The 7 Main Types Of Learning And How You Can Adapt To Yours

by: Isabella Goode

To ensure that every lesson and course is productive, pupils and teachers should all make an effort to understand the combination of learning that they have and work out how they learn the best.

As I am constantly looking to improve myself and help others to do the same, I’ve put together a list of the ways in which different people learn and how these can be incorporated into every aspect of life. Read on to find out more about the 7 core ways that people learn.

1. Visual (Spatial):

People who use this style of learning prefer using pictures, images, and space to process new information. If you have a strong imagination and often have to visualise situations to understand them then you’re probably a visual learner.

2. Verbal (Linguistic):

Verbal learners prefer using words, both in spoken and written, to learn new skills and gain new skills. If you find yourself speaking out words as you read, or repeating things when you are trying to learn, then this is probably the way you absorb new facts and information.

3. Aural (Auditory-Musical):

For aural learners, music, songs and tunes help them to absorb new facts. Often if you find yourself remembering all the lyrics and tunes to your favourite songs then this is your preferred style of learning.

4. Physical (Kinaesthetic):

People who learn physically prefer to use their sense of touch to learn new things, often by doing things themselves and learning ‘on the job’. If you find that you prefer to do things yourself in order to learn then this could be the way you gain new skills.

5. Logical (Mathematical):

Some learners prefer using logic, reasoning and systems to find out new things. Often philosophers and those who enjoy learning maths follow this style of learning.

6. Solitary (Intrapersonal):

Some people prefer to work alone and study new things by themselves, and this style of learning is known as solitary. If you enjoy working alone and prefer not to engage in group projects, or simply take on all the work when you do, then this is probably the way you learn.

7. Social (Interpersonal):

Those who prefer to learn as part of a group and gain new skills by working together with others use a social learning method. Gregarious, loud people often learn better in a social setting than they do alone.

There are various different styles of teaching to support students across the range of types of learning style, but before you commit to a style of learning you have to make sure that it suits you.

Finding Out What Style Of Learning You Use

There are various different ways to find out what combination of methods you use to learn. You could study your own habits and traits and try to figure it out by yourself, or else you could use an online quiz that will tell you how you learn. This will help you to adapt your studies to suit your learning style.

Explore Different Learning Tools

From software and online tools through to physical products such as books and simulation toys, there is a tool to suit every learner, no matter what subject you’re trying to learn and what age and ability you are at currently. It’s important that you have a look around for the solution that suits you so that you can enjoy learning and take in new facts efficiently.

Practice Learning Outside Of School Or Work

When you’ve finished formal education it can be easy to neglect learning, but it’s important that you learn throughout your life and come to enjoy the process of gaining new skills and finding out new information. Try to learn for pleasure, not just out of a desire to improve your career prospects, so that you come to enjoy learning simply for the sake of it. This will also help you to understand more about your style of learning in a less pressured environment.

Ask For Help

If you’re doing a specific course with a teacher, then let them know how you work and ask them for the tools and assistance you need to feel confident and learn productively.

Use Alternative Methods Of Learning

Should you find that one method of learning isn’t working for you, even if it’s one that commonly works for other people who employ your preferred style of learning, then simply try a different way until you find one that works for you. It’s important that you take the time to explore the various different ways you can learn your chosen skills or topics so that you absorb the information that you need.

Learning is a constant process that takes a lot of time and hard work, so if you ever feel frustrated then remember that keeping going is much more effective than giving up.