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  • Adult learning styles

    adult learning stylesFor adults, there are four main learning styles: visual, auditory, read-write and kinaesthetic. I discovered the learning styles when I first started lecturing for UCOL. I'd taught before but once I included the four learning styles in my lesson plans I saw a huge improvement in students and it also made teaching a lot more fun.  The basic idea is this.  If you want people to understand a theory or process make sure to include all four learning styles when presenting your idea. Here's how the learning styles work:

    Visual Learners

    Visual learners learn by seeing and visualising. To get your idea across to them include:

    • Visual presentations.
    • Language that paints mental pictures.
    • Use metaphor and simile to help them visualise your ideas.
    • Use graphs and visual imagery in your hand-out.

    Auditory Learners

    Auditory learners prefer to talk about something rather than read it. To engage auditory learners:

    • Ask questions and get them to answer. Often the very act of speaking helps them understand the idea better.
    • Get them to discuss the idea in small groups.
    • Be structured with your language and not too casual. Auditory learners will be looking for important audio hooks such as subject titles, keywords and affirmation that their ideas are correct from other people.
    • Get the group to discuss real life examples. It will help them understand the ideas and build confidence and comradery.

    Read-Write Learners

    Read-write learners prefer to learn by reading or writing so your presentation should include:

    • A print-out that they can read and make notes on.
    • Questions in the print-out so they can write answers to help clarify their ideas.
    • Additional information in the print-out that they can access later or when they are bored with the visual side of your presentation.

    Kinaesthetic Learners

    Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. Your presentation can reach them by including:

    • Demonstrations.
    • Group tasks.
    • Using metaphor so they're able to relate the idea to previous experiences.
    • Field trips.

    Of course we can use all of these learning styles but normally we predominantly prefer one or a combination. For example, I'm a very kinaesthetic learner but I find when I write things down it fuses the idea into my head. 

    brynn :-)


    Brynn Neilson About
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