People have different ways of assimilating information. Being aware of these various learning styles can help you better understand how to structure your course to benefit more of your students. Particularly as the pandemic continues to impact educational delivery, it is important to present information to students in an easily digestible way.
Here are four common learning styles and how they might best apply in online classes.
1. Visual Learners
Visual learners understand by seeing visual representations of what they’re learning. This means they are more likely to take notes in a spiral notebook than on a laptop and ask questions that can be answered through visual media. Presenting charts, pictures, and diagrams will be particularly effective for these students.
Videos are the most effective learning model for visual learners. Including videos, pictures, and other visual references during your lecture will make it easier for them to see what you mean. Writing down essential information is also highly beneficial for visual learners because it translates information into a form that is easy for them to digest.
Encouraging these students to doodle, providing them with color-coordinated lecture notes, and teaching them to create and use flash cards to study are also effective ways to facilitate retention.
2. Auditory Learners
The best way for auditory learners to acquire knowledge is to listen. Typically, these students are very good at remembering what they hear and retain much of what is said in a lecture or discussion. This makes them good listeners. However, it also means that they may struggle with reading and writing-based assignments.
Audiobooks and lectures are best suited for these students. Group discussions where each student can express their knowledge verbally and ask questions also tend to work well for them. Oral tests are another helpful way for auditory learners to process information.
Teachers can also provide auditory learners with verbal cues when presenting material via slideshows or online lectures. During class, teachers might want to say something significant like, “This is crucial” or “Pay attention to this!” Or, if the material needs clarification, teachers might ask, “does anyone have any questions?” Using verbal cues helps give auditory learners time to process the information.
3. Kinesthetic Learners
A kinesthetic learner learns by doing. If you have students who prefer hands-on or active learning, try pairing a lecture with a project that incorporates problem-solving and experimentation. Kinesthetic learners need time to get up and move around during class, so allow extra time to ask questions or encourage these students to move around as they process information.
Have online students download lectures onto their devices podcast-style and listen to them while taking a walk or working out at the gym. Assign group activities that rely on role-playing and projects that require them to create a tangible product.
You can also tell them where in the real world they can go (e.g. a museum, science center, or performance) or what they can do to experience what you’re talking about first-hand. Talk to students about how they will encounter these topics in their own lives or bring up something relevant from current events.
4. Reading and Writing Learners
Reading and writing learners perform better when they have time to process information, organize it, and then go back over it again before moving on. They can work at their own pace without being interrupted by other students in a classroom setting. When they do not understand something right away, they can pause or stop entirely.
To support reading and writing learners, provide transcripts for lectures so they can follow along and have something to refer back to. Keep subtitles on when watching video content. Finally, have a list of supplemental materials (articles or books) that these students can seek out if they’re interested in learning more about a topic.
Reading and writing learners tend to excel in online learning situations. It allows them time to digest what they have learned before moving on to more material. If you know you fall into either category, online education maybe your best option when seeking higher education.
Creating an Inclusive Learning Experience
Each style has strengths and weaknesses, so you can better prepare your curriculum for all learners by becoming aware of each one. We must realize that each person has their own learning style and preference. Students will best master material when interacting with information in their preferred style is an option.
Strive to include each type of learner in your lectures; have activities that appeal to each type of learner while encouraging active listening and participation from every student. If you want content presented effectively, accommodate auditory and visual learners by having slideshows interspersed with short presentations.
Focus on Generating Engagement
Make your lessons engaging by explaining why the topic is relevant to students’ lives so that they stay engaged. Also, encourage an open discussion between your group or one-on-one to motivate them. This can help you gain insight into how students interact with specific concepts or relate them to previous experiences, which could be helpful for future lessons.
Include Hands-on Activities
Hands-on activities have been shown to generate interest and retain more information than just sitting at a desk listening. Including different types of exercises in your lecture is a great way to get students involved in your material and bring excitement into learning concepts.