In the realm of education, understanding how individuals absorb and process information is paramount. For years, the concept of learning styles has provided a framework for educators and learners alike. Traditionally categorized into visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic (VARK) styles, these classifications offered a starting point for tailoring educational approaches. However, contemporary perspectives are shifting towards a more holistic understanding of learning, recognizing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of individual learning preferences. This article delves into the Types Of Learning Styles, examines the limitations of purely traditional models, and advocates for embracing holistic strategies to optimize the learning experience.
Everyone’s learning journey is unique. Some individuals effortlessly grasp concepts through written text, while others thrive on auditory input. The ideal learning environment varies just as widely – a quiet study room for some, a hands-on, active setting for others. Recognizing your personal learning style and employing diverse strategies to activate your educational process can significantly enhance your overall learning efficacy and academic journey.
Diving into Traditional Learning Styles: The VARK Model
The traditional approach to learning styles often centers around the VARK model, which delineates four primary learning modalities: Visual, Aural/Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. This model, while foundational, provides a basic understanding of different learning preferences.
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Visual Learners: Individuals who learn visually benefit most from graphical representations of information. Tools such as mind maps, charts, diagrams, and infographics are highly effective for visual learners, allowing them to organize and process information through spatial relationships and visual cues.
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Aural/Auditory Learners: Auditory learners excel when information is presented through sound. Lectures, podcasts, group discussions, and even recording and replaying notes are beneficial methods for these learners. The act of hearing and speaking information reinforces understanding and retention.
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Read/Write Learners: Those who favor reading and writing learn best through the written word. They prefer to engage with information through texts like books, articles, reports, essays, and written notes. Taking detailed notes, summarizing readings, and rewriting concepts in their own words are effective strategies for read/write learners.
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Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best through physical activity and hands-on experiences. Laboratory experiments, practical applications, role-playing, building models, and movement-based activities greatly enhance learning for this style. Engaging multiple senses and physical involvement are key to their comprehension and memory.
While the VARK model provides a useful starting point, research indicates that learning is rarely confined to a single style. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine (JPM) revealed that a majority of individuals utilize a combination of learning styles to effectively process information. The study highlighted that auditory and kinesthetic learning were most prevalent, while visual learning was less common among participants. Remarkably, nearly 87% of participants identified with multimodal learning styles, with audio-kinesthetic and audio-read/write combinations being the most frequent. Some participants even exhibited trimodal learning preferences, with the audio-read/write-kinesthetic combination being the most common among these.
The Evolution of Learning Styles: Moving Beyond Traditional Boundaries
The JPM study underscores a critical aspect of learning styles: they are not static. Learning preferences can shift over time and across different contexts. While understanding the different types of learning styles and recognizing your general inclinations can be valuable, a rigid adherence to traditional models can be limiting. A more adaptive and holistic approach to education is essential for maximizing learning potential.
Alison Johnson, an academic coach at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), emphasizes the potential pitfalls of strictly adhering to traditional learning style classifications like VARK. “Students often take a quick online quiz to determine their style, and then may incorrectly assume that they are limited to learning only in that specific way. For instance, someone identifying as a ‘hands-on learner’ might believe they cannot learn effectively through other methods,” Johnson explains.
While traditional models like VARK offer a foundational understanding, Johnson and the Academic Support team at SNHU advocate for a more comprehensive, holistic approach to learning strategies. This approach recognizes the fluidity of learning and the importance of developing a versatile toolkit of learning techniques.
Expanding the Toolkit: Diverse Learning Strategies in Education
Beyond VARK, numerous effective learning strategies can empower students. As the JPM study indicated, most individuals benefit from a blend of two or more styles. Exploring a range of learning strategies allows you to leverage those that resonate most with you and adapt to various learning situations. In addition to VARK, Johnson highlights two particularly valuable approaches:
Johnson’s coaching philosophy centers on fostering a growth mindset in students. “We want students to recognize that every course, regardless of the subject matter, offers opportunities to engage with learning through multiple modalities,” she states. This perspective encourages learners to step outside their comfort zones and explore different learning methods, enhancing their adaptability and overall learning capacity.
Holistic Learning Approaches: Appreciative Coaching
SNHU’s Academic Support team champions a strength-based, holistic model known as appreciative coaching. “This coaching method prioritizes metacognitive strategies and capabilities,” Johnson explains. Through targeted questioning and the activation of prior knowledge, coaches guide students through an inquiry-based process, enabling them to discover study methods that are personally effective. This process is rooted in appreciative inquiry.
Appreciative inquiry, as a coaching model, integrates principles from psychology and storytelling to empower learners to build upon their strengths. It operates on the core beliefs that:
- Imagination is the catalyst for action.
