Strategies for teaching should recognize that each student has unique strengths, much like how a bird excels in the sky and a fish thrives underwater. Have you ever looked at a bird and thought, “That bird is pretty dumb for not being able to swim”? Or seen a fish and judged it as “stupid” because it can’t fly? It might sound ridiculous, right?

Each of these creatures has its unique strengths. They don’t need to be able to do the other’s job to succeed at what they do best. The same logic applies to students or even employees. Just like animals, humans have different ways of processing and learning new information. That’s why it’s important to recognize and understand their diverse learning styles and what strategies we can use to best help them.

In teaching, recognizing these differences is critical to delivering effective and engaging lessons. Learning styles influence how students absorb information, interact with peers, and express their understanding. In this article, we’ll explore strategies for teaching that address these differences, focusing on the VARK model—Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic—and provide tips for each.

The Importance of Learning Styles: Why “One Size” Doesn’t Fit All

Imagine trying to teach a fish how to fly. No matter how hard you try, you won’t succeed unless you acknowledge that fish are made for swimming, not soaring through the sky. The same goes for students—teaching strategies that work for one may not work for another. Understanding different learning styles and using the right strategies are essential for effective teaching. Just like how we embrace the diversity in nature, we must also embrace the diversity of learning preferences in our classrooms.

The thing is, students don’t always fit neatly into one category. Some might have a preference for one style, while others might blend multiple styles. Therefore, it’s important to use a variety of teaching methods to create an environment where all students can thrive. By recognizing the unique preferences of each student, we can provide their individual needs and set them up for success.

Exploring the Four Main Learning Styles and the Strategies

Visual Learners: Seeing is Believing

Visual learners understand and remember information better when they can see it. They’re the type of students who enjoy looking at charts, diagrams, and colorful images to grasp new concepts. Just like how a picture can speak a thousand words, these students retain information more effectively when it’s represented visually.

Characteristics of Visual Learners:

• They love to observe and notice details.
• Often, they use highlighters, colored pens, or different fonts to emphasize key points.
• They have vivid imaginations and can easily picture scenarios or concepts in their minds.
• Long, detailed texts or verbal instructions may overwhelm them.

Teaching Strategies:

• To cater to visual learners, use charts, diagrams, videos, and infographics as part of your teaching strategies.
• These students will benefit from handouts, outlines, and written summaries of the main ideas.
• Color-coding materials can also help them make connections and remember key concepts.
• Encourage visual learners to create mind maps, flowcharts, or doodles to organize their thoughts and review the material.
• Just like a painter needs their canvas, visual learners need a colorful and visual representation of what they are learning.

Aural Learners: Hear, Absorb, Repeat

Aural learners are auditory learners. They learn best through sound, including music, rhythm, and spoken words. These learners can often remember information by listening to it, whether it’s through lectures, podcasts, or discussions.

Characteristics of Aural Learners:

• They tend to be good listeners and can follow spoken directions well.
• Also, they use mnemonics, acronyms, jingles, or songs to memorize facts or formulas.
• They thrive in an environment where verbal explanations and conversations are central.
• This type of learner can easily repeat or explain what they have heard.
• Similarly, they often enjoy discussions, debates, and oral presentations.
• They often find it easier to recall spoken information than written instructions.
•  Although, they may need help with written assignments or tests and may need to hear them read aloud.
• They excel in discussions and enjoy debates or oral presentations.

Teaching strategies:

For aural learners, make use of storytelling, verbal explanations, and discussions. Encourage them to participate in debates, presentations, or group discussions to reinforce their learning. You can even introduce rhythmic chants or catchy songs to help them memorize concepts. Just like a musician who memorizes notes by listening, aural learners thrive when information is presented verbally or through sound.

• Make use of verbal explanations, descriptions, or stories to introduce or reinforce concepts.
• Provide audio recordings, podcasts, or lectures that they can listen to at their own pace.
• Find a use for music, sound effects, or voice inflections to create interest or emphasize points.
• Moreover, use rhyme, rhythm, or repetition to help them remember critical information.
• Besides, encourage them to participate in discussions, debates, or role plays.
• Additionally, ask them to summarize, paraphrase, or explain their learning.
• Allow them to use oral reports, interviews, or podcasts as alternative assessments.

Reading/Writing Learners: The Power of Words

Learners who are inclined towards reading and writing learn best through these activities because they are all about the written words. Individuals with solid linguistic skills often prefer learning and communicating through the written word. They have a knack for using language effectively, so their vocabulary is quite extensive. These students are often voracious readers and writers. They process information best when they can read about it or write notes to reinforce their understanding. For them, language is a powerful tool for learning.

