How to accommodate different learning styles?

Every human is born with unique abilities and is therefore different from others in so many aspects. The way we observe different things and develop our understanding varies from person to person. Thus, educators use different learning styles in classrooms to improve classroom performance and achievement of learning objectives.

The real challenge that lies for teachers in this regard is identifying the learning needs of different students in a classroom and then accommodating learning styles that best suit them. To become an effective teacher, one must manage these two things efficiently. It is crucial to do so that no one lags in the classroom.

There are different learning styles such as tactile or kinesthetic learning, auditory learning, visual learning style, etc. Experts at law essay writing service UK service described these learning styles briefly below, along with some practical tips for accommodating them in the classroom.

Tactile or Kinesthetic learning style:

Kinesthetic learning style is preferred by those who learn better with the physical or sensory presence of objects. It involves learning through touching, doing, holding, feeling, experiencing, or doing practical. These people know best by doing experiments and never hesitate to share new things.

The best tips for accommodating this style are mentioned below.

  • Prepare and provide a checklist of learning material for students.
  • Ask students to imagine and create an imaginary scene in their mind about the concepts being taught in the classroom.
  • Tell students to draw diagrams or trace words on paper.
  • Please encourage them to take notes during the lecture or reading.
  • Using various sizes of stationary objects such as pencils, pens, colours, crayons, etc., and textured paper can also help accommodate this learning style.
  • While teaching, using some sort of body movement is also found effective.
  • Engage students in performing the concepts in the form of role plays to get a better understanding. While delivering the lecture, dramatize a situation to make learning easy for students.
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Auditory learning style:

People learning through the auditory learning style learn better by listening and getting the information. This listening involves listening to someone else or own self or different noises and sounds. They are always ready to listen to the instructions on how to do a task and develop a better understanding by listening only. They have the ability to memorize things they hear, even if it is over a phone call or any other indirect medium.

Following tips may help to accommodate the auditory learning style in the classroom.

  • These students learn best by participating in group discussions. Arrange discussions within the classroom on different topics.
  • A talking calculator can be used for improved results.
  • Ask students questions about the taught topics.
  • Along with written lesson summaries, incorporate oral outlines in your teaching tactics.
  • Read aloud learning material for students and ask them to read also.
  • Allow students to tape your lectures and help them in reviewing them.
  • Ask them to tape their review also and listen to it with them.
  • An interesting technique is to learn the lesson by composing it in a rhythm and rehearsing it aloud.

Visual Learning Style:

Another learning style is the visual learning style which involves learning through observing the objects using pictures, images, videos, diagrams, flowcharts, films, displays, demonstrations, flip charts, handouts, etc. It is also known as spatial learning. After viewing how to perform a task or watching someone else doing it, they understand the concept more efficiently. They are the ones who need written instructions and directions to complete a task.

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To accommodate this learning style, you can follow the following tips.

  • Teach concepts by drawing relevant diagrams or make a cartoon of the idea being taught.
  • Incorporate flow charts and maps in teaching wherever necessary.
  • Teach students to highlight significant phrases, points, and keywords using different colours and review them afterwards. Allow them to highlight on their own to discover keywords.
  • Prepare checklists for students for certain homophones, formulas, terminologies, commonly misspelt words, etc.
  • Prepare and use flashcards to teach and review important topics and concepts.
  • You can use computers to enhance learning. Ask students to write learning material on the computer using various font styles and sizes to make it enjoyable.
  • Write essential points on the board while delivering the lecture. Also, allow students to use board and chalk to note down bullet points. You can also use intelligent boards if they are available.

Some other types of learners are discussed below.

Solitary or interpersonal learners:

As the name refers to, these learners prefer to learn on their own in solitude. They usually rely on themselves for learning. They are highly self-motivated. They perform best when working alone and independently. For learning, they need a quiet place and calm environment. Their strength lies in their fantastic writing skills and intense brainstorming.

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The best tip for accommodating this learning style is providing discussion platforms for students to share their ideas with others to promote a collaborative learning environment.

Mathematical or logical learners:

Mathematical learners learn best by working on a logical approach based on rational and mathematical reasoning. They are extremely intelligent and witty to recognize patterns and identify connections between apparently non-related things. Instead of analyzing, they are more attracted to statistical material. They can efficiently perform calculations.

To accommodate this type of learners, games based on problem-solving can be effective. Similarly, problem-solving activities are also helpful. Instead of introducing a bulk of learning material, it would be better to divide it into small segments.

Linguistic or verbal learners:

Linguistic learners are actually those who are proficient at spoken and written material. They use the words they hear to learn. Their areas of interest in learning include:

  • Reading different learning material.
  • Searching for new words in the dictionary.
  • Online searching and researching.

They excel in the verbal expression of ideas with clarity.

These learners can be accommodated by the incorporation of reading material in the curriculum. Ask them to craft answers to questions regarding the taught material. Conduct debates in the classroom and encourage students to participate.

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It is essential to embrace all kinds of learning styles and accommodating them in the best manner possible. If done in the early years of students’ education, it benefits students in the future also. In some cases, students may learn better through a combination of various learning styles. Identifying the most suitable learning style for students helps to improve the overall class performance and individual student’s participation in the class.