4 Types of Learners 1
4 Types of Learners 1
Imagine that you are learning how to perform a new physical skill such as riding a
bike or dancing a certain style of dance.
Learning styles are a popular concept in psychology and education can identify how
people learn best.
You can find out your learning style using the questionnaire below, and this can really
help your learning.
There are four learning styles which can show how you like to learn.
3. Reading / writing learners (learning from making lists, reading textbooks, taking
notes)
These learners need to see the teacher’s body language and facial expression to fully understand
the content of a lesson. They generally prefer to sit at the front of the classroom. These
individuals think in pictures and may learn best from visual displays including: diagrams,
illustrated textbooks, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts, use of interactive whiteboards,
and handouts. During a lesson or classroom discussions, visual learners often prefer to take
detailed notes to absorb the information.
LEARNING STRATEGIES:
Highlight important points in text; key words
Create flashcards for key information; be concise
Limit amount of words/information; allows for mental imagery
Convert notes and translate words into symbols, diagrams, and/or pictures
Create visual reminders of information
Practice turning visuals back into words
Color-code, underline, and/or highlight information
Be creative with charts, diagrams, mind maps
Auditory learners (learning from music, discussion, lectures)
These individuals learn best through verbal lessons, discussions, talking things through, and
listening to what others have to say.
These learners often benefit from reading the text and notes out loud and/or listening to recorded
notes and information from texts.
LEARNING STRATEGIES:
Work in groups or with a study partner; i.e. discussions: listening, talking
Review assignments and text reading before class
Read notes and text out loud
Recite information that is important to remember
Record notes, key information, and lectures; listen to recordings regularly
Use books-on-tape
Reading / writing learners (learning from making lists, reading
textbooks, taking notes)
Individuals with this preference prefer reading and writing in all its forms. Internet, lists,
dictionaries, thesauri, and books.
LEARNING STRATEGIES:
Rewrite notes
Read/review notes every day
Rewrite ideas and principles into other words
Organize diagrams/graphs into statements
Turn reactions, actions, charts, etc. into words
Write exam answers
Practice with multiple choice questions
Write paragraphs, beginnings and endings
Write lists (a,b,c,1,2,3,4)
Arrange words into hierarchies and points
Kinesthetic learners (learning from movement, experiments, hands-on
activities)
Most students learn best when they are on the move. They learn faster, retain more
information and build neural networks that can manipulate that information more
effectively when they are in active physical motion. However, this may not match some
of our notions of traditional learning, in which students sit silently and attentively in
rows.Kinesthetic learners can become distracted by their need for movement and activity.
LEARNING STRATEGIES:
Skim through reading material
Move around as you read aloud or
Record notes and listen to them
Take frequent study breaks
Listen to music while studying
Sit in the front of the classroom
Take notes to stay actively engaged in class
Put information on cards to learn, shuffle them and read
Go on museum and gallery visits
Spend extra time in the laboratory doing practical work
Type over notes from text and class
Create spreadsheets, tables, charts to organize