Learning styles: Visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Which one are you?

Are you visual? Maybe more auditory? Will you be kinesthetic? Learn about the different learning styles and discover what style you are. We all have different ways of learning!

Each person learns in different ways. Therefore, it is very important that educational institutions at all levels take note of how they can exploit different learning styles for the benefit of their students, instead of imposing a single form of teaching on everyone indiscriminately.

What is a learning style?

A learning style consists of a series of personal characteristics that you are born with and that you develop as you grow. It determines, among other things, through which activities and senses you tend to absorb information most easily; whether through sight, sound, touch, speech, note taking, or a combination of these.

How many learning styles are there?

We have three major systems to mentally represent information, the visual representation system, the auditory system and the kinesthetic system. Most of us use one more than the other, why? They develop differently in each of us and have their own characteristics.

Below we present a brief summary of three of the most well-known learning styles.

1. Visual representation system

The visual representation system tends to be the dominant representation system in most people. It occurs when one tends to think in images and relate them to ideas and concepts. For example, when one uses concept maps to remember ideas, concepts and complex processes. For this reason, this system is directly related to our capacity for abstraction and planning. 

How do I know if my learning style is visual?

• They present difficulties when the explanations are verbal.
• You’re very observant.
• You learn best when the material is represented visually.
• You are able to memorize using patterns, images and colors.
• You have an easier time remembering images and videos.
• You have trouble explaining verbally or remembering verbal information.
• They think and store information using images.
• You have an inclination towards the arts.
• You have a great imagination and a strong sense of color. 

2. Auditory representation system

People who are more auditory tend to remember information better by following and remembering an oral explanation. This system does not allow us to abstract or relate concepts with the same ease as the visual system, but it is essential for learning things like music and languages.

How do I know if my learning style is auditory?

• You learn easily by paying attention to what the teacher says or narrates.
• You are able to remember audible signs with changes in tone of voice, intonations and accents.
• You can skillfully repeat and remember what someone else says in a lecture or class.
• You are good at oral exams and presentations.
• You are good at telling stories, narratives, stories and tales.
• You like to study with music and you can remember facts and people with it.

3. Kinesthetic representation system

It is about learning related to our sensations and movements. In other words, it’s what happens when we learn more easily by moving and touching things, such as when we walk while reciting information or doing an experiment by manipulating laboratory instruments. This system is slower than the other two, but it tends to generate deeper learning that is difficult to forget, like when we learn to ride a bicycle.

How do I know if my learning style is kinesthetic?

• You like to learn through experiences, such as laboratory practices, games, models, even tangent representations of what you study, such as a globe or a human skeleton.
• You are a restless person, who constantly moves when doing homework or concentrating on an activity.
• You need to get involved in what you are learning, otherwise it costs you a lot and becomes tiring.
• Your movements are an extension of your creative thoughts.
• You have the need to express yourself in a physical way.

Frequently asked questions

Can you have all three learning styles?

Of course! In fact, no one subscribes entirely to a single system, since we all develop complex forms of learning that result from the combination of many factors. Hence, for example, there are those who need to study in silence and those who can do so by listening to metal. The point is that it is important to take into account, at the very least, that people learn in different ways, to make education a more enriching experience for everyone inside and outside the classroom.

Could Learning Styles Harm Student Growth?

While the idea of learning styles promotes personalized education, it may inadvertently restrict growth. Relying exclusively on preferred styles could prevent students from adapting to various teaching methods, causing them to miss opportunities to acquire essential skills. This approach might also reinforce fixed mindsets, limiting flexibility and resilience needed for real-world challenges.

Focusing too much on learning styles can oversimplify the complexities of individual comprehension and overlook the diverse nature of learning. Instead, encouraging a range of learning strategies can better prepare students for a dynamic future by fostering adaptability and a broader skill set. Integrating diverse approaches with preferred styles may lead to more comprehensive and effective educational outcomes.

Can learning styles change over time?

While some aspects might evolve, core learning preferences tend to remain relatively consistent. However, experiences, environments, and personal growth can influence learning preferences to some extent.

Are learning styles scientifically supported?

The scientific community debates the validity of rigid learning styles. Some studies suggest preferences exist but may not rigidly define learning capability. Understanding these preferences can still aid in personalized education.

Can individuals have a combination of learning styles?

Yes, many individuals display a blend of learning styles rather than fitting squarely into one category. Recognizing a primary style while incorporating elements from others often enhances learning experiences.

How can teachers cater to diverse learning styles in the classroom?

Teachers employ a mix of teaching methods, incorporating visual aids, auditory explanations, and hands-on activities to accommodate various learning preferences and create inclusive learning environments.

Can technology aid in catering to different learning styles?

Absolutely. Technological tools offer diverse formats – videos, interactive modules, or auditory aids – allowing learners to access information in ways aligned with their preferred styles.

Do learning styles influence career choices or professional development?

While not deterministic, understanding how you best learn can guide career paths. Certain professions may naturally align with particular learning styles, influencing professional development choices.

Conclusion

Learning styles are a framework used to understand how individuals prefer to learn and process information. While they can provide insights into personalized learning, it’s essential to approach education with a flexible mindset, acknowledging that individuals often benefit from a combination of styles and that focusing on metacognition and diverse learning strategies might yield more substantial learning outcomes.