The different learning styles and their influence on children’s learning

“Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding.”-Robert John Meehan.

Most people have heard that different people learn in different ways. There is a theory called the VAK/VARK model that suggests that there are seven different learning styles and they are customised towards different strengths and the five senses to help a person to remember information more efficiently. This is why here at elearnus we believe it is important for children to identify their learning style.

Despite criticism from many academics, many teachers are looking at ways to ensure that they are catering learning towards all the different learning styles so that all children can learn effectively no matter how they learn. Also, parents of children who are struggling at school can learn more about the different learning styles so they can help their child and learn more about how they learn best.

What Are the Different Learning Styles?

Research shows that each learning style uses different parts of the brain, here are the different learning styles: 

• Visual (spatial) Learner

• Aural (auditory) Learner

• Verbal (linguistic) Learner

• Physical (kinesthetic) Learner

• Logical (mathematical) Learner

• Social (interpersonal) Learner

• Solitary (intrapersonal) Learner

Visual (spatial) Learners

Visual learners prefer learning by observing through tools like pictures, images and diagrams. Visual learners use visual indicators to understand and remember information more efficiently. Visual learners tend to have a good sense of direction because they remember landmarks easily rather than street names, they also have a tendency to draw or doodle.

Aural (auditory) Learners

It is estimated aural learners make up around 30% of the population, they usually learn best when they receive information out loud through verbal speeches and lectures and are normally good listeners. Sound and music usually help aural learners learn and retain information.

Verbal (linguistic) Learners

Verbal learners retain information through the use of words in speech and writing. Verbal learners usually enjoy reading and writing and have a vast vocabulary. They enjoy word games, puns and rhymes and are more often than not excellent public speakers.

Physical (kinesthetic) Learners

Physical learners retain information through their sense of touch using their body or hands. They tend to enjoy and excel at sports activities because of the hands-on nature of physical activities. They learn best when they can do rather than see or hear.

Logical (mathematical) Learners

Logical learners prefer using numbers and logical reasoning to learn and retain information. They tend to excel in the STEM subjects like Maths, Chemistry and Physics. They can solve complex problems through the use of logical and scientific thinking.

Social (interpersonal) Learners

Social learners prefer to study in groups with other students and they enjoy brainstorming with other students. They are often described by their classmates as social butterflies because they enjoy spending their time with other students.

Solitary (intrapersonal) Learners

Solitary learners prefer to study alone rather than in groups like social learners. Social learners are extremely independent and are very aware of their own thoughts and feelings. They work best in quiet spaces where they can really focus on their studying.

If your child does not know their learning style yet, they can use this online questionnaire to determine this:

https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/

Some final thoughts…

At elearnus we ensure that all our education services cater to all the different learning styles to help teachers deliver online education to every student.

Overall, a student’s learning style has a huge influence on how they learn most effectively and therefore it is extremely important for students to be aware of their learning style. It changes the way students internally represent information and the words that they choose.

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