Classroom Focus: Learning Styles, revisited

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As teachers we recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are learning styles fixed. Students can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that they already use well.


Traditional schooling tends to use mainly linguistic and logical teaching methods. It also uses a relatively limited range of learning and teaching techniques, although this paradigm is changing as we move forward. Many schools still rely on classroom and book/document/website sourced teaching, much repetition, and pressured exams for reinforcement and review.

A result is that we often label those who use these learning styles and techniques as "bright." Those who use less favoured learning styles often find themselves in lower classes, with various not-so-complimentary labels and sometimes lower quality teaching. This can create positive and negative spirals that reinforce the belief that one is "smart" or "dumb".


By recognizing and understanding student's learning styles, we can help them use techniques that may be better suited to them. This has the potential of improving the speed and quality of their learning.



The Seven Learning Styles

  • Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.

  • Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.

  • Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.

  • Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.

  • Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.

  • Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.

  • Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

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