Understanding how we learn is a fascinating journey into personal effectiveness and academic success. Traditionally, when we talked about types of learning styles, we often categorized learners into neat boxes: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. These categories, while helpful as a starting point, are now being viewed with a broader lens. Experts in education are increasingly advocating for a more holistic approach, one that recognizes the dynamic and multifaceted nature of how individuals best absorb and process information. This article will explore these types of learning styles, delve into the traditional models, and illuminate the value of adopting holistic strategies to unlock your unique learning potential.
Traditional Types of Learning Styles: The VARK Model
For years, the most recognized framework for understanding types of learning styles was the VARK model. VARK is an acronym that stands for Visual, Aural/Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. This model proposed that individuals primarily learn through one of these four modalities. Let’s break down each of these traditional types of learning styles:
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Visual Learners: Individuals who learn best visually respond strongly to graphic representations of information. Tools like maps, charts, diagrams, and graphic organizers are incredibly effective for them. Visual learners often benefit from seeing information presented in a spatial format, making connections through visual cues and patterns.
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Aural/Auditory Learners: These learners, sometimes referred to as auditory learners, thrive when information is presented through sound. Lectures, discussions, podcasts, and even simply talking through concepts out loud are highly beneficial. They often remember what they hear and learn effectively through verbal instruction and auditory experiences.
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Read/Write Learners: For those who learn best through reading and writing, the written word is paramount. They prefer to absorb information through texts, articles, essays, books, manuals, and websites. Taking notes, writing summaries, and rewriting information are effective strategies for this type of learning style.
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Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners, sometimes also referred to as tactile learners, learn best through physical experience and movement. Hands-on activities, experiments, practical applications, and physical movement during learning are crucial. They learn by doing and experiencing, rather than just hearing or seeing information.
While the VARK model offered a structured way to think about types of learning styles, research began to suggest that learning isn’t always so neatly compartmentalized. A significant 2014 study published in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine (JPM) challenged the notion of singular learning styles. The study indicated that the majority of people actually utilize a blend of these styles, suggesting that multimodal learning is far more common.
The JPM study revealed that nearly 87% of participants learned best using a combination of styles, with auditory and kinesthetic approaches being the most prevalent, and visual learning being less common in isolation. The most frequent combinations were audio-kinesthetic and audio-read/write, with some learners even exhibiting trimodal preferences like audio-read/write-kinesthetic.
The Shift from Traditional Learning Styles: Embracing a Holistic View
The findings of the JPM study underscored a crucial point: our types of learning styles are not fixed and rigid. Instead, how we learn is dynamic, changing across situations and throughout our lives. While understanding the VARK model can be a helpful starting point for self-awareness, relying too heavily on these distinct categories can be limiting. This is where the concept of a holistic approach to education comes into play.
Alison Johnson, an academic coach at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), cautions against the pitfalls of strictly adhering to traditional types of learning styles like VARK. She observes that students often take a quick online quiz, identify with a single style, and then incorrectly assume they are incapable of learning in any other way. For instance, someone might identify as a “hands-on learner” and believe they cannot learn effectively through reading or lectures.
Alt text: Headshot of Alison Johnson, Academic Coach at Southern New Hampshire University
Johnson and the Academic Support team at SNHU advocate for a move beyond the limitations of traditional types of learning styles, promoting a more holistic and flexible approach to learning strategies. They emphasize that education should be seen as an opportunity to engage with information through multiple modalities, regardless of discipline.
Holistic Learning Strategies: Beyond Traditional Types of Learning Styles
Moving beyond the confines of VARK, a holistic perspective encourages us to explore a wider range of learning strategies. As highlighted by the JPM study, most individuals benefit from a combination of approaches. Understanding diverse learning strategies empowers you to leverage those that resonate most effectively with you. Beyond VARK, strategies such as incorporating a growth mindset and addressing learning barriers play a crucial role in a holistic approach.
Johnson’s coaching philosophy centers on fostering a growth mindset in students. She believes that adopting a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed—is essential for academic success. This mindset encourages students to embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, and see effort as the path to mastery. In contrast, a fixed mindset can lead to students avoiding challenges and feeling limited by their perceived innate abilities.
