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Learning styles
Teachers need to respond to the learning styles of their students. Failure to take consideration of these differences can lead to a curriculum that is neither accessible nor engaging.
How do you acknowledge different learning styles in the way that you teach? Those who understand how their pupils learn best are likely to be providing effective and interesting lessons that encourage independence. Recognising one's own learning style helps to influence the teaching style.
Learning styles include:
- Visual – through visual cues, facial expressions and utilisation of maps and information in a visual format to present ideas
- Auditory – preference for verbal instructions, talk and discussions
- Kinaesthetic – preference for active and hands on learning.
- Guidance for teachers on taking specific action to respond to learners' diverse needs.
- Case study: training on teaching and learning styles.
See the VAK questionnaire
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence offers another way to understand and explain how people learn and develop different types of intelligence.
| Intelligence Type | Capability and Perception |
|---|---|
| Linguistic | Words and language |
| Logical-mathematical | Logic and numbers |
| Musical | Music, sound and rhythm |
| Bodily-Kinaesthetic | Body movement control |
| Spatial-visual | Images and space |
| Interpersonal | Other people's feelings |
| Intrapersonal | Self-awareness |
Relevant documents and links
- Gardner"s theory of multiple intelligences – Overview of Gardner"s theory that intelligence is subdivided into other intelligence categories.
- Visual auditory kinaesthetic questionnaire – Flash interactive on identifying preferred learning styles.
- Howard Gardner - multiple intelligences and education – Multiple Intelligences theory.
- Case studies of gifted and talented – Case studies on gifted and talented.
- Edward de Bono – Edward de Bono's theory of types of intelligence.