Learning Styles

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles refer to the various ways individuals absorb, process and retain information most effectively. This concept is rooted in the idea of individualized learning and acknowledges that everyone has unique preferences for how they learn best. For example, some individuals may rely heavily on visual aids like charts or diagrams, while others might thrive in hands-on, practical learning scenarios. Recognizing and addressing these differences allows educators and learners to increase the potential for understanding and retention of information.

Are Learning Styles Fact or Fiction?

Learning styles should not be used as rigid, stable labels, but rather as guides. Each learning style can be viewed as a spectrum of a sensorial or cognitive processing capacity. An individual is not likely to have a single learning style, but rather a combination of unique capacities and inclinations along each learning style. On top of this, a person's preferred style of learning will surely vary based on context and can also evolve over time.

However, the concept of learning styles may help educators in recognizing learning and response patterns of the students they work with. Most people exhibit preferences for one or more learning styles and this can guide the development of tailored tools and educational strategies.

Our approach is to treat learning styles as:

1. Different sensory modalities to pull into the learning experience,
2. Simplified guides that help us recognize behavioral and cognitive patterns,
3. Categorization of needs that assist us when brainstorming on alternative settings, tools and approaches.

Types of Learning Styles

Below are the most common learning styles.

Visual/Spatial Learning

Visual learners process information best through images, diagrams, charts and other visual aids. They often think in pictures and benefit from spatial understanding. For example, these learners might excel when using mind maps or watching demonstrations.

Review in detail: Visual Learning

Auditory (Aural) Learning

Auditory learners retain information through sound. Lectures, discussions and audio materials like podcasts or audiobooks work best for them. They might prefer group conversations or verbal repetition to reinforce their knowledge.

Review in detail: Auditory Learning

Kinesthetic (Tactile) Learning

Hands-on learners thrive through physical activity and direct interaction with materials. Whether building a model or conducting experiments, these individuals learn by doing and may tend to find traditional lectures less engaging.

Review in detail: Kinesthetic Learning

Verbal/Linguistic Learning

These learners excel with language, enjoying activities involving reading, writing and speaking. They often have a talent for storytelling or writing essays and find it easier to memorize content when presented in words.

Review in detail: Verbal Learning

Logical/Mathematical Learning

Analytical and logical thinkers, these learners enjoy problem-solving, recognizing patterns and engaging with numerical or structured information. They might excel in tasks requiring deductive reasoning or creating flowcharts.

Review in detail: Logical Learning

Social (Interpersonal) Learning

Also referred to as collaborative or interpersonal learning. Social learners flourish in group settings. They enjoy collaborative projects, discussions and any activity where interpersonal interaction is a focus. These learners tend to find teamwork energizing and learn best through shared experiences.

Review in detail: Social Learning

Solitary (Intrapersonal) Learning

Also referred to as self learning. These independent learners prefer self-study and personal reflection. They often set their own goals and create structured study plans that align with their internal motivations.

Review in detail: Self Learning / Independent Learning

Each learning style provides a unique lens through which learners engage with content. For a deeper dive into any specific style, explore our detailed articles linked to each.

How to Identify Learning Styles?

Identifying learning styles involves exploring diverse teaching methods and systematically observing behaviors, collecting feedback and using tools for assessment when needed. You can follow this step-by-step approach:

1. Offer a Variety of Learning Activities

Present the same topic in multiple ways and see what clicks. Provide diverse experiences to gauge engagement:

• Visual Approaches: Drawing, organizing pictures, presenting charts, solving puzzles, using videos or mind maps.‍
• Auditory Techniques: Storytelling, singing songs, including discussions or listening to audio materials.‍
• Kinesthetic Activities: Incorporating hands-on projects or role-playing, using building blocks, playing sports, cooking together.‍
• Multimodal Strategies: Use a mix, like combining a demonstration with a group discussion and an interactive activity.

2. Use Technology to Facilitate Learning Exploration

Leverage tools and platforms to engage and assess learners in various styles. There are several interactive tools catering to different learners and that can help you test engagement. Check out the following examples for real-time engagement, visual boards and varied content types: Kahoot, Padlet, BrainPOP, Edmodo, Nearpod.

There are also online surveys to help identify style preferences. Online assessments such as the VARK Questionnaire help identify style preferences.

3. Observe Behaviors and Log Insights

Observe behavioral patterns and track how learners respond to different methods:

• Prefers diagrams or drawings? Likely a visual learner.
• Excels in discussions or verbal repetition? Likely an auditory learner.
• Highly engaged in hands-on projects? Likely a kinesthetic learner.

Keep a log for class or activity participation. Record responses to activities (e.g., group work vs. independent tasks). Note patterns such as frequent sketching or active participation in debates. These logs will serve as a reference for understanding preferences over time.

4. Collect Feedback to Refine Observations

Collect feedback to complement your observations with learners’ perspectives.

Structured Questionnaires: Use structured surveys or forms asking students which methods they find most effective. You can also use online tools such as Google Forms or Survey Monkey to implement simple polls or surveys. Sample questions:

• “Do you prefer watching videos or reading text to understand a topic?”
• “Which activities do you find the most engaging during lessons?”

Informal Discussion Prompts: Hold informal one-on-one or group conversations to gain deeper insights. Example prompts:

• “What was your favorite part of today’s activity?”
• “Did the demonstration help clarify the concept?”
• "Did you enjoy watching the video?"
• “Was there anything that made the material easier to understand?”

