Understanding how we learn is a deeply personal journey. While traditional models categorized learners into distinct styles like visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic, a more contemporary perspective embraces a holistic approach. This method recognizes the multifaceted nature of learning and encourages individuals to discover strategies that resonate best with their unique cognitive processes. Dr. Marie Morganelli highlighted the value of moving beyond rigid categories and embracing flexible learning strategies.
Everyone’s learning journey is unique. Some absorb information best through written text, while others thrive on auditory input. The ideal learning environment also varies greatly; a quiet library might suit some, while active, hands-on experiences are essential for others. By understanding your individual learning style and employing diverse strategies, you can significantly enhance your educational experience and unlock your full learning potential.
Traditional Learning Styles: VARK and Beyond
For many years, learning styles were primarily defined by the VARK model, which stands for Visual, Aural/Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. This model provided a foundational understanding of different learning preferences.
- Visual Learners: These individuals learn effectively through visual aids. Diagrams, mind maps, charts, and infographics are powerful tools for visual learners, helping them process and retain information through spatial and visual cues.
- Auditory Learners: Aural or auditory learners benefit most from hearing information. Lectures, discussions, podcasts, and audio recordings are highly effective for this style. They learn by listening and often benefit from verbalizing concepts to solidify their understanding.
- Read/Write Learners: Those who prefer reading and writing learn best through written words. Textbooks, articles, essays, and notes are their preferred mediums. They excel at processing information presented in lists, glossaries, and written instructions.
- Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best by doing. Hands-on activities, experiments, physical movement, and practical applications are crucial for their learning. They thrive in environments where they can actively engage with the material.
While the VARK model offered a valuable starting point, research indicates that learning is rarely confined to a single style. A 2014 study in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine (JPM) revealed that most individuals utilize a combination of learning styles. The study found that auditory and kinesthetic learning were the most prevalent, while visual learning was less common among participants. Notably, nearly 87% of participants exhibited a multimodal learning style, with audio-kinesthetic and audio-read/write combinations being the most frequent. Some even identified with trimodal styles, such as audio-read/write-kinesthetic.
The Shift Towards Holistic Learning Approaches
The JPM study underscores a crucial aspect of learning: it’s dynamic and adaptable. Our learning preferences aren’t fixed traits; they evolve throughout our lives and across different contexts. While understanding the traditional learning styles like VARK can be a helpful initial step, a more holistic approach is essential for maximizing educational effectiveness.
Alison Johnson, an Academic Coach at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), cautions against strictly adhering to traditional learning style classifications. She observes that students often misinterpret learning style assessments, leading to limiting self-perceptions. “Students might take a quick online quiz and identify as a ‘hands-on learner,’ then mistakenly believe they are incapable of learning in other ways,” Johnson explains. While VARK styles offer a useful starting point, Johnson and the Academic Support team at SNHU champion a broader, more integrated perspective on learning.
Diverse Learning Strategies in Education
Recognizing the limitations of rigid learning style categories, educators and learning specialists advocate for a wider range of learning strategies. As the JPM study indicated, most people benefit from a blend of multiple approaches. Exploring diverse learning strategies allows individuals to tap into their strengths and address their learning needs more effectively. Beyond VARK, several other effective strategies can be employed.
Alison Johnson emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in learning. Her coaching focuses on helping students “apply a growth mindset to their education.” She states, “We aim to make students aware that every course, regardless of subject, presents opportunities to engage in learning through various modalities.” This perspective encourages learners to see every learning experience as a chance to expand their skills and knowledge, regardless of their perceived learning style.
Holistic Learning Approaches: Appreciative Coaching
SNHU’s Academic Support team favors a strength-based, holistic model known as appreciative coaching. “This coaching method centers on metacognitive strategies and capabilities,” Johnson explains. Appreciative coaching employs an inquiry-based process, guiding students through thoughtful questions and activating their existing knowledge to discover personalized study methods. This process, known as appreciative inquiry, combines psychological principles and storytelling techniques to empower learners and build upon their inherent strengths.
Appreciative inquiry is rooted in the belief that:
- Imagination Fuels Action: Envisioning positive outcomes and possibilities drives motivation and proactive learning behaviors.
