Different Types of Learners

       To understand how to move from passive to active learning, it is important to understand the different types of learners. There are three primary learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. People learn using a variety of these methods, but one method is usually predominant. Familiarity with the characteristics of each learning style and associated strategies allows you to address the needs of each type of learner.
                                                                   Visual Learners 

       Visual learners are characterized by the following:

•  They tend to be fast talkers.
•  They exhibit impatience and have a tendency to interrupt.
•  They use words and phrases that evoke visual images.
•  They learn by seeing and visualizing.
• Your teaching strategy for visual learners should include the use of demonstrations and visually pleasing materials, and you should make an effort to paint mental pictures for learners.

     

                                                                  Auditory Learners
       Auditory learners are characterized by the following:

•  They speak slowly and tend to be natural listeners.
•  They think in a linear manner.
•  They prefer to have things explained to them verbally rather than to read written information.
•  They learn by listening and verbalizing.
• Your teaching strategy for auditory learners should sound good and should be planned and delivered in the form of an organized conversation.

   

                                                              
                                                                  Kinesthetic Learners

        Kinesthetic learners are characterized by the following:

•  They tend to be the slowest talkers of all.
•  They tend to be slow to make decisions.
•  They use all their senses to engage in learning.
•  They learn by doing and solving real-life problems.
•  They like hands-on approaches to things and learn through trial and error.

   

      Your teaching strategy for kinesthetic learners should include handson demonstrations and case examples to be discussed and solved.
                              Can You Identify Your Predominant Learning Style?

      There are a variety of types of learners in a single classroom. Therefore, it is important to incorporate multiple teaching methods. It is also important to know what your own predominant learning style is, because when you teach, you may unintentionally favor your learning style and shortchange other types of learners in the classroom. An active learning process involves listening, demonstrating, interacting, and understanding in order to engage all learners. Adult learners tend to have a need to interact and share with others. Well-designed training and educational programs use both active and passive methods. There needs to be some information transfer, but information that is only shared in a passive learning format is likely to become boring or seem irrelevant to learners. The key to teaching adults is to provide new information that is relevant and usable within a relatively short period of time. A good framework to keep in mind is the active training credo: 

What I hear, I forget.
What I hear and see, I remember a little.
What I hear, see, and ask questions about or discuss with
someone else, I begin to understand.
What I hear, see, discuss, and do, I acquire knowledge and skill.
What I teach to another, I master. 

As a teacher, your goal is not only to present information that learners need but also to facilitate experiences that will help them gain and master the knowledge and skills that they need to know and practice. By using a variety of teaching techniques and by actively involving learners in the experience, we increase the chances that they will retain and use the information.

Although it is difficult to address everyone’s needs, it is important to meet as many needs as possible.