Have you ever noticed that your child struggles to learn something one way, but when they try a different approach, it becomes much easier? For example, a child may not enjoy listening to lectures but quickly absorbs information through hands-on experience. This is what we call learning styles. How can you identify them? Read this complete article!

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles are the ways a person more easily understands, remembers, and processes information. Learning styles can be influenced by innate factors (genetics), previous learning experiences, environment, and teaching methods that children frequently receive.

One popular concept regarding learning styles is Neil Fleming's VARK model (Visual, Aural, Read/write, Kinesthetic). Neil Fleming recognized that every child has a unique way of absorbing information. By understanding learning styles or learning preferences, the learning process will certainly be more enjoyable and effective.

Types of Learning Styles According to Neil Fleming

Neil Fleming's VARK model is one of the most popular ways to categorize learning preferences. Here's an explanation of each learning style.

1. Visual

The visual type encompasses the representation of information in the form of maps, diagrams, charts, graphs, flowcharts, or anything presented in graphic displays. Visual learners prefer this type of learning and would rather see information presented visually than in written form.

To determine whether your child is a visual learner or not, try answering the following questions:

• Is art, beauty, and aesthetics important to your child?
• Does visualizing information in their mind help your child remember it better?
• Does your child need to see information to remember it?

2. Aural (Auditory)

Aural describes a preference for obtaining information through speech or hearing. Someone with this learning style has a primary preference for learning through lectures, group discussions, radio, speaking, or talking about something.

Three questions you can ask to determine if your child is an auditory learner include:

• Does your child create songs to help remember information?
• Does reading aloud help your child remember information better?
• Does your child prefer listening to lectures in class rather than reading textbooks?

3. Read/Write

The read/write type indicates a preference for information presented in the form of words. This preference emphasizes text-based input and output, both reading and writing.

Here are 3 questions that, if answered "Yes," indicate your child falls into this learning style:

• Does your child enjoy making lists, reading definitions, and creating presentations?
• Does your child feel that reading textbooks is a good way to learn new information?
• Does your child take many notes during class and while reading textbooks?

4. Kinesthetic

The kinesthetic type is a learning preference related to the use of real experiences and practice. This includes demonstrations, simulations, and hands-on practice. These three questions can show whether your child is a kinesthetic learner or not:

• Is your child good at applied activities, such as painting, cooking, mechanics, sports, and woodworking?
• Does your child enjoy doing tasks that involve direct manipulation of objects and materials?
• Does your child need to actually practice doing something to learn it?

Tips for Identifying Your Child's Learning Style

Four tips you can use to identify your child's learning preferences include:

1. Observe Their Favorite Activities

First, pay attention to activities your child enjoys. Do they like drawing, listening, reading, or moving around freely?

2. Notice Their Response to Lessons

Second, see if your child understands something more easily through videos, discussions, or hands-on practice.

3. Use the VARK Quiz

In addition to the two methods above, you can also try the VARK quiz to get an initial overview.

4. Ask Directly

If you haven't gotten answers from your observations, involve your child in the process. Ask them directly which learning method feels most comfortable for them.

Implementing the Right Learning Style

After understanding your child's learning preference tendencies, this doesn't mean you should focus on just one method. The best approach you can take is multimodality, which combines several learning methods. Sometimes, children have more than one learning preference.

So, you can integrate various learning methods to help your child understand information. For example, using visual media and group discussions to facilitate visual-auditory learning styles.

Come on, help your child learn in the way that suits them best! Don't forget to also check the curriculum and learning approach at Sampoerna Academy. With an international curriculum, STEAM approach, and excellent learning facilities, Sampoerna Academy provides an educational foundation that opens various brilliant opportunities for your children's future. Register your child now!