Introduction to Learning Styles
Have you ever noticed that some people prefer to see diagrams when learning something new, while others would rather listen to an explanation? Or perhaps you've found that you remember things better when you can physically try them out? These preferences are what psychologists call learning styles - the different ways people prefer to take in, process and remember information.
Key Definitions:
- Learning styles: Different approaches or ways of learning that individuals prefer to use when taking in and processing new information.
- Learning preferences: The conditions, environments and approaches that a learner finds most effective for their learning.
- Cognitive styles: The characteristic ways in which individuals process information, regardless of the content.
💡 Why Learning Styles Matter
Understanding your preferred learning style can help you:
- Choose study methods that work best for you
- Improve how quickly you learn new information
- Boost your confidence in learning situations
- Develop strategies to overcome learning challenges
📖 Learning Styles in Education
Teachers often try to incorporate different teaching methods to cater to various learning styles in the classroom. This might include:
- Visual aids like diagrams and videos
- Verbal explanations and discussions
- Hands-on activities and experiments
- Written materials and note-taking exercises
The VARK Model of Learning Styles
One of the most widely known learning style models was developed by Neil Fleming in 1987. His VARK model identifies four primary types of learners based on sensory preferences:
👁 Visual Learners
Prefer to see information presented visually through:
- Charts, graphs and diagrams
- Maps and spatial arrangements
- Videos and demonstrations
- Colour-coding and highlighting
Study tip: Use mind maps, flowcharts and colour-coded notes
👂 Auditory Learners
Learn best through listening and speaking:
- Lectures and discussions
- Reading aloud
- Verbal explanations
- Group discussions
Study tip: Record lectures, explain concepts aloud, use discussion groups
✍ Read/Write Learners
Prefer information displayed as words:
- Textbooks and handouts
- Taking detailed notes
- Making lists
- Essays and written assignments
Study tip: Rewrite notes, create summaries, use flashcards with written information
✋ Kinaesthetic Learners
Learn through physical experiences and hands-on activities:
- Practical exercises and experiments
- Role-playing and simulations
- Building models
- Physical movement while learning
Study tip: Use practical examples, create models, take study breaks for movement
It's important to note that most people are actually multimodal, meaning they use a combination of these styles rather than just one. Your preferences might also change depending on what you're learning.
Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory
David Kolb proposed that learning is a cycle involving four stages and people tend to prefer different parts of this cycle:
🟢 Kolb's Learning Cycle
- Concrete Experience (CE): Having a new experience or reinterpreting an existing experience
- Reflective Observation (RO): Reviewing and reflecting on the experience
- Abstract Conceptualisation (AC): Forming new ideas or modifying existing concepts
- Active Experimentation (AE): Testing the new ideas in practice
According to Kolb, effective learning requires moving through all four stages of this cycle.
👥 Kolb's Learning Styles
Based on which parts of the learning cycle people prefer, Kolb identified four learning styles:
- Divergers (CE/RO): Imaginative, emotional, good at generating ideas and seeing situations from multiple perspectives
- Assimilators (AC/RO): Logical, enjoy theory and abstract concepts, prefer reading and thinking
- Convergers (AC/AE): Practical problem-solvers, prefer technical tasks over social or interpersonal issues
- Accommodators (CE/AE): Hands-on learners who rely on intuition rather than logic, enjoy new challenges and experiences
Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles
Building on Kolb's work, Peter Honey and Alan Mumford developed their own learning styles questionnaire. They identified four learning styles:
💭 Activists
Learn best when:
- Involved in new experiences and challenges
- Working with others in problem-solving tasks
- Thrown in at the deep end
- Leading discussions and presentations
Motto: "I'll try anything once"
🤔 Reflectors
Learn best when:
- Observing others
- Given time to think before acting
- Reviewing what has happened
- Researching and investigating
Motto: "I need time to think about this"
📈 Theorists
Learn best when:
- Presented with models and theories
- Given time to explore associations and relationships
- In structured situations with clear purpose
- Able to question and probe ideas
Motto: "If it's logical, it works"
🛠 Pragmatists
Learn best when:
- There is an obvious link between the topic and a problem
- Shown techniques with practical advantages
- Given immediate opportunities to implement what they've learned
- Exposed to a model they can copy
Motto: "How can I apply this in practice?"
Case Study Focus: Learning Styles in Action
Sarah and Tom are both studying for their GCSE Psychology exam. Sarah finds that making colourful mind maps and watching educational videos helps her remember key theories. She's likely a visual learner. Tom, however, prefers to join study groups where he can discuss concepts aloud and listen to explanations from others - suggesting he might be an auditory learner.
Their teacher, Ms. Jones, recognises these different preferences and provides various resources: written notes, diagrams, discussion activities and practical demonstrations. By catering to different learning styles, she helps ensure all students can engage with the material in ways that work best for them.
Criticisms of Learning Styles Theories
While learning styles theories are popular, they have faced significant criticism from researchers:
⚠ Limitations of Learning Styles
- Limited scientific evidence: Despite their popularity, there's little robust evidence that matching teaching to preferred learning styles improves learning outcomes
- Oversimplification: People don't fit neatly into single categories and may use different approaches for different tasks
- Labelling concerns: Being labelled as a particular type of learner might limit students' willingness to try different approaches
- Subject-specific needs: Some subjects naturally require specific approaches regardless of personal preference (e.g., learning a musical instrument requires auditory and kinaesthetic approaches)
💡 A Balanced Approach
Most educational psychologists now recommend:
- Using a variety of teaching and learning methods
- Focusing on evidence-based learning strategies like spaced repetition, retrieval practice and elaboration
- Developing flexibility in learning approaches
- Matching learning methods to the content being taught rather than to individual preferences
- Using learning style preferences as a starting point for exploring effective study techniques, not as rigid categories
Applying Learning Styles to Your Studies
While the scientific evidence for learning styles is mixed, understanding your preferences can still help you develop more effective study habits:
- Identify your preferences - Notice which learning activities you enjoy and find effective
- Experiment with different techniques - Try methods associated with different learning styles
- Use multimodal approaches - Combine different methods (e.g., read material, create visual summaries, discuss with others)
- Match methods to content - Some topics naturally suit certain approaches regardless of your preferences
- Develop flexibility - Being able to adapt your learning approach is a valuable skill
Remember: The most effective learners aren't those who stick rigidly to one style, but those who can adapt their approach based on what they're learning and the resources available.