By integrating diverse activities, systematic observation and learner feedback, educators and parents can form a comprehensive understanding of individual learning styles. This iterative approach ensures that the strategies used are effective and adaptable.

Teaching Strategies for Different Learning Styles

Tailoring teaching strategies to specific learning styles enhances academic performance and retention. For school settings, consider these approaches:

• Classroom Layouts: Provide flexible spaces with areas for group work, hands-on experiments, and independent study.
• Engagement Tools: Use a mix of traditional methods (e.g., charts, storytelling) and digital platforms to cater to diverse needs.
• Group Dynamics: Encourage students to experiment with both collaborative and independent activities to balance interpersonal and intrapersonal learning.

Also review our in-depth analysis of each learning style to find more specific suggestions.

Using Different Learning Styles in Homeschooling

Homeschooling offers a lot of flexibility for tailoring one's study to individual preferences:

• Role-Playing Games: Perfect for kinesthetic learners, who thrive on action and interaction.
• Storytelling Techniques: A natural fit for auditory and linguistic learners.
• Tech Integration: Using educational apps to create engaging, multimodal lessons.
• Outdoor Learning: Also for kinesthetic learners, incorporating nature walks, gardening or physical experiments into the curriculum.

Assess Your Own Learning Style – What Type of Learner Are You?

Understanding your learning style means being aware of how you best process information. Here are some specific methods and tools to help identify your dominant learning style:

Reflection Exercises

• Daily Habits Analysis: Reflect on activities you naturally gravitate toward when learning something new. Do you prefer watching videos, reading or experimenting hands-on?
• Journaling: Keep a journal for your reflections. Focus specifically on your learning experiences. Revisit a recent time you learned something effectively. What tools or methods worked best for you?
• Experimenting: Expose yourself to a combination of methods to see what resonates. Some examples are:
  • Visual: Use mind maps, flashcards, or instructional videos.
  • Auditory: Listen to podcasts or audio books.
  • Kinesthetic: Engage in DIY projects or interactive experiments.

Online Learning Style Assessments: VARK Questionnaire is a tool that categorizes learning preferences into Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic. You can also check online personality type tests that may provide insights into your preferred learning style. Don't look to label yourself with a single learning style - it is very unlikely. Instead use these tools to give you ideas and help you build awareness about your preferred styles.

Learning Styles Theory and Models

There are several theories and models on learning styles. You can find below some of the best-known frameworks.

David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory: Kolb emphasized learning through experience, breaking it into four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. This model highlights the cyclical nature of learning and the importance of reflection and application.

VARK Model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) categorizes learners based on their sensory preferences, making it a widely used framework for educators.

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences: Gardner expanded the idea of learning styles into broader intelligences, such as linguistic, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal. His model recognizes the diverse talents people bring to learning environments and encourages educators to use varied methods.

Different Learner Types in the Workplace

Recognizing and accommodating different learning styles in the workplace enhances productivity and employee satisfaction. Specific learner types often have distinct needs:

• Visual Learners: Thrive with tools like infographics and dashboards for clarity.
• Auditory Learners: Prefer discussions, podcasts and verbal collaboration.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Engage best with hands-on activities and flexible work setups.
• Solitary Learners: Need quiet spaces and self-paced resources.

By understanding these preferences, employers can adapt training and workspaces to create a more inclusive environment. If you want to create a workplace that can attract and accommodate people with diverse learning styles, try to stay flexible when designing your culture and setting:  

• Encourage Autonomy: Allow employees to choose how they engage with tasks, whether individually or collaboratively. Provide flexibility around individuals using earphones, setting "do not disturb" slots or pulling each other into quick pull-up chats.
• Provide Adaptable Spaces: Offer private rooms for focus, collaborative areas for quick pull-ups or teamwork. Place writing boards in meeting areas and rooms.
• Normalize Movement and Flexibility: Make it acceptable for employees to stand, move or work in unconventional ways if it improves productivity. Use adjustable desks  for movement.
• Solicit Feedback: Regularly gather input on workplace needs and preferences, and adjust policies or spaces accordingly.

Criticism of the Learning Styles Approach

Critics argue that learning styles lack strong empirical evidence. They highlight that learning is more adaptable and context-dependent than fixed categories suggest.

Additionally, some studies indicate that catering exclusively to a learner’s preferred style might not always enhance learning outcomes. The same learner may actually benefit from being stimulated in varying ways. Latest studies show that the brain adapts well to multimodal approaches, blending visual, auditory and kinesthetic methods for enhanced retention. See the section on top on whether learning styles are fact or fiction and how they should best be utilized as guides and not labels.

Technology and Learning Styles

Technology has started transforming education by catering to diverse learning styles:

• AI for Adaptive Learning: AI platforms analyze individual performance to create personalized learning paths. AI-powered tools also provide tailored support for learners with disabilities.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality: VR and AR offer immersive, interactive environments ideal for visual and kinesthetic learners.
• Collaborative Learning Tools and Games: Online platforms encourage teamwork and gamified learning experiences for social and kinesthetic learners.
• Educational Multimedia Technologies: Combines videos, podcasts and simulations to engage multiple senses and support varied learning styles.

Advances in neuroscience are also uncovering how memory, attention and neuroplasticity shape learning. Future research is likely to provide deeper insights into personalized learning strategies.