- Inquiry is the engine of change.
- Life is expressed through narrative.
- Positive questions drive positive transformations.
This strength-based approach shifts the focus from deficits or limitations to inherent capabilities and potential, fostering a positive and empowering learning environment.
Finding Your Best Learning Path: A Personalized Journey
There is no universally “best” way to learn. What works optimally for one individual’s learning style may not be effective for another. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective learning. Understanding your own preferences and tendencies allows you to strategically select and adapt various study techniques to suit your needs.
Johnson outlines 5 essential steps to guide individuals in identifying effective learning techniques, applicable both in academic settings and for lifelong learning:
Step 1: Activate Prior Knowledge: Building Connections
Tapping into existing knowledge is crucial for establishing connections with new information. “This operates on two levels,” Johnson notes, “general learning and course-specific content.”
For general learning, reflect on a time when you deeply learned something outside of formal education, such as a new skill or hobby. What strategies did you naturally employ? What made that learning experience successful?
For course-specific content, begin by identifying familiar elements. Recognize terms, vocabulary, and concepts that resonate with prior learning. How does this new information relate to what you already know? This existing knowledge base serves as a foundation for effectively acquiring and understanding new course material.
Step 2: Cultivate the Right Mindset: Embracing Growth
Adopting a growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset, is fundamental to learning, according to Johnson. “It’s essential to cultivate a mindset that supports learning,” she emphasizes. An open and flexible mindset towards your study approach and engagement with coursework enhances your capacity to embrace a growth mindset and expand your knowledge. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, view effort as the path to mastery, and learn from criticism rather than being discouraged by it.
Step 3: Acknowledge Barriers and Brain Differences: Addressing Challenges
Numerous barriers can impede the learning process. “These can include time constraints, technology limitations, lack of support, and basic needs insecurities,” Johnson points out. “These barriers can be significant and require proactive strategies to overcome.”
SNHU’s Academic Support team is dedicated to assisting all students, including those with diagnosed or undiagnosed learning differences such as ADHD and autism. Recognizing and addressing these differences is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Many neurodivergent individuals have developed innovative strategies to navigate learning challenges throughout their lives, and sharing these strategies can be immensely beneficial.
Step 4: Explore Diverse Learning Strategies and Technologies: Expanding Options
“One valuable takeaway from VARK is the understanding that there are numerous modalities and strategies available for learning,” Johnson states. These strategies encompass:
- Active Recall: Testing yourself frequently on learned material, rather than passively rereading notes.
- Spaced Repetition: Reviewing material at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention.
- Interleaving: Mixing different subjects or topics during study sessions to improve comprehension and discrimination.
- Elaboration: Connecting new information to prior knowledge and explaining concepts in detail.
- Utilizing Technology: Leveraging educational apps, online resources, and digital tools to enhance learning.
The overarching goal of these diverse strategies is to foster self-awareness regarding individual learning preferences and potential. “There is a vast array of learning strategies, and often, the most effective ones are those that students develop themselves, tailored to their unique needs and strengths,” Johnson notes.
Step 5: Learn Collaboratively and Share Knowledge: Reinforcing Understanding
For many, learning in isolation can be challenging. “Collaborating and engaging with others during the learning process strengthens knowledge retention and builds confidence,” Johnson explains.
Johnson suggests several ways to share learning and reinforce new knowledge:
- Join Student Clubs: Whether in a physical campus or online program, seek out clubs, peer groups, and workshops in addition to tutoring and coaching services. These communities provide opportunities for collaborative learning, peer support, and knowledge sharing.
- Engage with Household Members or Friends: Even if learning different subjects, mutual support can be invaluable. “Parallel work, studying alongside someone else, can significantly enhance focus and motivation,” Johnson suggests.
- Explain Concepts to Others: The ability to explain a concept to someone else is a strong indicator of true understanding. “I often hear inspiring stories of parents studying alongside their children, taking breaks to summarize what they’ve learned to each other,” Johnson shares. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and reveals areas where further clarification may be needed.
Discovering Your Unique Learning Style: A Holistic Approach
The most effective way to determine your learning style is to adopt a holistic approach. Explore the VARK model as a starting point, but avoid rigidly defining yourself by its categories. Recognize that you likely learn through a combination of styles and that your preferences may evolve. Activate your prior knowledge, experiment with different learning strategies, and remain open to discovering what works best for you.
By embracing a truly holistic perspective on learning, you can unlock your unique learning style and embark on a more effective and fulfilling educational journey.
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Marie Morganelli, Ph.D. is an educator, writer and editor.
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