Learning to learn … every child learns differently.
Just like personalities, people have different learning styles. It might benefit parents to understand how their child learns best by observing their strengths and preferences.
While different models for learning styles exist, the most common theory suggests that there are four distinct ways in which a child learns and consultant psychologist Ian Wallace describes them as:
1. Visual learner – These children enjoy drawing, colouring, puzzles and creative art. They need to “see” information to learn best.
2. Verbal learner – These children love listening to stories and may learn to talk at an earlier age. They follow verbal instructions easily and love to talk.
3. Tactile learner – These children enjoy getting “a feel” of different materials. They like to be shown how to do things.
4. Kinaesthetic learner – These children, like tactile learners enjoy learning through touch, but they also learn by “movement and sensory interaction”. They may learn better if movement is incorporated into the lesson.
There are several tools available for parents to determine what their child’s learning style is:
1. Websites like LDPride.net. Involves taking a 2 minute test to find out their preferred learning style.
2. Courses such as “The ways our children learn and how we as parents can help them”.
3. Services like the Learning Links organization’s assessment programs.
4. Wallace suggests observing children through their everyday play and conversation styles. For example, a visual learner might like to explain events by using words such as “did you see what happened” or “I saw that she was upset”. A verbal learner might choose to describe circumstances using the tone of voice or words used. A tactile learner would bring into focus the feelings associated with events, such as “I could feel that she was upset.” Finally, a kinaesthetic learner might like to role play or demonstrate.
There are several advantages in finding your child’s learning style:
– Improved performance at school
– Reduced truancy rates
– Reduced school dropout rates
– Can help foster an interest in lifelong learning
Wallace recommends the following ways in which to support particular learning styles:
1. Visual learners – Invest in some charts, models and resources such as coloured pens and highlighters.
2. Verbal learners – Encourage them to participate in activities that require them to exercise their verbal skills e.g. drama or debating. For older children, maybe a recorder in the classroom will help by replaying what was learnt.
3. Tactile learners – Teach using techniques that encourage children to have a feel of the concept. E.g. differentiate a square as having “sharp edges” versus a circle as being “smooth” and “round”. Promote activities such as tracing and finger painting.
4. Kinaesthetic learners – Role playing and acting it out will help these children immensely. Provide toys such as Lego to encourage “hands on learning” and opportunities for “active learning” like pacing while learning or using sensory toys like a squish ball or exercise ball while studying.
| Author | Lakshmi |
| Article title: | What is your child’s learning style? |
| Website title: | Essential Kids |
| URL: | http://www.essentialkids.com.au/education/school/primary-school/what-is-your-childs-learning-style-20120129-1qoo3 |