Amy Cotton

Learning Styles

Visual:

Visual learning styles consist of students having strength correlated to visual modes of

learning; this includes: pictures, reading, or the use of diagrams and graphs. The student accesses

their learning from perceptible forms of learning, allowing the student to build imagery related to

the material being taught. This learning style has unique advantages, as students are able to draw

from pictures to visualize text or compare events. Student’s do not need to understand the direct

text if visuals are incorporated, they can conceptualize conclusions based on the visuals used.

The visual learning style is helpful for English language learners as it provides examples for text

based learning. Students that have a visual learning style, a teacher should provide imagery

throughout lessons. This may include pictures on slides, worksheets with photo examples or

instructions given with a physical demonstratio, the verbal commands and followed with

examples. The student can connect the physical demonstration to the verbal command and use

the example as a guide for the practice.

Conceptual:

A conceptual learning style consists of the language based instruction and independent

ideas, students do not need real life applications in order to understand new concepts. Conceptual

learning has an advantage for students especially English language learners, as it develops a

students vocabulary skills, contextual language and builds a bridge between language

comprehension and reading comprehension. Students are able to connect certain language used

by the teacher to the lesson given, this will create an environment of enhancing students

comprehension. The use of language based instruction also develops the relationship between

instructor and students, some learners understand lessons better from the individual teacher
rather than their own self discovery. In a new learning environment creating a cohesive space for

language use will help nurture a students ability to comprehend oral language and connect it to

text based work. While in a classroom a teacher would provide language instruction with each

activity, this may include a video and then the instructor describing what occurred. This learning

style is immensely helpful with allowing for repetition, the teacher can repeat important details

while explaining more in depth the material. Students learn best with repeated material, and with

instructions having a similar pattern and being retold the student will have an easier time

following along.

Verbal:

A verbal learning style, students may have difficulty with positioning objects in space,

this leads to the preference of verbal instructions during lessons. The student finds challenges in

visual understanding of concepts, having the instructor use oral language explanation will help

the student connect events to situations. This provides an advantage for students in which it

develops their language comprehension and their ability to understand instructions. They might

have difficulty visualizing concepts but can explain ideas with words rather than imagery. This

learning style becomes apparent during math lessons, if the instruction is provided with visuals

such as blocks, the student may have problems with understanding the rules. The instructor then

should provide alongside the physical demonstration a verbal set of instructions. This could be

used in all lessons but in a sequencing lesson providing students with a timeline or event

placement will help with placing objects or visualizing space and times.

Social:
 The social learning style involves students preferring work given with the allowance of

social interaction. This could include group projects, class discussion or working with others;

students learn best directly working with classmates or the instructor. This particular learning

style is crucial for student engagement and interaction, as they will work together to problem

solve. Specifically for English language learners a social environment will help with oral

language comprehension, build relationships between classmates and help students make

connections between work. As the new student may have difficulty following directions they can

look at their peers as an example and follow their process. As a teacher allowing a space for

students to interact will help others learn as well, their peers may have a simpler way of

explaining or have a new way to find the answer. Allowing these working conditions students

rely on each other to both learn and move forward with ideas.

Creative:

A creative learning style incorporates innovation and the ability to learn by the use of

exploration. Students are not afraid to take a lead role in the learning process, they connect with

material with experimentation and tend to be imaginative. This style of learning is crucial for

individual discovery and problem solving. The students can independently create solutions or

come up with new ways for an answer. This allows students to explore new ways to learn and

find the best fit for themselves. A new student may have difficulty following detailed

instructions allowing the learner to expand their process and explain their own findings will

create a cohesive environment of learning. During a science lesson the student may have

difficulty putting the process into words, allowing the learner to draw a picture and orally explain

they can demonstrate critical thinking and make the connections to the lesson.