By understanding these styles, parents can better support their child’s learning journey to create a more effective learning environment.

What are learning styles?

Learning styles refer to the idea that children have different preferences for how they process information. This means that each student may excel in different environments or methods of learning. There are several models used to categorise these styles, but one of the most widely recognised is the VARK model, which identifies four primary learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinaesthetic. Let’s take a closer look at each style and how it impacts a student’s experience in the classroom.

Visual learners

Visual learners prefer to see information rather than hear or touch it. They are most effective when learning through visual aids such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and written instructions. These students often excel in subjects that require the ability to visualise concepts, like mathematics or science. In the classroom, a visual learner might benefit from colour-coded notes, diagrams on the board, or multimedia presentations.

For example, a child learning about the water cycle might grasp the concept more easily if they can watch a video or look at a diagram illustrating how the process works, rather than simply reading a description or listening to a teacher’s explanation.

Auditory learners

Auditory learners, as the name suggests, process information best when they hear it. They thrive in environments where they can listen to lectures, discussions, and verbal explanations. This type of learner is often good at remembering spoken information and may prefer audiobooks or podcasts as study tools. In a classroom setting, auditory learners benefit from group discussions, storytelling, and even repeating information aloud.

For example, an auditory learner may understand historical events more deeply by listening to a teacher’s detailed account, engaging in classroom discussions, or even participating in a debate on the topic. These students often find reading aloud or using songs and rhymes helpful in remembering facts or concepts.

Reading/writing learners

Students who prefer reading and writing as their primary learning mode often excel in traditional classroom settings where written materials, such as textbooks and worksheets, are central. They may prefer to take extensive notes, write essays, or read articles and textbooks to absorb new information. These learners tend to be strong in subjects that require written expression, like English and history.

An example of a reading/writing learner’s strength might be a student who easily comprehends a complex novel by reading it multiple times or prefers to take notes during a lecture and later review them to reinforce their understanding. These students may also enjoy writing out detailed summaries or making lists to organise their thoughts.

Kinaesthetic learners

Kinaesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best when they can physically engage with the material. These students need to move, touch, and experience things hands-on to understand them. Kinaesthetic learners often thrive in subjects that involve practical activities, such as art, physical education, or science experiments. In the classroom, these learners benefit from activities like role-playing, building models, or engaging in interactive experiments.

For example, a kinaesthetic learner studying the human body might benefit from building a model of the skeleton or conducting an experiment to understand the concept of force and motion. Simply reading about the human body may not be enough to engage them fully, but physically experiencing the subject can make the information come alive.

How learning styles impact classroom performance

Understanding that each child has a unique learning style is key to recognising why they may respond differently to teaching methods. A child who is a strong visual learner may struggle in a classroom where information is primarily delivered through lecture-based instruction. Similarly, an auditory learner may find it difficult to engage in activities that require them to read a lot of written material.

Students who are not taught in a way that aligns with their learning style may experience frustration, disengagement, or underperformance. For example, a kinaesthetic learner who is expected to sit still and listen to a lecture for long periods may find it challenging to stay focused, while a visual learner may feel overwhelmed if they are not provided with the visual aids they need to comprehend the material.

How to identify your child’s learning style

Recognising your child’s learning style can be a bit of trial and error, but there are several ways you can start. Pay attention to how they approach new tasks, and look for clues about their preferences:

Observe their behaviour: Watch how your child engages with different activities. Does your child tend to doodle while listening to instructions? They might be a visual learner. Do they often ask questions or repeat information aloud? They could be an auditory learner. Do they love to build or manipulate objects as part of their learning? They may be a kinaesthetic learner.

Ask questions: Engage your child in conversations about how they like to learn. You could ask things like, “Do you prefer reading books or listening to stories?” or “Do you like to watch videos or write things down to understand better?” Their answers can provide valuable insights.

Experiment with different approaches: You can try different methods to see which works best for them. Present information visually (diagrams, videos), verbally (talking through the lesson, audiobooks), or hands-on (building something, role-playing). See which method resonates most with your child.

Look for patterns: Over time, you’ll notice patterns in how your child learns. They might consistently gravitate towards a particular type of activity that helps them absorb information better. These patterns will give you a clearer understanding of their learning style.

How teachers address different learning styles

At a well-rounded school, teachers are trained to recognise and accommodate different learning styles within their classrooms. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, educators employ a variety of strategies to engage students with different preferences.

For instance, teachers might incorporate multimedia resources, such as videos, slideshows, and interactive whiteboards, to cater to visual learners. For auditory learners, teachers might use storytelling, classroom discussions, and oral assessments. Kinaesthetic learners are often given opportunities for hands-on activities, and reading/writing learners are encouraged to take notes, write essays, or engage in written exercises to deepen their understanding.

By offering a mix of teaching methods, teachers ensure that all students can learn in a way that suits them best. This can lead to a more inclusive and effective learning environment where each child is able to thrive.

Why it’s important to understand your child’s learning style

Understanding your children’s learning styles can help you support them both at home and in the classroom. By knowing how they learn best, you can encourage them to engage with the material in ways that align with their strengths. For example, if your child is a kinaesthetic learner, you might look for opportunities for them to get involved in physical activities related to their studies, such as building a science project or participating in hands-on art projects.

In addition, when you know your child’s learning style, you can communicate more effectively with their teachers to ensure that they are receiving the right kind of support.

At All Saints Grammar, we recognise the importance of understanding each child’s unique learning style. Our passionate and dedicated teachers are trained to tailor their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that every child is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

By working together, parents and teachers can create an environment where every child, regardless of their learning style, feels valued, understood, and capable of succeeding in their educational journey.
All Saints Grammar is a co-ed PreKinder to Year 12 top 100 school. To learn more, download our prospectus.