Learning Styles

Visual, Auditory & Kinaesthetic (VAK)

 There are 3 main learning styles.   There is no association between ability and preferred learning style.  Though no-one uses one only one style, most of us have a preference.  The best learners use all three styles so teachers use all three styles in their teaching to:

Help all pupils to learn, whatever their style;
Encourage all pupils to use the widest range of learning styles possible.

VISUAL

29% of us have a visual preference so we “see” our desired goal and recreate it in pictures / moving images / imagined scenes.  To use this style the teacher should:

Use visual display above eye level within the room;
Use key words displayed around the room;
Use video, OHP, flip chart, slides, a range of coloured board markers on white board;
Use lively textbooks;
Use spider diagrams, memory maps, visual note taking tools, pictures on hand outs;
Say “Now imagine this “ or “Picture this in your minds eye.

AUDITORY

34% of us have an auditory preference so we are very keen to hear what others are saying, who is saying it & how it is being said. To use this style the teacher should:

Use paired & group discussions, mini-debates;
Try to include raps, rhyme, chants, verse, songs, etc.;
Include tapes & sound-bites;
Try mnemonics for ease of memory;
Include music for energising, relaxing, review, etc.
Say “Ask yourselves” or “Do you hear what I’m saying” or “How does this sound to you?”

KINAESTHETIC

37% of us have a kinaesthetic (or physical) preference so we are very keen to experience feelings associated with success.  Many learn best by moving about or touching objects.  To use this style the teacher should:

Use mime and role play;
Include gestures or movements to demonstrate an idea;
Include design & build activities;
Include field trips & visits;
Allow physical movement in class;
Say “How does this feel to you?” or “I’m touched by what you say”.

Learning Styles in Mathematics

This is a Dfes produced document looking at the learning styles mentioned above in the context of writing in Mathematics.  Click here to view or download the file in pdf format.

This is a document by Steve Chinn which talks about learning styles and gives specific examples from the classroom. Click here to view or download the file in word format.