TIPS For Families

Knowing Your Child’s Learning Style

Written by: Brenda Aufdenkamp
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension

Learning styles are simply different ways of learning.  Each child takes in and processes information in different ways.  Teaching methods also vary.  Some teachers prefer to lecture, others demonstrate or lead students to self-discovery; some focus on principles and some emphasize memory and others understanding.

Understanding how your child learns best will prepare you to foster a more appropriate learning environment so they can develop the best study habits.  How we learn is as important as what we learn. 

Primary Learning Styles:

            Auditory (hearing) – These students learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say.  Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances.  Written information may have little meaning until it is heard.  These students often benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder.

            Visual (seeing) – These students need to see the teacher’s body language and facial expression to fully understand the context of a lesson.  They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions.  They may think in pictures and learn best from visual displays.  During a lecture or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.

            Kinesthetic (hands on/ doing) – These students learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them.  They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration.

When a learner can hear, see and do what is being taught, they are more likely to remember what they have learned.  When mismatches exist between learning styles and teaching styles, students become bored and inattentive in class, do poorly on tests and can become discouraged about their school work.  As a parent, once you have identified your child’s learning style, talk with their teacher(s).  What balance can be achieved to better the environment for all learners.  Begin helping your child identify the ways in which they prefer to learn.  Encourage them to find the best method for studying.  Help them identify those things they are in control of; such as sitting in the front of the classroom rather in the back row, using a tape recorder, taking notes using pictures or graphs, etc.

Things to think about when helping your child learn best:

  1. Organize ideas on visuals so that they make sense and have a point.
  2. Keep visuals neat and allow for open space to avoid clutter.
  3. Use color to attract attention, emphasize or contrast, set a mood, and identify something.
  4. Use readable colors, letters, and words. 
  5. Information on the visuals should be large enough to be seen by the learners in the back row.

If you wish to leave feedback about this TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.