With the end of the semester approaching, here is everything you need to know about the different types of learning and how studying properly can ensure that you get the best final grades possible.
The origins of learning styles
The concept that every individual has a learning style originated in 1987 with educational theorist Neil Fleming. Flemming developed a model known as VARK.
According to an article on the origins of this model, VARK stands for the four different types of learning covered by the model, which Fleming referred to as sensory modalities: visual, aural or auditory, read/write and kinesthetic.
According to the model, different individuals may show preferences for one or more modalities. This theory has been tested by teachers and students for years and has been known to be extremely beneficial in different ways.
VARK
Here is a closer look at each learning type and what it means.
Visual- These are the types of learners who prefer to see the information at hand. This could be done in multiple ways, including charts, diagrams, graphs and maps.
Auditory- These learners prefer to learn information that is said aloud to them. They work best through attending lectures, listening to recordings or group discussions.
Read/Write- These learners best obtain information through written words and are often reading textbooks, taking notes or writing lists.
Kinesthetic- These types of learners prefer to learn by experience and activities. They are often found completing hands-on activities, conducting experiments or implementing different movements and activities into their studying time.
To determine your learning style, you can reflect on your studying experiences in the past and what was more enjoyable and beneficial to you. You can also take an online quiz.
Applying the methods
Now that you know about the different learning styles, here are some ways to implement each one as you prepare for finals.
If you are a visual learner, some study techniques include creating PowerPoints, using a color-coding system with highlighters or markers and other drawing techniques, such as creating a mind map.
If you are an auditory learner to study best, you should often participate in group discussions or seminars. You are also the type to greatly benefit from learning information through a video or podcast. Therefore, you could look up the certain chapters you need to learn from a subject and find a video of someone explaining the main point to you. You could also record your lectures and re-listen to them later while completing other tasks.
If you find you learn best by reading/writing, you will greatly benefit from taking detailed notes, reading or writing summaries of the unit you are preparing for and creating lists or flashcards. Many different study sites help to make digital flashcards if you find that easier.
Lastly, if you find that you are a kinesthetic learner, you will greatly benefit from working on projects, using objects while you study, such as models or blocks and utilizing different forms of movement while you study. Some ways you can add movement to your studying would be to use a standing desk or even use a study bike. There are many study bikes available in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library on the 2nd and 4th floors.
Learning styles at Wright State University
WSU Professor Dr. Carlos Costa teaches Civic Engagement courses in the CoLA, or College of Liberal Arts. In this course, half of the class is spent on civics and history and the other half focuses on student success.
Recently, Dr. Costa taught an entire lecture on different learning types and their importance. This is a topic he believes is very important for student success, as he has seen the improvements firsthand.
“I have seen [students] trying to take notes more effectively. Some also reach out asking for ways to better structure their study time, given their new awareness," Costa said.
Dr. Costa also shares why he thinks teaching students about different learning types is important.
“We often quit trying to learn because we get frustrated about traditional types of learning, such as memorizing. It is very rewarding to show students that each person has a very individual way of learning, and it is only after we account for those that we can truly learn, or at least learn effectively and retain. Exposing students to these different learning profiles is important because it can redirect those who are straying away from success,” Costa said.
For students who are not a part of CoLA and who wish to gain more information on the different learning types, Dr. Costa recommends that students visit the Student Success Center, as there are many individuals there who are well-versed in the topic and willing to share their knowledge to help others succeed.
If you are looking to find out your learning style, a popular online quiz can be found here.
