Identifying Student Learning Styles

Everyone learns and understands concepts in different ways. Whereas one student may prefer to read about a concept and engage in solving practice questions on the concept, another student may prefer to watch a video and jump into taking a test on it.

At Embibe, we have over 10+ years of data on students interacting with content and questions on the platform. We are constantly mining this data to discover surprising insights into student behaviour. Student learning style identification is an area of active research at Embibe and a logical next step for our personalization engine.

With the start of the school year right around the corner, a fresh batch of students will soon enter your classroom. You’d like to customise your lesson plans to optimise their learning experience. As you get to know your new students, try these suggestions to identify their learning styles.

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles are theories that describe individual learning method preferences regarding how we prefer to learn and how we retain information most effectively.

Why Identify Your Learning Style?

Identifying your learning style requires recognising how you tend to learn most effectively. You can use this information to your advantage when studying by employing effective learning strategies, such as writing out notes, constructing mind maps, using models, and reciting aloud. This can facilitate classroom learning and exam preparation.

Understanding Types of Learning Styles

There are many theories and models describing how students best process information. These preferences for certain kinds of input and processing are often called ”learning styles.”

There are seven predominant learning styles:

  1. Visual-spatial
  2. Auditory
  3. Verbal-linguistic
  4. Physical-kinesthetic
  5. Logical-mathematical
  6. Social-interpersonal
  7. Solitary-intrapersonal

Students can exhibit the characteristics of more than one learning style. Over time and with careful observation, you’ll see which types of input and activities they most prefer. This will help you create a classroom environment and lesson plans that better meet your student’s learning needs.

Note-Taking Style

Watch your students as they take notes during your lectures. You can glean valuable clues regarding their learning styles this way, especially for these particular types.

  • Visual-spatial learners sometimes daydream while listening to lectures. As they take notes, they might doodle on the paper; additionally, these students often colour-code their notes.
  • Auditory learners take only a few notes but pay close attention during lectures. They might orally recap some of the lessons to help them process their learning and secure it in their long-term memories.
  • Verbal-linguistic learners take extensive, detailed notes. Sometimes they augment their notes with bulleted points and lists.
  • Logical learners see patterns in related information.
  • Logical-mathematical learners might draw their notes in a mind-mapping fashion to emphasise patterns and connections among pieces of information gleaned from a lecture.

Problem-Solving

  • Visual-spatial learners tend to create graphs, charts, or drawings to help them visualise problems so they can solve them. Auditory learners like to talk about problems and think out loud. Verbal-linguistic learners share this preference. For example, they may mine their textbooks or other written sources of information to help them think problems through. Verbal-linguistic learners might write out all the aspects of a given situation to see them more clearly. 
  • Kinesthetic-physical learners roll up their sleeves and work through problems hands-only. They like to take things apart, put them back together, and experiment firsthand. Students with a kinesthetic learning style like hands-on experiences. Logical-mathematical learners try to analyse problems rationally. 
  • They use strategic steps to find patterns that lead them to solutions.
  • Social-interpersonal learners prefer to work in groups, figuring out solutions through discussions with other students. They also thrive when working in pairs. Solitary-intrapersonal learners like to work through problems independently, quietly and reflectively. For instance, they might find answers by writing in a journal. 

Social Behavior and Personal Tendencies

  • Visual-spatial learners are conscious of their appearance and are well-groomed; they appreciate the visual aesthetic and like things to look a certain way. They can be shy and would instead work alone than in groups. 
  • Auditory learners relish a good conversation and might be considered extroverts or ”social butterflies.” They’re often involved in chorus, band, or other musical pursuits.
  • Verbal-linguistic learners are avid readers who savour words and usually enjoy writing. They have highly developed vocabularies. Students who savour reading and writing are often verbal/linguistic learners. 
  • Kinesthetic-physical learners are frequently involved in sports, dancing, or other physical activities. They have tactile tendencies and like to experience things for themselves; on a field trip, for example, they might reach out to feel the texture of an old stone wall.
  • Social-intrapersonal learners are emotionally mature and conscious of the feelings of others. They like doing group projects at school.
  • Solitary-intrapersonal learners prefer to avoid group projects or study groups. While not antisocial, they can be somewhat introverted and individualistic and demonstrate a strong sense of self.

Preferred Learning Aids

  • Visual-spatial learners gravitate toward maps, charts, photographs, and diagrams. They also use their imaginations to visualise concepts. Visual/spatial learners favour maps, charts, and diagrams. 
  • Auditory learners find lectures stimulating. With an uncanny memory for melodies and lyrics, they respond well to music as a learning tool. 
  • Verbal-linguistic students rely strongly on written material and textbooks to foster their learning. They also pay close attention during lectures. 
  • Kinesthetic-physical learners appreciate hands-on experiments or experiences. Opportunities to go up to the board and solve problems are welcome. 
  • Social-interpersonal learners are collaborative, gaining knowledge by interacting with other students, who serve as living-learning aids. Conversely, solitary-intrapersonal learners consider peace, quiet, and time alone their most powerful learning tools. 

The Different Learning Styles

Different learning style frameworks attempt to explain individual differences in learning. The VARK learning style, which includes the Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic learning styles, is one of the most well-known; these are described below. Consider which types of study activities you prefer to determine your preferred learning technique. Note that you may employ multiple learning styles.

Visual Learning Style

Visual learners learn by sight. These learners benefit from the following:

  • Images and diagrams
  • Graphics and visuals
  • Charts
  • Maps
  • Mind-maps
  • Flashcards

Auditory Learning Style

Auditory learners learn by hearing. These learners benefit from the following:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Group discussions
  • Verbal repetition
  • Sound recordings
  • Mnemonic devices

Read or Write Learning Style

Read or write learners learn by reading and writing. These learners benefit from the following:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Making detailed notes
  • Re-writing notes to revise
  • Viewing information in Word form

Kinaesthetic Learning Style

Kinaesthetic learners learn by touch. These learners benefit from the following:

  • Movement
  • Tactile representations
  • Models and materials
  • Physical interactions
  • Hands-on approaches
  • Experience and practice