Different Styles of Learning

As a student who struggled in school as a visual learner, it's very important to me that I, as a future teacher, remember that every child learns in different ways and that it's essential to accommodate those learning styles as best we can. The first step is understanding what types of learning styles we are dealing with. According to the "VARK" Model, there are four main learning styles:

Visual Learners: learn best when they see and observe what is being taught through pictures, drawings, diagrams, etc. (Also known as spatial learners).

Auditory Learners: learn best by having the content verbalized to them. For example, they prefer listening to a lecture about a subject as opposed to reading about it in a text book. (Also known as aural learners).

Kinesthetic Learners: these learners prefer the use of their bodies by doing what is being taught like acting out information or being hands on. (Also known as tactile learning).

Reading/Writing Learners: learn best through the written word. They enjoy writing and reading content for information. 

https://www.verywellmind.com/vark-learning-styles-2795156 (VARK Model link)

If you are unsure which learning style you might fall under, there is a 16 question quiz through "VARK" linked below that will tell you which style best fits your learning needs. It's important to know which learning style we fall under because when we recognize our own identity and struggles in learning, it can shed some light on the journey that our students are on in education.

https://vark-learn.com (Quiz)

While researching this topic, I came across some websites with tips and tricks on how to best teach children from the 4 main styles of learning as well as other more specific learning styles outside of the "VARK" Model. Take a look at these links for more information!

https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/

https://virtualspeech.com/blog/teaching-strategies-different-learning-styles

https://aussiechildcarenetwork.com.au/articles/teaching-children/implementing-different-learning-styles-when-teaching-children

                             Courtesy of: Laura@NU OTECF