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Learning About Learning!

Madyson Ney

Northeast Iowa Community College

Composition I

Mrs. Kelli Kovarik

November 3, 2023
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Learning About Learning!

Humans are naturally quite unique in their special way. Individuality is an

important aspect of how they view themselves and how they want to be portrayed by

others. From how they brush their teeth, to the way they drive, and even which sock

they put on first, every human is extremely different.

A prime example of this is how an individual person prefers to educate

themselves. It is important to know the different learning styles and how they work.

“Everyone should be aware of their student’s learning styles and preferences” (Preston,

2016, p. 4) There are many learning styles, but the core three include visual learning,

auditory learning, and kinesthetic learning,

Visual Learning

The simplest, most common style of learning is called visual learning. According

to Preston (2016), “Visual learners learn best when interacting with the information

presented as visual images such as photos, graphs, diagrams, etc. These learners can

quickly remember faces and places as they manage to recollect details by picturing

them in their minds” (p. 6). Considering it is as simple as using one of the five senses,

visual learning comes naturally to most people. It simply makes the process of retaining

information more straightforward.

There are many cognitive benefits that come from learning through visual stimuli.

Not only does it make education more fun for teachers, but it increases the engagement

and focus of visual learning students (Turker & Bostanci, 2023). Students who prefer to

learn visually tend to get a higher-quality learning experience as well. This is due to the
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increase in motivation, improvement of critical thinking skills, and overall understanding

in their area of study (Preston, 2016).

Visual learning has many strategies and techniques that are unique to its style.

O’Brien (1991) gives many suggestions and tips for visual learners emphasizing how

students “Learn better when you read or see the information. Learning from a lecture

may not be as easy” (p. 41). She then goes on to list a few methods that have been

very successful for this specific type of learner. These include looking directly at the

teacher when they are talking, using color to highlight main points, studying alone, and

choosing a seat in a classroom away from distractions.

Auditory Learning

Both visual and auditory learners use one of their five senses religiously. While

visual learners use their eyesight, auditory learners use their sense of hearing. With

their keen listening skills, auditory learners advance their knowledge through their ears

(Roomy, 2023). They tend to struggle with reading long text excerpts and prefer to get

information read to them out loud. “While other learners retain information in different

ways, either by touch, vision, or reading, an auditory learner will focus on listening or

speaking to process the information” (Roomy, 2023, p. 203).

Auditory learners benefit from their style of choice in a few ways. Considering it is

a natural sense, it is not hard to grow as a learner through listening skills. In an article

from the International Journal of Higher Education, author Tamnunan (2019) clarifies,

“Auditory learners absorb information quickly and thoroughly, develop many skills

simultaneously, and help them engage with school material more effectively” (p. 242).
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While auditory learners may have simple methods, there are various directions

they can take. O’Brien (1991) gives advice to auditory learners by explaining, “You will

learn better when information comes through your ears. You need to hear it. Lecture

situations will probably work well for you. You may not learn as well just reading from a

book” (p. 42). Therefore, auditory learners tend to benefit most from class lectures,

informational podcasts, and even letting light music play in the background while they

study.

Kinesthetic Learning

The last main type of learning is called kinesthetic learning. This style connects

two components that aren't traditionally grouped; learning and physical activity (Fallace,

2023). It is also known as “hands-on” learning because it has a lot to do with the body

itself. Using movements and feelings, kinesthetic learners are most successful when

they are physically active.

Since kinesthetic learners like to move around, it is hard for them to sit still in a

classroom. “Kinesthetic learners retain information by doing, rather than (only) by

seeing or listening. When they engage in some physical activity during learning, that’s

when you can expect the best learning outcome” (O’Brien, 1991, p. 43). Some activities

or methods they tend to enjoy include solving puzzles, using tools or instruments, and

letting their creativity flow (Preston, 2016).

Kinesthetic learning not only benefits your cognitive abilities but also your overall

health. Since thinking and moving are scientifically proven to be connected, physical

activity helps the brain positively affect your cognitive performance (O’Brien, 1991).

“This connection between cognitive and motor processes happens due to the fact that
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movement increases the amount of oxygen present in your blood which then helps fuel

the brain” (Roomy, 2023, p 203). Additionally, this type of learning strengthens social

skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving (Fallace, 2023).

Conclusion

It is important to know the individual learning styles, how they work, and the

benefits that come from them. Every human being is different and every brain learns a

different way. Whether it is through your eyes with visual learning, ears with auditory

learning, or hands with kinesthetic learning, the brain is bound to be educated.

References

Fallace, T. (2023). The long origins of the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning style
typology. History of Psychology, 26(4), 334–354.
[Link]

O’Brien, L. (1991). SOS: Strengthening of skills. (2nd ed.) Specific Diagnostic Studies &
Research for Better Schools.

Preston, N. (2016). Learning styles and strategies : assessment, performance and

Roomy, M. (2023). The relationship among students’ learning styles, health sciences colleges,
and grade point average. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 14, 203.
[Link]

Tambunan, H. (2019). Teaching technical teacher candidates with various types of learning
styles: online and face-to-face compounds. International Journal of Higher Education,
8(5), 233–245.

Turker, U., & Bostanci, O. (2023). Learning styles of talented preservice teachers. Problems of
Education in the 21st Century, 81(1), 144–164.
[Link]