Best Learning Styles and Student Success Techniques
In education, there isn’t a single learning solution that fits all. It is no secret that we receive, process, and retain knowledge differently. Therefore, it’s time for students to learn about different learning styles to help them achieve their goals after recognizing and accepting these differences.
Does the best learning style and success technique exist? Every student asks themselves this question in their pursuit of success. Despite your best efforts, finding the answer can be a challenge. But you don’t have to worry! This article will help you understand the differences between different learning styles and suggests how to use them to achieve academic success.
What are Learning Styles?
Learning styles refer to the different ways people learn best. People within groups often gain knowledge most effectively through distinct and preferred methods. Understanding how your learning style affects how you absorb information, understand procedures, develop competencies, and comprehend how to apply specific skills in a professional setting is crucial. For instance, you may learn better by independently reading materials like this helpful health assessment document, whereas others may benefit more from collaborative learning.
There have been various competing theories over the years that attempt to explain why people learn differently. As a result of these varied perspectives, educators, scholars, and theorists have had difficulty coming to a consensus on how to define and assess learning styles. Despite the inconsistent application of this concept, it’s valuable to understand the learning styles of individuals so they can be strategic and cultivate success during training, development, and education.
Types of Learning in Education
Scientists have been researching the best ways for students to learn for years. To this day, the VARK model remains one of the most popular theories. According to this model, there are four types of learners:
- visual,
- auditory,
- kinesthetic, and
- reading or writing.
It is more likely that people have a predominant learning style, but most are a combination of these four. There is a complementary way of teaching in each of these. The next step is to examine the characteristics of each style and how to best use it.
Visual Learning
Those who learn visually prefer maps, graphs, diagrams, charts, and other visual aids to absorb information. Photos or videos aren’t as compelling for them as patterns and shapes; instead, they need different visual aids to assimilate information.
For visual learners, illustrating the relationship between different ideas is the best way to present. For example, you can use a flowchart to explain a scientific process.
Auditory Learning
Auditory learners learn more effectively when they hear or speak information in aural form. Rather than thinking things through before speaking, they sort their ideas after speaking. They understand concepts better when they say things aloud.
Lectures and group discussions are effective strategies for presenting information to auditory learners. It may be beneficial for them to repeat lessons, have recordings of lectures, and participate in group activities that require them to explain ideas to their classmates.
Kinesthetic Learning
A kinesthetic learner prefers to learn by doing. Hands-on experience appeals to them. As a result, they need tactile experience to understand something better because they are more in touch with reality.
Kinesthetic learners can learn by gaining personal experience, practicing, using examples, or simulating. Recreating an experiment, for instance, helps them remember it.
Reading or Writing
Students who read and write best consume information when written or read aloud. They perceive the text as more potent than visual or auditory representations. Usually, these people excel at writing assignments.
There are various ways to engage students in reading or writing and help them understand a lesson. For instance, they should describe charts and diagrams using written statements, take quizzes on the topics, and complete written assignments.
What is the Importance of Learning Styles?
The following are a few examples of how the concept of learning styles can benefit your work:
- Students — When students understand their learning styles, they can optimize how they study and do their homework. Moreover, students can request accommodations from their instructors if they need help.
- Educators — By understanding different learning styles, educators can differentiate their lessons to meet the specific needs of students.
- Professionals — Understanding how we process information most effectively can be helpful to anyone in a career that requires continuous learning, growth, and development.
Conclusion
Several learning styles and success techniques may be helpful for students’ achievement. This post presents the best practices and types to consider in achieving academic success. So, which one are you going to choose?
