By Ruth Hunter-Hill
In the times of this COVID Conundrum, virtual learning has become commonplace for students of all ages. While researching for this article, I found a boatload of information on how to help students succeed without the traditional classroom structure. It’s plastered all over TV and social media. A multitude of experts have weighed in on the importance of things like having a dedicated workspace and allowing time for breaks, among other advice. Very helpful information.
With change comes opportunity, right? I see an opportunity for students and their parents to learn and understand the students’ style of learning. Everyone learns differently, and classroom teachers are challenged with teaching to at least the four basic learning styles listed below. If you know your style of learning, you can be more engaged in the learning process.
For some students, the traditional classroom structure works well; but for others, everything except recess can be challenging and even frustrating! So, it’s good to know how we best learn. That way, we take information delivered to us, say, by a classroom teacher and process that information using our own learning style. Our brains will do that automatically.
Many educators subscribe to four primary learning styles: visual, auditory, Kinesthetic, and reading/writing (see https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/ for additional details).
1. Visual (Spatial) Learners understand and/or retain information best when they see a visual representation. Parents, for these students a white board is essential, among other visual tools. These learners are also often good writers, so journaling or puzzles often help them process information.
2. Auditory Learners respond better to what they hear. They often learn well in the traditional classroom style with a teacher or lecturer. Many may read aloud and are often good talkers as well so groups may work well too. Parents, these students should be encouraged to repeat what they’re learning out loud. They learn from things they hear, so spoken instructions, for example, may be retained better than written.
3. Kinesthetic (Tactile) Learners may find they need more frequent breaks because movement is in part what helps them process information. Parents, a white board is also a good tool for these learners, as well as learning activities or games that promote movement as they learn.
4. Reading/Writing Learners learn through the written word. These students learn from writing things down and taking copious notes. They are typically voracious readers. Parents, these are the students who benefit most from the traditional classroom style. With virtual learning, allow these students to read and write as much as needed. These learners may be good researchers but allow plenty of time for them to process the info.
Keep in mind that everyone uses a combination of learning styles, often depending on the situation. For example, many traits of visual learners are shared by reading/writing learners. But everyone also has a dominant style that is used to process the information no matter how it is delivered – again, depending on circumstances.
There is no right or wrong way to learn – it is a very individualized process. So have fun and stay engaged.
Sep12020
