Understanding how your child
learns allows you to offer more effective help with homework or revision
planning for school or public exams.
Psychologists categorise
learning styles in four ways:
A visual learner memorises through
pictures. They enjoy drawing, reading maps charts and diagrams, doing jigsaw
puzzles and construction tasks. They like to visualise a story while reading
and can often be a bit of a day dreamer. Using different coloured ‘post it’
notes or coloured highlighter pens, as well as creating mind maps of key facts
are effective ways to support a visual learner. Reinforcement of what they need
to know through watching films or plays works well.
A kinaesthetic learner processes
knowledge through physical sensations, is active and not able to sit still for
long and often communicates through body language and gestures. Prefers to
demonstrate, rather than speaking or writing what they know. They enjoy sports
and being actively engaged in tasks, rather than listening. Hands-on practical activities,
walking around while studying, chewing, doodling and fiddling, all help these
children to learn.
An auditory learner thinks
in words and verbalises concepts, has an excellent memory for words if
presented phonetically, is often musical and good at word games. Dictation or recording
work to be memorised, so it can be played back is effective, as is reading
aloud or listening to audio books.
A logical learner thinks
conceptually, likes to explore patterns and relationships, does mental
arithmetic easily, is often inquisitive and asks lots of questions. They prefer
routine and consistency, but are not so strong on the creative side. They enjoy
computer aided design and games of strategy or experiments with a purpose.
Non-fiction books will appeal, as will word and number puzzles.
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