Teachers need to respond to the learning styles of their students. Failure to take consideration of these differences can lead to a curriculum that is neither accessible nor engaging.
How do you acknowledge different learning styles in the way that you teach? Those who understand how their pupils learn best are likely to provide effective and interesting lessons that encourage independence. Recognising one’s own learning style helps to influence the teaching style.
Learning styles include:
- Visual – through visual cues, facial expressions and utilisation of maps and information in a visual format to present ideas
- Auditory – preference for verbal instructions, talk and discussions
- Kinaesthetic – preference for active and hands on learning.
See the VAK questionnaire
Howard Gardner‘s theory of multiple intelligence offers another way to understand and explain how people learn and develop different types of intelligence.
| Intelligence Type | Capability and Perception |
|---|---|
| Linguistic | Words and language |
| Logical-mathematical | Logic and numbers |
| Musical | Music, sound and rhythm |
| Bodily-Kinaesthetic | Body movement control |
| Spatial-visual | Images and space |
| Interpersonal | Other people’s feelings |
| Intrapersonal | Self-awareness |
