Everyone has their preferred learning style that suits their study needs. At our tuition learning centres, we have noticed that some students choose to take notes; others opt to create a diagram or listen to an audio recording of their lectures. These varied learning styles are part of the VARK model, which identifies four types of learners – visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.
While most will have a dominant learning style, there are some who prefer different methods depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to understand that there is no right or wrong answer to which learning style, or a mix of learning styles, is best for your child.
Only by discovering and understanding their own learning style can your child enhance their learning process. In this article, we will explore the VARK model so that you can identify which method is best suited for your child.
1. Visual learning style
Visual learners learn best when they can absorb the information visually – whether it is in the form of a graph, chart, or diagram. Often, they visualise words as pictures or objects in their mind, tapping into their right brain to process the information. However, this does not necessarily mean they respond well to photos or videos. They may simply require the information to be presented through various visual aids.
If your child is a visual learner, you may notice they like to organise their notes into visual patterns or utilise colour coding to highlight critical information in their textbooks. The best way to present information to them is by displaying the relationship between different ideas visually. For example, at our tuition learning centres, our teachers may use a flow chart to break down a scientific concept for these students.
2. Auditory learning style
Do you notice your child talking to themselves during their study sessions? As auditory learners, they are organising their thoughts out loud, which helps them to better understand the concepts they are studying. This also includes hearing things from external sources. As such, auditory learners are more likely to volunteer to ask questions in class and participate in group discussions.
For this type of learner, any auditory content will be the most effective way for them to study. You can advise your child to record their classes at school and their tuition learning centres and listen to these recordings during their revision sessions.
3. Reading/writing
The ideal way for reading/writing learners to study is by writing information down and reading it. To them, text trumps any visual or auditory information. An excellent way to engage such learners is by having them describe charts and diagrams with written statements or giving them writing assignments.
If your child is a reading/writing learner, we recommend providing them with ample writing materials for them to jot down notes during their classes at school and their tuition learning centre. You can also encourage your child to utilise flashcards and add notes to the pictures and diagrams in their textbook to absorb the information better.
4. Kinesthetic learning style
Kinesthetic learners enjoy practical lessons. They prefer to learn by doing and rely on tactile experience to understand a concept. When they are actively moving their body in any given activity, they can internalise the information better. As a result, the ideal method to present new information to these learners is through interactive experiences.
Should your child fall into this category, you can consider incorporating a physical motion with a piece of information to help them learn better. For example, if your child is learning about human anatomy, you can point to the locations of the various vital organs in their body.
A conducive learning environment is crucial for kinesthetic learners. Getting them to sit completely still in a normal classroom may be challenging, as their brain craves movement. At our tuition centres in Pasir Ris, Tampines, and Potong Pasir, we have incorporated interactive smart whiteboards to enhance learning. By allowing these students to interact with the learning material, they can receive the hands-on experience they need to understand a subject better.
If your child is interested to know which learning style is ideal for them, they can take the VARK questionnaire. This way, they can understand which study method works best for them. With this knowledge, your child can tailor their study sessions accordingly.
At The Junior Learners Learning Centre, we understand that every student has their preferred learning style that needs to be complemented with the appropriate teaching methods. As such, our educators strive to support our students and provide them with the ideal learning experience to enable them to succeed in their academics. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our tuition learning centres, do not hesitate to contact us to enquire about our programmes.