Creating Lessons Using Different Learning Styles

Varying Instruction to Meet the Needs of All Students

Sep 27, 2009

Every child learns differently. Changing the method of instruction to include audio, visual and tactile learners makes it possible for all students to succeed.

Whether adapting lessons to include accommodations on an IEP or searching for ways to include Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligence, teachers are looking for different ways to teach. This could be initial instruction or review, a learning opportunity or an assessment. Including aspects of the three areas of audio, visual and tactile in the classroom makes it more possible for all students to learn.

Teaching Strategies for Auditory Learners

Auditory learners have an easy time learning in a lecture based classroom setting since they learn best by hearing. These learners might struggle understanding material if they read it quietly, but reading out loud or hearing a spoken summary helps. They also do well in discussion groups and benefit from hearing material restated in different ways. Videos such as documentaries and debates are also useful learning tools.

Learning by listening also means these learners do well in classrooms where there is a verbal component to assessment. This can be accomplished by having students create discussion questions, debate a topic, or provide an oral presentation.

Instructional Ideas for Visual Learners

Visual learners learn best by seeing. Pictures, diagrams and maps are very effective for instruction and assessment alike, as is working with text. They tend to be detailed note takers during lectures and can benefit from handouts that use both images and words. They learn well when teachers are dynamic in their instruction and incorporate both facial expressions and body language. Videos are also useful, especially when the action is visual and not dominated by speech.

Including Activities for Tactile Learners

Tactile, or kinesthetic, learners need to move to learn. For some this can be small, simple movements whereas others might need to move their whole body to be able to concentrate. Tactile learners traditionally struggle in classrooms where the primary instructional styles cater to audio and visual learners.

Some have learned to adapt by using quiet, small movements such as bouncing a foot, twiddling fingers, chewing gum and taking notes. Others, especially younger students and those with the need for whole body movement, need classroom activities that invite movement. This can be active role modeling of material, playing games, creating models and even frequent opportunities to get up and walk.

Most students have a combination of these three learning styles, typically with one style being dominant. Varying instructional and assessment practices in the classroom makes it easier for all students to spend some time learning through his or her dominant style, thus providing a more comfortable and rewarding learning experience.

The copyright of the article Creating Lessons Using Different Learning Styles in Teaching Strategies/Mentorship is owned by Tammy Andrew. Permission to republish Creating Lessons Using Different Learning Styles in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.