Appreciative Coaching: A Holistic Model for Learning
SNHU’s Academic Support team champions a strength-based, holistic model known as appreciative coaching. This method prioritizes metacognitive strategies and capabilities. Through thoughtful questioning and by activating a student’s prior knowledge, coaches guide students through an inquiry-based process. This process, known as appreciative inquiry, helps learners discover study methods that are uniquely effective for them.
Appreciative inquiry is rooted in the belief that:
- Imagination drives action: Envisioning success and positive outcomes fuels motivation and effort.
- Inquiry creates change: Asking insightful questions leads to self-discovery and the development of new strategies.
- Life is expressed through story: Narratives and personal experiences are powerful tools for learning and growth.
- Positive questions enact positive change: Focusing on strengths and possibilities fosters a positive and empowering learning environment.
5 Essential Steps to Discover Your Best Learning Techniques
Identifying your most effective learning techniques is a journey of self-discovery. Johnson outlines 5 essential steps to guide you in this process, applicable whether you are learning in a formal educational setting or independently.
Step 1: Activate Prior Knowledge
Connecting new information to what you already know is fundamental to effective learning. Johnson emphasizes two levels of prior knowledge activation: general and course-specific.
For general learning, reflect on a time when you successfully learned something outside of a formal academic setting, such as a skill or hobby. What strategies did you use? What made that learning experience effective for you?
For course-specific content, begin by identifying familiar elements. What terms, vocabulary, or concepts resonate from previous classes or experiences? How does the new information relate to your existing knowledge base? This foundation of prior knowledge serves as a crucial anchor for understanding and integrating new material.
Step 2: Apply the Right Mindset (Growth Mindset)
Adopting a growth mindset is paramount. Johnson stresses the importance of cultivating a mindset that supports learning. An open and receptive attitude towards different study methods and approaches significantly enhances your ability to learn and grow. Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Step 3: Be Aware of Barriers and Brain Differences
Recognize that learning is not always a smooth process. Many barriers can hinder your progress, including time constraints, technology limitations, lack of support, and basic needs not being met. Johnson highlights that these barriers can be significant and should be acknowledged and addressed.
It’s also crucial to be mindful of brain differences, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed learning differences such as ADHD and autism. Neurodiversity is a strength, and many neurodivergent individuals have developed innovative strategies to overcome challenges and thrive. Academic Support teams can provide resources and accommodations to help all learners succeed.
Step 4: Explore Diverse Learning Strategies and Technologies
Understanding the variety of learning strategies available is empowering. As Johnson notes, VARK can be a useful starting point to appreciate the multitude of modalities and strategies. Examples of learning strategies include:
- Visual aids: Mind maps, diagrams, infographics.
- Auditory resources: Podcasts, audiobooks, lectures.
- Active recall: Testing yourself, summarizing information from memory.
- Spaced repetition: Reviewing material at increasing intervals.
- Collaborative learning: Study groups, discussions with peers.
- Utilizing technology: Educational apps, online learning platforms, digital tools for note-taking and organization.
The ultimate goal is to become aware of your own preferences, strengths, and areas for growth. Often, the most effective learning strategies are those that you personalize and tailor to your own needs and learning style.
Step 5: Learn Collaboratively and Share Knowledge
Learning is often enhanced through collaboration. Engaging with others while learning not only reinforces new knowledge but also builds confidence. Johnson suggests several ways to foster collaborative learning and knowledge sharing:
- Join student clubs: Seek out clubs, peer groups, and workshops, whether in person or online. These communities provide opportunities for peer learning and support.
- Engage with household members or friends: Even if you are studying different subjects, you can still support each other. Parallel work, where you study alongside someone else, can enhance focus and motivation.
- Explain concepts to others: Teaching someone else is one of the most effective ways to solidify your own understanding. Summarizing what you’ve learned to a friend, family member, or study partner helps to identify gaps in your knowledge and deepen your comprehension.
Finding Your Unique Learning Style: A Personalized Journey
Discovering your optimal learning style is an ongoing process of exploration and self-reflection. Use models like VARK as a starting point, but avoid rigid self-categorization. Embrace the understanding that you likely learn through a combination of styles and that your preferences may evolve over time.
Be proactive in experimenting with different learning strategies and techniques. Activate your prior knowledge, cultivate a growth mindset, and be open to adapting your approach as you navigate your educational journey. By taking a holistic and personalized approach to learning, you can unlock your full potential and discover a learning style that is uniquely your own.
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Marie Morganelli, Ph.D. is an educator, writer and editor.
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