Learning Styles

What is Learning Style?

 Refersto the preferred way of an individual
in processing information. They describe a
person’s typical mode of thinking ,
remembering or problem solving. Styles
influence how students learn, how teachers
teach, and how the two interact. Styles
usually described a person’s personality
which influences his attitudes, value or
interactions.
Visual Learners
These learners need to see the teacher's
body language and facial expression to fully
understand the content of a lesson. They tend to
prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to
avoid visual obstructions (e.g. people's heads).
They may think in pictures and learn best from
visual displays including: diagrams, illustrated
text books, overhead transparencies, videos,
flipcharts and hand-outs.
Visual Learners
Visual Iconic - prefer visual imagery like
film, graphic display or pictures.

Visual Symbolic- prefer abstract symbolisms

like written words or mathematical
formula.
Auditory Learners
They learn best through verbal
lectures, discussions, talking things through and
listening to what others have to say. Auditory
learners interpret the underlying meanings of
speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch,
speed and other nuances. Written information
may have little meaning until it is heard. These
learners often benefit from reading text aloud
and using a tape recorder.
Auditory Learners
Listeners - Remember things said to them
and make the information their own. They
may even carry on mental conversation and
figure out how to extend what they learned
by reviewing in their heads what they heard
the other said.

Talkers - They prefer to talk and discuss.

They often find themselves talking to those
around them.
Tactile/kinesthetic learners

 Tactile/kinestheticlearners
tactile/kinesthetic persons learn best
through a hands-on approach, actively
exploring the physical world around them.
They may find it hard to sit still for long
periods and may become distracted by
their need for activity and exploration.
Global – Analytic Continuum

Analytic. Analytic thinkers tend toward the linear,

step-by-step processes of learning. They are more
comfortable in a world of details and hiearchies of
information. They are the “tree seers”

Global. Global thinkers lean towards non-linear

thought and tend to see the whole of pattern
rather than particle elements. They are the “forest
seers” who give attention only to the overall
structure and sometimes ignore details.
Seven Learning Styles
(Ferriman, 2013)
1. Visual (spatial) – uses pictures, images, diagrams, colors,
mind maps to understand materials, organize information and
communicate with others
- has a good sense of direction and finds way
around using maps

2. Aural (auditory-musical) – prefers sound, rhythm, music,

recording, clever rhymes to learn new information.

3. Verbal (linguistic) – prefers words, both in speech and on

writing
- public speaking, debating, politics, journalism, story-telling
4. Physical (kinesthetic) – prefers hands, body and sense of
touch
- sports, exercise, gardening or woodworking

5. Logical (mathematical) – uses logic, reasoning and systems

to understand concepts

6. Solitary (interpersonal) – prefers to work alone, use self-

study and analysis
- private, introspective and independent

7. Social (intrapersonal) – prefers to learn in groups and with

other people
Multiple Intelligences
(Howard Gardner)
Intelligence Description Examples of
Component Occupations
1. Visual/Spatial -learning visually and - Surgeons, sailors and
(Picture Smart) organizing ideas fishermen charting the
spatially sea without
-ability to imagine and navigational aids
manipulate visuals in
one’s mind
2. Verbal/Linguistic -learning through - Poets, writers,
(Word Smart) spoken and written orators
word
Intelligence Description Examples of
Component Occupations
3. Mathematical/Logical - Learning through Mathematicians,
(Number Smart/ Logic reasoning and problem Engineers
Smart) solving
- Ability to handle
complex, logical
arguments
4. Bodily/Kinesthetic - Learning through Dancers, athletes,
(Body Smart) interaction of the acrobats
environment
- Ability to use physical
body well
Intelligence Description Examples of
Component Occupations
5.Musical - Learning through Musicians,
(Music Smart) patterns, rhythms and Composer
music
- Ability to learn,
perform and compose
music
6. Intrapersonal - Learning through Psychologists,
(Self Smart) feelings, values and therapists,
attitudes counselors
- Deep understanding of
one’s own mind
Intelligence Description Examples of
Component Occupations
7. Interpersonal - Learning through Salesperson,
(People Smart) interaction with others Politicians
- Ability to sense other
people’s feelings and be
in tune with them

8. Naturalist - Learning through Biologists,

(Nature Smart) classification, naturalists
categories and
hierarchies
- Understand different
species
Intelligence Description Examples of
Component Occupations
9. Existential -learning by seeing the
(Spirit Smart) “big picture”
-seeks connections to
real world
understanding and
application of new
learning