Understanding three different learning styles

Every student learns in different ways.  It is important as a teacher or parent to understand the various methods to accommodate each students individual learning style.  In this post, I will use the example of a karate instructor teaching a new skill.  The three main learning styles are:

1. Auditory (hearing)
2. Visual (seeing)
3. Kinesthetic (doing)

Auditory Learning Habits
Students who are auditory learners retain information through verbal instruction.  They listen for key words and phrases to help them understand their lessons.  Since auditory learners rely heavily on what they hear, an instructor should provide clear directions.

Tips for teaching auditory learners

• They learn by listening, so give directions that are clear and concise
• Provide them with short verbal pointers and corrections while the exercise is taking place
• Use your voice to accentuate key points for students to remember

Visual Learning Habits
Students who are visual learners gather information through what they see.  They prefer to watch a demonstration of a technique first, opposed to listening to a verbal explanation.  They may ask for additional visual demonstrations to help them understand.

Tips for teaching visual learners

• They learn best by watching a demonstration
• Show them from different perspectives what something looks like
• Place visual learners near other students who can already perform the skill required.

Kinesthetic Learning Habits
Kinesthetic learners understand new skills quickly by physically performing the skill.  They prefer to experience a skill, rather than watch a demonstration and listen to a lengthy explanation.  Teachers should provide basic, brief explanations of the exercise and then let kinesthetic learners give it a try.  You may hear them say that a skill 'feels good' or 'doesn't seem right'.

Tips for teaching a kinesthetic learner

• They learn best by physically experiencing a skill
• Keep your instructions and demonstrations brief, and let them give it a try
• Use physical correction so they understand how it feels to execute a technique correctly

All students can learn using a variety of all three, however one is usually a stronger method depending on the student.  Our job as instructors, teachers and parents is to figure out and understand what method the student/child will excel in and then use this method to ensure the best learning experience.

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