Characteristics of Reading/Writing Learners:

• They love reading books, articles, and other written materials.
• Learners under this category like to take notes, make lists, or write summaries of what they have learned.
• They are strong writers, with good grammar and vocabulary so they can easily express themselves in writing and have good grammar and spelling.
• Also, they often prefer to study alone and in quiet environments.
• However, they may have difficulty with oral or visual instructions and may need to read them several times.

Teaching strategies:

• To engage reading/writing learners, provide them with texts, articles, or written resources to explore.
• Also, provide written instructions, guidelines, or feedback for assignments or tasks.
• Then utilize words, definitions, or quotations to explain or illustrate concepts.
• Encourage them to read widely and critically and to compare and contrast different sources or perspectives.
• Let them write essays, reports, or even blogs to express their understanding.
• Written assignments are ideal for reinforcing their knowledge.
• Allow them to use dictionaries, thesauruses, or online resources to enhance their vocabulary or research skills.
• Challenge them to create their texts, stories, or poems based on the topics or themes covered.

Kinesthetic Learners: Learning Through Movement

This type of learner thrives best by doing. Mostly, individuals in this type of learning prefer physical activities, hands-on tasks, experiments, and simulations to understand and apply information. Also, they have a good sense of balance and coordination. These learners need to move around, touch things, and actively participate in learning. Physical activities and simulations are their best allies when it comes to understanding new concepts.

Characteristics of Kinesthetic Learners:

• They are active and often have a hard time sitting still as they enjoy moving around and exploring their surroundings.
• Nevertheless, they often need help sitting still or focusing for long periods.
• They learn by doing and prefer hands-on experiences.
• Also, they can easily manipulate objects, tools, or instruments and learn by trial and error.
• They may struggle with abstract concepts unless they can physically manipulate objects or participate in activities related to those concepts.
• Similarly, they like to use gestures, body language, or facial expressions to communicate or emphasize points.
• However, they may struggle with abstract or theoretical concepts and must see them in action.

Teaching strategies:

• Kinesthetic learners excel when they are given the chance to engage in physical activities such as experiments, role-plays, or projects that allow them to apply what they have learned.
• Introduce or review concepts using physical activities, games, or exercises.
• Illustrate or demonstrate concepts using real-life examples, scenarios, or case studies.
• Encourage them to use models, props, or manipulatives to represent or visualize information.
• Ask them to perform, act out, or demonstrate what they have learned.
• Allow them to use portfolios, scrapbooks, or videos as alternative assessments.
• Challenge them to create activities, games, or experiments based on the covered topics or themes.
• These students may also benefit from creating hands-on projects to demonstrate their understanding.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

Effective teaching means recognizing the diversity of learning styles in our classroom and adapting our approach accordingly. It’s about using a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques to meet the needs of all our students. Think of it like hosting a dinner party where every guest has different dietary preferences—you’ll want to offer a variety of dishes to ensure everyone enjoys the meal!

However, keep in mind that learning styles are not static. A student might prefer one style in one context but prefer another in a different situation. Flexibility is key. By providing a variety of learning activities and approaches, we cater to the ever-changing needs of our students.

Just as a bird excels in the sky and a fish flourishes in the sea, each student has their unique strengths and preferences. Recognizing these differences and adjusting our teaching methods accordingly can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. By understanding the VARK model—Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic—we can address the needs of each learner and help them reach their full potential.

Incorporating strategies for different learning styles is not just a teaching technique—it’s a way to foster a deeper connection with our students. The key is not to force a one-size-fits-all approach but to embrace the diversity of learners and create an atmosphere where everyone can succeed. So, whether our students are visual artists, wordsmiths, or hands-on creators, the right teaching strategies can help them unlock their full potential.

So, next time you step into the classroom, remember: Just like the bird that soars and the fish that swims, each student has their path to success. Our job as an educator is to guide them along that path, using the best strategies that resonate with their unique learning styles. Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll join me for the next insightful discussion on teaching strategies! See you at the next one!

Other References:

WGU Hey Teach. 2020, November 18. Accommodating different learning styles: 3 tips to guide you. https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/accommodating-different-learning-styles-3-tips-guide-you-01702.html

Virtual Speech. 2020, October 29. Teaching strategies for the 8 different learning styles. https://virtualspeech.com/blog/teaching-strategies-different-learning-styles

Resilient Educator. n.d. Teaching styles: Different teaching methods & strategies. https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/5-types-of-classroom-teaching-styles/