Types of learners

Hi there!

Imagine you are an incredible scientist who developed a perfect way to study. Everyone uses it and society suddenly become much smarter.  You are filthy rich but you still do lectures explaining all your students this exact, specific method that works with everybody.  Now you are a hero of the whole world.  Unfortunately, there is no chance it will ever happen. Not because I don't believe in you (of course I do) but every human brain is completely different and it demands different ways to absorb information. Your job is to find out what's best for your mind although it can be kind of difficult. Luckily, someone has already created learners personalities and you just have to fit yourself into the frame but it's also not that easy as it seems to be since there is one crusial rule:
It's rare someone is only a visualiser or only a kinesthetic learner. In most cases people are a combination of all types but in different proporsions.
 I want to guide you through all types of learners according to VARK system so you can customize your methods of learning with your personal needs.

VISUAL LEARNER
If you have to see the information to remember it, visualise the exact image of the information  while doing an exam, your textbook must be full of pictures and diagrams, part of you is certainly a visual learner.

How to learn by visual methods?

• enrich your notes with diagrams
• create mind maps
• pay attention to pictures
• watch films and animations
• make your notes colorful, outline chapters
• Special tip: use an unlined notebook, which stimulates creativity and gives you an opportunity to organise your notes as you like.

AUDITORY LEARNER

If you enjoy listening to lectures, studying with a music in the background, learn by discussions, you definitely have something of auditory learner.

How to learn by auditory methods?

• listen to podcasts
• record your lessons (only if your teacher agrees) and listen to them as a revision
• participate actively in class discusions
• read out loud
• repeat information with your eyes closed

Special tip: Try to sing the information while you are learning in a specific rythm or maybe create a song!

READING & WRITING LEARNERS

If you prefer to read textbooks and taking a lot of notes during a lesson, enjoy making lists,  like working on your own in a quiet area, you should try reading and writing technics.

How to learn with reading & writing methods?

• read information from lots of sourses
• make detailed notes in your own words
• use bullet points lists to organise your notes
• turn diagrams into words
• create your own definitions

Special tip: Rewrite your notes in a different words, it's not useless but it really helps to stuck the knowledge in your head.

KINESTHETIC LEARNER

If you enjoy building models and touching structures, have to move while studying, learn best by experience, part of you belongs to kinthestetic learners

How to learn with kinesthetic methods:

• try to do as much experiments as possible
• use flashcards
• study in short blocks
• try to find the stuff you learn in your daily life
• use a stress ball  or other type of activity while studying

Special tip: Turn on music and try to present what you are learning as a dance.

If you find your style of studying, I promise you learning will be much quicker and successful. You will definitely improve your grades and perform better on exams. Most important, maybe you will start to really enjoy your process of learning.

For teachers:

Try to make your lessons suitable for every VARK studying style. Try to gesticulate while talking, play short video clips, put up a discussion between students, let them do experiments on their own, make them read and draw conlusions. Then every learner will absorb knowledge as they need to, which will make your lessons more effective.

What types of learners do you represment?

A.