Identifying the Right Learning Style for Your Child

A wise person once said, ‘To understand a child’s world, we must first observe it, for in their actions and expressions lies the key to their thoughts, feelings and aspirations.’

Every human being has unique characteristics that shape their irreplaceable personality and traits, distinguishing them from one another. Experts refer to these traits as individual differences, which significantly impact education gained during the early years, influencing how each person learns by the various ways they effectively captivate, process, retain knowledge, and comfortably reproduce the content learned, which can be observed keenly by the facilitator all through the years be at the Montessori school, primary school and secondary school. These learning patterns and style can be gauged during the curricular and extracurricular sessions as both involve the learners in the process.

In case it makes you think over which one to pick from the top 10 schools near me, then your wait is over as multiple learning styles experiences are offered to the students at the school. They are majorly stimulated through visual, kinesthetic, auditory and reading/writing skills to learn through their dominant learning styles. The glimpse of what are the various learning styles in our school when considering a plethora of Montessori schools, primary schools, middle schools and secondary schools will surely help you take an informed decision.

1. Visual Learning Style

Visual learning style is characterized by a preference for absorbing information through images, diagrams, and other visual aids. With this style dominant, the learners benefit from seeing concepts represented graphically, which helps them understand and retain information better. It could be best by viewing pictures or images and respond well to colours and mind maps. We employ using graphic organizers at our school that could compel you to make a claim that this is one of the best schools among the top 10 schools near me.

2. Auditory Learning Style

Auditory learning style learners absorb information best through hearing or speaking which helps them further organize their thoughts after verbalizing them rather than contemplating ideas beforehand. Especially when a new concept is being taught the auditory learners thrive on strategies like discussions, lectures and group projects. They can enhance their understanding by repeating and or explaining content and using technology to record lectures and other instructional materials.

3. Kinesthetic Learning Style 

Kinesthetic learning style is characterized by learners who prefer hands-on activities. They learn fast by any kind of opportunity that includes movement like conducting experiments in the class or the laboratory, role plays, making charts, flashcards and building projects.

4. Reading/Writing

The reading/writing learning style favors learners who excel through engaging with written content, such as books and essays. These students retain information better when presented in text form and benefit from activities like journaling and written assignments.

There could also be the Social Learners, or interpersonal learners who flourish when they are put with their peers for learning through quizzing each other or having a group study. And then there are the Solitary, or Intrapersonal Learners who radiate when they work alone, a space that aids them in making notes and reciting them back to themselves without any distractions, which most of us have engaged in at some given point of time in life. And yes, surprisingly, there are the Logical, or mathematical learners who excel when they put logic and structures to good use in order to learn effectively. 

While the statistics claim that 65 percent of the population comprises of the visual and social learners, 30 percent are auditory and solitary learners and 5 percent are the kinesthetic learners.

What Can Observers Do

• Avoid interfering or pressurizing the children to perform.
• Avoid assuming or stating our opinion while recording evidence.
• Not record anything we do not see.
• Not label behaviors, actions or feelings.
• Avoid using subjective, bias or judgmental terms.
• Avoid using exaggerations and conditional words.

Visual Learners

1. Sketchnotes: Combine drawing and note-taking to visualize and learn concepts.
2. Mind Maps: Create diagrams that connect ideas and concepts visually.
3. Infographics: Design visual representations of information using charts and graphics.
4. Color-Coded Notes: Use different colors to highlight key points and categorize information.

Auditory Learners

1. Podcasts and Audiobooks: Listen to educational content related to the subject.
2. Group Discussions: Engage in conversations to explore ideas and clarify concepts.
3. Singing or Rapping: Create songs or rhymes to memorize information.
4. Verbal Summaries: Explain concepts out loud to reinforce understanding.

Kinesthetic Learners

1. Hands-On Experiments: Conduct experiments or activities related to the material.
2. Role-Playing: Act out scenarios to understand concepts better.
3. Interactive Simulations: Use simulations or games that require active participation.
4. Movement-Based Learning: Incorporate physical activity into study sessions, like walking while reviewing notes.

Reading/Writing Learners

1. Journaling: Write reflections and summaries to deepen understanding.
2. Research Projects: Conduct in-depth research and present findings in written form.
3. Flashcards: Create written flashcards to quiz oneself on key concepts.
4. Written Reflections: Write essays or reports to articulate understanding and reinforce learning.

Multimodal Learners

1. Integrated Learning: Combine visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements in study sessions.
2. Interactive Presentations: Create presentations that include visuals, spoken content, and hands-on elements.
3. Collaborative Projects: Work with peers to create projects that incorporate different learning styles.
4. Digital Tools: Use apps that blend text, audio, and visual elements, such as educational videos or interactive e-books.

Do not get intimidated or worried by your child’s different learning styles. The proof of success lies in the list below.

Visual Learner-Leonardo da Vinci: Renowned for his artistry and scientific contributions, da Vinci’s use of sketches and diagrams helped him visualize complex concepts in both art and science.

Auditory Learner-Albert Einstein: Known for his groundbreaking theories in physics, Einstein often engaged in discussions and verbal explorations of ideas, reflecting his auditory learning preference.

Kinesthetic Learner-Thomas Edison: The famous inventor learned best through hands-on experimentation, often immersing himself in practical projects to develop his innovative ideas.

Reading/Writing Learner-Maya Angelou: The celebrated poet and author thrived on reading and writing, using her literary skills to express profound insights and experiences throughout her life.

Multimodal Learner-Steve Jobs: The co-founder of Apple Incorporated a blend of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, using design, storytelling, and hands-on development to revolutionize technology and user experience.

As we embrace the diverse tapestry of learning styles, let us remember: true education is not about fitting every learner into a single mold, but about celebrating the unique pathways each learner takes on their journey to understanding

Manita Hathi

Public Relations Officer

National Public School ITPL