Notes to Compare Learning Styles
Loob, M. (2001). Types of learning? Retrieved June 11, 2006, from http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/42/13/34926352.pdf
Auditory Learning Style
The auditory learner learns best through the sensory channel of hearing.
They learn best when they are able to read information aloud, such as revising their notes by talking to themselves; when they can listen to information; or when they can discuss information with others.
Two types of auditory learners; those that find learning easier when listening to lectures, tapes or films (analytical style of learning); and those who learn better when they are able to talk about new information such as in one-to-one or group discussions (relational style of learning).
Can benefit from using a tape recorder to record lecture notes to listen to at a later time.
To study, the auditory student needs to recite their materials out loud.
Study groups are a good learning resource for this type of learner.
Visual Learning Style
This type of learner takes in new information best using the visual sensory channel.
Tend to learn best when they can read the information, or observe it.
They tend to look at the lecturer/teacher when that person is speaking, and take detailed notes.
Best suited to graphic or pictorial representations of information; maps, flow charts, mind maps, tables etc.
Benefit from revising notes by writing them out in privacy, and using pictorial or graphical aids to represent the information.
Often find it difficult to work and talk simultaneously.
Two types of visual learners; those who learn best by using written language to take in new information (analytical learning style); and those who learn best by using pictures or other graphics to represent information (global learning style).
May be aided in their study by writing out flash cards (i.e., definition of a term on one side, and its meaning on the other); by visualising new information; using colour to aid organisation and connections between new information and existing information.
Haptic Learning Style
Learn best by using their sense of touch.
Learn best by using their hands, touching and feeling how to accomplish a task.
The student may have to move around in order to take in new information, or o thinks about and conceptualises knowledge.
May benefit from standing at their desk to learn, pacing around the room, reading and stretching or riding a stationary bike, even chewing gum!
May need to vary their activities to be able to concentrate on taking in new information.
May find they are easily distracted, and so can benefit from listing their distractions as they come to mind.
A study aid for this type of learner may be to skim their reading material before reading the details.
May need to have music in the background while they study.
Benefit from field trips which are a whole body learning experience; using actions to enact the new information; making an object to represent new knowledge; or using role-playing activities.
