have one or two dominant styles. Understanding these types makes it easier to identify the approach that suits you best.

Visual

Visual learners are the ones who process information best when they are able to see it. They don't really remember texts or audios, but they do retain images, charts, diagrams, and videos for a longer period of time. For example, a student studying biology might remember the process of photosynthesis better with the help of a labelled diagram rather than simply reading a paragraph.

Auditory

This is one of the learning styles that helps learners remember and excel at skill development through sound. They absorb information best by listening to audiobooks, discussions, and lectures. A few strategies for effective learning are participating in group discussions and different verbal Q&A sessions. Students can also record lectures and explanations to go back and listen to them multiple times.

Verbal

These individuals prefer processing information using words, either through speaking or writing them. They enjoy reading, writing, storytelling, and explaining the concepts in their own words rather than simply remembering them word by word. For example, a student who is trying to remember key events in history might simply try to do it by writing short essays or narrating the stories about historical figures in their own words.

Physical

Physical learning styles mainly thrive through hands-on experience, and they understand concepts better by doing, experimenting, and moving while studying. The best strategy for them would be to engage in practical exercises and experiments, take frequent breaks to move around during study sessions, and use models or simulations to visualise the concepts physically.

Logical learners

Logical learning styles are mainly useful for those who enjoy reasoning, patterns, and problem-solving. They are good at analysing data, recognising different relationships, and also thinking critically. For example, a student studying chemistry might find it easier to understand the different reactions by organising the elements into tables and predicting their outcomes logically.

Social learners

These students learn by interacting with others and understanding the concepts. They learn best in groups and enjoy collaboration, teamwork, and peer feedback.  For them, the best strategies would be to participate in group studies, debates, discuss their ideas, and ask questions to clarify the concepts.

How to discover your learning style?

You can discover it by observing how you absorb information, taking different learning styles, quizzes and also reflecting on your past experience with different study methods. As discussed earlier, it is not going to happen very soon because it takes constant effort, awareness and a lot of trial and error. However, below are a few steps that you can follow:

1. Take a quiz - Many online quizzes introduce learners to their dominant learning styles. They can know if they prefer learning by visuals, audio, physical movements, or simply by talking to people.
2. Observe your study habits - Pay close attention to how you remember information in the best manner. Do you prefer to read, write, or simply listen? It will help you determine your dominant style.
3. Reflect on your past experiences - Recall the times that you could remember information very easily. What did you do differently then? And how can you use the same or modified method even today?.
4. Ask for feedback - One of the ways to find your learning styles is to ask continuous feedback from your teachers, mentors, and friends every time you try something new. This will help you know what is and what is not working for you.
5. Experiment using different methods - When you study, use different ways to see which one helps you best remember information. You might not find it early, but experimenting with different methods will get you a step closer to your most effective method.

Summing up, learning styles can be a great source of help in studying smarter, if used correctly. However, they can also be a reason for low academic performance and lack of confidence if they are misused. This is why parents and teachers should support learners in finding out the best ways in which they can be most productive.