Learning Styles: VAK

Everyone learns in different ways. A learning style is “the way someone learns or the way a person's senses interpret and organize the information they receive”. Teachers and parents have to know the child's learning style to help students learn. Identifying students’ learning styles help educators understand how people perceive and process information in different ways. 

Some learners might need instruction presented more visually, while others might require more auditory, kinaesthetic or tactile types of instruction. Without adequate knowledge about their individuals’ students’ style preferences, teachers cannot provide the needed instructional variety.

How can teachers discover their student’s learning style?

• Observe and take notes about children’s learning. 

• Activities that show us the style preference of students. 

• Questionnaire.   

There are three basic styles: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic; to bear in mind.

Visual learning style involves the use of seen or observed things, including pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, hand-outs, films… Visual learners tend to gather information with their eyes.

Auditory learning style involves the transfer of information through listening.

Kinaesthetic learning involves physical experience –touching, holding, feeling, practical hands-on experiences… Kinaesthetic learners gather information through their sense of touch and movement.

Usually a student learns better when taught in one of these three areas, but sometimes a child may have two strong learning styles. It is very important for teachers to focus on all three learning styles when planning lessons to ensure that all students can learn.