4 Learning Styles to Try If You Haven't Found What Suits You Yet

Have you ever experienced staring straight at rows of lines in your book and nothing comes into your mind? What about the moment when your teacher shows you an informative video and you just can’t register a single information? Don’t fret just yet—you might just be using the wrong learning style! 

According to education theorist Neil Fleming, there are four different learning styles a student can be classified into: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. He called this the VARK model. Read below to learn more about this:

1. Visual learners

The best way these people learn is through graphs such as maps, diagrams, or charts. They understand the information well if it is depicted in a well-made graphic representation. If you are a visual learner, try highlighting your notes with various colors. You may also try using designs or symbolic shapes like arrows or circles when jotting down notes during class in order to connect certain pieces of information. 

2. Auditory learners

If you love listening to podcasts, then this one is perfect for you! Auditory or aural learners work best with materials that can be heard. Some examples of these are lectures, group discussions, radio, or through phone or video calls. People classified in this may try to frequently ask questions during discussions. You may also try to say out loud the information you receive from other people to further absorb it. 

3. Reading/Writing learners

These learners prefer learning with texts. As this is the most common technique used by teachers, students classified in this benefit the most in that situation. They learn more by reading essays, dictionaries, books, or even manuals. If you are one of them, you may try taking down notes during discussions and reading them a few times after. You may also try creating a PowerPoint to compress the information you need to study.

4. Kinesthetic learners

People with this learning style prefer to learn through real-life experience. They are more inclined to study through application, simulation, or practice. These are students who are connected more to reality and are always seeking demonstration. If you are a kinesthetic learner, try to look for videos of real people as an example of what you’re studying. You may also try to do it yourself to better understand the principle of the information you’re learning.

Curious about what’s yours? Take this quiz to find out! If you feel like you do not fall under only one of these four learning styles, there are two other VARK types that may help you. 

1. VARK Type One

People classified under this type are those who can learn in different styles and are flexible on which mode to use. They may try to use visual learning style to understand a topic in class. They may use the kinesthetic style to understand a concept. Either way, they most likely jump from one style to another, depending on what best suits the information they want to absorb.

2. VARK Type Two

People who fall under this type are those who prefer learning through all of the styles. They look for visual representation, audio materials, writing and reading notes, and even demonstrations in real life. While they may need a longer time to learn, they are those who strive to master knowledge before getting down to decision-making or application.