Various researchers have created different tools that categorize the way people acquire and retain
information. One of these include Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. Basically, there are different
types of learners . The preference of learning style of students depends on their area of intelligence.
Some are auditory learners who like to hear solutions and examples explained to them, and may
gravitate towards music subjects and group learning as a way to understand information.
Engaging aural learners requires some tact and forethought. Teachers must work on their
delivery so they can express learning material in interesting and engaging tones.
Some are visual learners who like diagrams, drawing out concepts, charts and processes. They
learn by looking at visual concepts, creating them, and watching other people create them.
Charts, images and diagrams will aid most students, so catering to visual learners doesn’t
mean the teacher have to ignore other types. When it comes to self-driven learning,
encourage the spatially aware to sketch out their ideas, create mind maps and flowcharts. It
should probably come to them naturally, but a bit of prompting can always help.
Some students are also verbal learner. Verbal learning includes both writing and speaking.
Verbal learners might have a preference for reading and writing, word games and poems.
Verbal learners know the meanings of a broad category of words, can use them effectively,
and actively seek out new words to add to their repertoire. The trick with verbal learners is
knowing what adjacent types of learning apply to them – are they an outgoing or more
introspective verbal learner? Some may lean more to talking, while others to reading and
writing. Teachers must cater their preference while also using their verbal abilities to push
personal boundaries every once in a while.
While the kinesthetic learners prefer to physically engage with the materials of the subject
matter. The use of props and models will greatly benefit a kinesthetic learner. Give them
something to grab onto and they’ll process information much better than from a book or
whiteboard.
These are just some types of learners in a diversed classroom. Now the challenge for teachers is
to deliver instruction the effective way possible. Knowing their students individually could give
hint to teachers as to which style works best on that particular students or what approach they
learn least.
With the new learning set-up today, the learning styles of students are very evident. As what I
have observed, during our virtual classes, I can see some of my classmates taking notes in the
midst of discussion, while I have talked to one of my classmates who records the whole
discussion and then listen to it at night for her to understand better. While some of my classmates
would ask for a softcopy of the presentation to further understand the lesson and there were some
who would even print out learning materials.
The individuality of learners is not a hindrance in creating a conducive learning environment. It
requires the effort of both the learner and the teacher for learning to take place.
