Learning Modalities- Understanding individual processing strengths and weaknesses
Visual Learners
Learn through seeing. Teachers’ expressions, pictures graphic organizers and classroom layout, all contribute to the success for the visual learner. They must be taught to capitalize on their visual imagery and use this strength for comprehension and recall. Most traditional teaching in the classroom is presented auditorally.
Auditory Learners
Learn through listening. They learn best from teacher’s lecture, discussion, and listening to what others have to say. Interpretation of meaning is gained through teacher’s tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other auditory cues.
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
Learn through doing, feeling, and touching. This student learns best though a hands on approach and may find it difficult to sit and listen to a teacher for any length of time. Traditional teaching methods can often make the student feel unsuccessful because of limited opportunity for movement.
Teaching Methods Compliment Neurological Processing Strengths
Visual learners are taught to use visualization strategies for retrieval of information. Auditory learners cue into their strength while accessing more visual information which enhances learning. Tactile/kinesthetic learners are given multi-modal approaches that build connections and provide meaningful learning experiences.