What Are Learning Styles, and Why Should I Care?

Teachers have adapted how they teach according to children’s preferred learning styles for decades. But scientists have not found sufficient evidence to back this approach. Despite being debunked, the majority of teachers continue to believe in learning styles and use them to teach their pupils.

So, what are learning styles? Are they still relevant? And if they are used by teachers, why should you care?

What are Learning Styles?

Put simply, the term ‘learning styles’ describes the varying ways that individuals prefer to study and learn. Some people learn best when they read information and take notes. Some learn best by watching videos. Others learn better by doing or making.

A person’s preferred learning style is one that helps them understand, process, remember and build upon new knowledge and skills most successfully.

There are more than 70 theories and classification systems about learning styles, but the most popular and widespread approach is known as VARK (or VAK). This views individuals as having a preference for either visual, auditory, read-write (or tactile) or kinesthetic learning.

Here’s a brief overview of each learning style, along with some tips:

Visual Learners

Visual learners learn best through the graphic presentation of information. Clearly organised information using images, diagrams, charts, mindmaps, arrows and symbols suit them best.

A tip for supporting visual learners:

Encourage them to write lists, take notes or doodle to help them process information.

Auditory Learners

Individuals who learn best by listening are auditory learners. They are often talkative, enjoy explaining things to others and may ask a lot of questions when someone else is talking. Auditory learners can get distracted when there is background noise.

A tip for supporting auditory learners:

When they are reading about something new, encourage them to read it aloud or explain it to you in their own words.

Reading and Writing Learners

Children who are reading and writing learners, prefer to learn by reading and writing – unsurprisingly! They tend to be drawn to novels, non-fiction reference books and going online to research things. They are often keen on writing notes.

A tip for supporting reading and writing learners:

Learners with reading and writing preferences often find it easier to make sense of new learning when they write it out in their own words.

Kinaesthetic Learners

Sometimes called tactile learners, these are the hands-on learners. Kinaesthetic learners can struggle to sit still and definitely benefit from learning through movement. They remember best if the task is something that they can actually do, not just read about or watch.

A tip for supporting kinaesthetic learners:

Often, kinaesthetic learners find it really difficult to concentrate for long periods of time. It’s best to break tasks down into chunks and follow them up with physical activity during a break.

Problems with Learning Styles

Trying to discover students’ learning styles and adapting teaching methods to match them has been popular amongst teaching professionals since the 70s. According to recent research from Swansea University, nearly 90% of educators worldwide currently believe that discovering learners’ learning styles and matching their teaching methods is an effective way to improve learning.

Despite the ever-popular belief in learning styles, research suggests that they are a myth and that there is no evidence supporting the belief that matching teaching to individual preferences is effective.

Here’s an example of how teachers using perceived learning styles could actually be harmful:

A child in a class of 30 other students has been labelled as a ‘visual learner’ by their teacher. The child may feel that because they are a visual learner, they would struggle to pursue academic subjects in the future. The result? A demotivated child with damaged self-esteem.

A Better Approach? 

Build on Children’s Interests and Existing Knowledge

Evidence shows that we all learn by building connections to what we already know. When we are able to relate new learning to existing knowledge, it makes more sense to us and is more likely to be stored in long-term memory.

It’s a bit like trying to build a house without a foundation. We need some knowledge of a topic in order to develop our understanding further. Linking something new with their interests is a great way for children to learn well.

Make Learning Multi-Sensory

A multi-sensory, or ‘whole-brain’ approach to learning involves combining the use of more than one sense in the learning process. The learning styles described earlier involve using different senses – sight, sound and touch. Smell and taste can be added to that too. Have you ever smelled something and then suddenly a memory of a place or event is triggered? Senses are very powerful for learning.

Our senses activate different parts of our brains. When more than one sense is involved in the learning process, more than one corresponding part of the brain is activated. Multi-sensory learning gives our brains more than one chance for a connection to be made. Once a connection is made, it’s more likely that the new learning will be stored in long-term memory.

Multi-sensory learning is a great approach for learning in the classroom because everyone can benefit from it, making it an inclusive way to teach all pupils.

Here’s a great video with examples of multi-sensory learning.

Why is it Important for Parents to Understand Learning Styles?

Having a basic knowledge and understanding of learning styles can help you support your child’s learning at home better. You can provide learning experiences that build on their interests and resources that benefit your child most.

It’s also useful for your child to know what works for them and what doesn’t. As they go through their education, they can take greater ownership of how they approach learning and use their brains best. They won’t waste time and energy by trying to learn in ways that don’t work for them.

A Couple of  Tips and Reminders for Helping Your Child Learn Well

I hope that this post has been helpful and not too jargon-filled? 

In case you are feeling a little overwhelmed – don’t be! I’ll finish off with some encouragement and suggestions for baby steps you can take right away. 

1. Next time you are helping your child’s with their learning, try mixing up how you go about it. Is there a way that you could get another sense involved – maybe movement or a rhyme?
2. Is there a way that learning could be practised and reinforced? For example, if they are trying to read with more expression, could they record themself reading and play it back? If they are stuck on a maths problem, could they draw it? Could they use something like pasta shapes or buttons to solve it?
3. Try lots of different approaches to keep learning fun and kids motivated 

In Summary

As you’ve seen, there are many ways in which individuals might learn best. 

A great way for most children to learn is through using their interests. Building on children’s existing knowledge and interests helps them make connections. Combining learning activities that use different senses activates different areas of the brain, making it more likely that new learning will be remembered.

Still Not Sure Where to Begin – I Can Help!

I understand that it’s just not possible for many parents to support their children’s learning as much as they would like to. Never give yourself a hard time because of this – you are busy supporting them in other ways.

If you feel that your child would benefit from one to one support, I offer online tuition for years 4-6. I use a multisensory approach and children’s interests wherever possible.

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your child’s needs. You can book a free and friendly consultation at a time to suit you by clicking the button below.