In order to help your child succeed, you and your child’s tutor should spend the time to identify what types of learning styles your child has. Together you can encourage them and work with them during tutoring sessions to use study methods that complement their particular learning styles.
All children are unique. Not one has the exact same personality, likes or dislikes. When it comes to schoolwork, children maintain their differences in terms of learning styles. We often expect that all children should learn in the same way. Traditional educational systems can make some children appear to be excellent learners, while others seem to struggle. This may not reflect your child’s abilities. Helping children recognize their particular learning styles could help them succeed in school. Your tutor can create lessons that bring out the best in your child’s abilities if they are aware of your child’s learning style.
Different Learning Styles to know for tutoring sessions:
Spatial/Visual Learning Style:
Learn best by seeing and observing. They learn well with pictures, charts, diagrams and color-coding. The visual learner may benefit from using flash cards for memorization. Spatial learners tend to be creative and artistic as well.
Audio/Musical Learning Style:
Receiving information aurally is usually the easiest way for an Audio learner. Most children with this learning style also have musical tendencies or abilities. Putting information into tunes or songs can help with memorization and learning.
Verbal/Linguistic Learning Style:
This type of learner uses words to understand the subject matter. They learn well in lecture settings, taking notes and reading subject material. They may want to talk through a problem or write it down in order to get a clear understanding of the subject.
Physical/Kinesthetic Learning Style:
Some people learn best by doing. Even if they read about it or hear about it, the understanding will click when they can go through the motions themselves. Using manipulatives and hands on activities as well as role-playing can be helpful for the more physical learners.
Logical/Mathematical Learning Style:
This type of learner likes to take information and figure out how and why. Some people refer to this learning style as Mathematical because these types of learners often excel in Math and Science. They easily understand number problems and are able to do quick mental calculations.
Social/Interpersonal Learning Style:
These types of learners enjoy social interaction. They may be willing participants in class discussions and group projects. They are able to relate to and empathize with others. Social learners may benefit from study groups rather than independent study.
Solitary/Intrapersonal Learning Style:
Some children learn best on their own. They may need to be able to focus in an environment free of noise and distractions. They may be reluctant to join class discussions even if they have relevant information or know the answer to the question.
All of these learning styles are not distinct or separate. Many people fall into more than one category. Some people learn a particular way pertaining to one particular subject and another way for a different subject.
Regardless of the learning styles that your child may have, there are ways to help them succeed in school. By determining what type of learner they are, you and your tutor can help them to use certain study strategies that will help them do their school work in the way that best fits their particular learning style.
