By Dr Nicholas Altuneg
As a concerned parent, you are likely to have questions about your child’s learning style. Understanding your child’s learning style can help you tailor their education to meet their needs. This article will explore the three primary learning styles: visual, auditory, and tactile. You will better understand your child’s learning style and support their educational journey.
Visual Learners
Visual learners prefer to process information through images and other visual aids. These learners are drawn to diagrams, videos, and pictures. If your child is a visual learner, they may have an easier time understanding concepts when they are presented in a visual format.
One way to support visual learners is to provide them with plenty of opportunities to see and interact with visual aids. For example, if your child struggles to understand a concept in their math class, consider finding a video or interactive game that visually presents the concept. Additionally, it can be helpful to encourage your child to take notes in class or create diagrams and flowcharts to help them visualise information.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners process information best through sound and speech. These learners are more likely to ask questions and prefer being spoken to or listening to music. If your child is an auditory learner, they may benefit from listening to discussions about a topic rather than reading about it in a textbook.
To support an auditory learner, find recordings of teaching material, encourage your child to read aloud to themselves when studying, or organise recordings of themselves reading important information so they can listen to it later. Incorporating music or other sounds into their study environment can also be helpful.
Tactile Learners
Tactile learners prefer to learn through touch and physical movement. These learners are drawn to hands–on activities and experiences. If your child is a tactile learner, they may need help learning through traditional lectures and readings.
To support tactile learners, consider incorporating physical activities into their learning. For example, if your child is learning about history, you might take them to a historical site to explore and touch historical artifacts. If your child is struggling with a math concept, consider providing them with manipulatives to help them physically work through the problem. Additionally, it can be helpful to encourage your child to take frequent breaks during studying to move their body and engage in physical activities.
Identifying Your Child’s Learning Style
So, how can you identify your child’s learning style? You can observe your child’s behaviour and preferences. Do they prefer to watch videos or read books? Do they enjoy hands–on activities, or do they prefer quiet reading? These preferences can give you clues as to your child’s learning style.
Another approach is to ask your child directly. You might ask them questions like, “What helps you understand new concepts best?” or “Do you like to work with your hands when you’re learning?” You can better understand your child’s learning style by asking about their preferences and experiences.
It’s important to note that while visual, auditory, and tactile learning styles are the primary categories, many other factors can influence how your child learns. For example, your child’s personality, interests, and background can all impact their learning style.
Tailoring Your Child’s Education
Once you better understand your child’s learning style, you can tailor their education to meet their needs. Here are some strategies you might consider:
Visual learners:
- Encourage note taking and diagramming
- Provide visual aids like videos, pictures, and diagrams
- Use colour coding and other visual cues to help.
Auditory learners:
- Encourage reading aloud or listening to recordings of lectures or discussions
- Provide opportunities for group discussions or debates.
- Use mnemonic devices or acronyms to help with memorisation.
Tactile learners:
- Provide hands–on activities and manipulatives to help with learning
- Encourage physical movement and breaks during studying
- Use role–playing or simulation activities to help with understanding complex concepts.
It’s important to remember that while it’s helpful to tailor your child’s education to their learning style, it’s also important to expose them to different learning experiences. This can help them develop skills in different areas and become more well–rounded learners.
Additionally, it’s important to communicate with your child’s teachers and other educators about their learning styles. They may have additional insights or strategies to help your child succeed in the classroom.
In conclusion, understanding your child’s learning style can be valuable in helping them succeed in school and beyond. By identifying their preferred style of learning, you can tailor their education to meet their needs and help them excel. Whether your child is a visual, auditory, or tactile learner, there are many strategies you can use to support their learning and help them reach their full potential.