- Inquiry Sparks Change: Asking insightful questions and exploring different perspectives is the catalyst for personal and academic growth.
- Life is Expressed Through Story: Narratives and personal experiences are powerful tools for understanding, connecting with, and internalizing knowledge.
- Positive Questions Enact Positive Change: Focusing on strengths, successes, and positive possibilities fosters a more optimistic and effective learning journey.
Identifying Your Best Learning Methods: A Step-by-Step Guide
What constitutes the “best” learning method is subjective and varies from person to person. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective learning. Once you understand your preferences and strengths, you can draw from a variety of techniques to optimize your learning process. Johnson outlines five essential steps to identify your most effective learning techniques, applicable both in academic and personal settings:
Step 1: Activate Prior Knowledge
Existing knowledge serves as a crucial foundation for new learning. “There are two levels to this,” Johnson notes. “General learning and course-specific content learning.”
For general learning, reflect on a time you learned something deeply outside of formal education, such as mastering a skill or pursuing a hobby. Analyze the methods you used and what made them effective.
For course-specific content, start by identifying familiar elements. Recognize terms, concepts, and vocabulary that connect to previous courses or existing knowledge. This prior knowledge becomes the scaffolding upon which you build new understanding.
Step 2: Cultivate the Right Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset is paramount, according to Johnson. “It’s vital to have a mindset that supports learning,” she emphasizes. An open and receptive mindset towards studying and engaging with coursework enhances your ability to embrace a growth mindset and expand your knowledge base. Believe in your capacity to learn and improve, regardless of initial challenges.
Step 3: Acknowledge Barriers and Neurological Differences
Numerous barriers can hinder the learning process. “Barriers can include time constraints, technology limitations, lack of support, and basic needs insecurity,” Johnson explains. “These barriers can be significant obstacles.”
SNHU’s Academic Support team is dedicated to assisting all students, including those with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning differences like ADHD and autism. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is the first step towards finding effective solutions.
“Many neurodivergent individuals have developed remarkable strategies throughout their lives to navigate these challenges,” Johnson points out. Learning from these experiences and seeking appropriate support can be transformative.
Step 4: Explore Diverse Learning Strategies and Technologies
“One valuable takeaway from VARK is the recognition of the multitude of modalities and strategies available for learning,” Johnson states. Some of these strategies include:
- Spaced Repetition: Reviewing material at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention.
- Active Recall: Testing yourself on learned material from memory, rather than passively rereading.
- Interleaving: Mixing different subjects or topics during study sessions to improve comprehension and retention.
- Utilizing Technology: Employing educational apps, online tools, and digital resources to supplement learning.
- Mind Mapping and Concept Mapping: Visually organizing information to see connections and relationships between concepts.
The overarching aim of these strategies is to foster self-awareness of learning preferences and potential. “There are countless learning strategies, and often the most effective ones are those that students discover and personalize themselves,” Johnson concludes.
Step 5: Learn Collaboratively and Share Knowledge
Learning in isolation can be challenging for many. “Collaborating and engaging with others during the learning process reinforces new knowledge and builds confidence,” Johnson explains.
She suggests several ways to share knowledge and reinforce learning:
- Join Student Clubs: Whether in an online or on-campus program, participate in clubs, peer groups, and workshops in addition to utilizing tutoring and coaching services. Explore clubs at SNHU.
- Engage with Household Members or Friends: Even if learning different subjects, you can support each other. “Parallel work can be powerful for maintaining focus and motivation,” Johnson advises.
- Explain Concepts to Others: Teaching someone else is the ultimate test of understanding. “I often hear stories of parents studying alongside their children and taking breaks to summarize what they’ve learned to each other,” Johnson shares.
Discover Your Unique Learning Style
The most effective way to understand your learning style is to adopt a holistic approach. Explore models like VARK, but use them as starting points for self-discovery, not rigid definitions.
Embrace the likelihood that you learn through a combination of styles. Activate your prior knowledge as you integrate new study habits and strategies into your educational journey. By taking a truly holistic approach to learning, you can uncover a learning style that is uniquely tailored to you, maximizing your potential and making your educational experience more enriching and effective.
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Marie Morganelli, Ph.D., is an experienced educator, writer, and editor specializing in learning and pedagogy.
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