Four Basic Learning Styles

Many people have noticed that students have different learning styles. Some people listen attentively to a lecture, while others appear to zone out Some learners will be enthralled with a visual Power Point Presentation, while others are busy righting notes. Still others want to practice the skill , using their own hand. Then there is always the student who can't sit still. These are the four basic learning styles: Verbal, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic Some experts group tactile and kinesthetic learners together while others don't.

Visual Learner

A visual learned needs to see information. These students get bored with lectures.They are the students who love to look at the visuals in their textbooks. Visual learners prefer their learning material to be in pictures, graphs and charts. The visual learner does well with movies, Power Points with lots of pictures and charts, and maps. They are more apt to think in pictures. They like to make their reading assignments visual, with notes, sticky notes, and margin notes.

Auditory Learner

The auditory learner is the student who likes to listen to lectures. They will remember what they hear over what they see. These students do well in group discussions, and like to work in groups. The auditory learner will often read out loud, as they need to hear the words they are reading. These are the students who like to record their lectures and listen to them later.

Tactile Learner

A student who is always touching things is a tactile learner. These are the learners who need to practice what they learn. Learning for this type has to be tangible. These were the students in lab class that always touched items before instructions were given. They just have to touch what they are learning. It is difficult to transfer some subjects into tactile lessons, but a tactile learner need to be active with his learning.

Kinesthetic Learner

For a teacher, these students are sometimes frustrating. In the middle of a lecture or directions, these students will be walking around the classroom. These types of learners learn by moving. Some classrooms are installing stand up desks. A kinesthetic learner will remember better when being taught learning. Also, letting a kinesthtic learner move while he learns is best. A teacher might give this learner a reading assignment and let him walk down the isle and back to his desk while reading.

By knowing how your student, child or you yourself learns can help you become a better learner and student. There are on line quizzes that will tell you which type of learner you are. Once you know your learning style, you can find out what tips work best for your style.