Pupils are different from each other, so are their educational preferences. To make personalized learning more possible, different learning styles need to be adopted as a method of addressing individual child’s need. It is Imperative for teachers to understand this concept and carry it out in their classroom activities.
The learning style of every child is unique and it determines the level of attentiveness and comprehensiveness of that child in class. As a teacher, have you tried to discover the learning style of the children in your class?
As a parent, do you understand your child’s learning preference?
Gone are the days when a child’s intelligence is measured by a patterned learning style. During our days, children who perform poorly in classes are termed ‘itibolibo’ or ‘itimpataka’. With the evolution in education, different individual needs and learning styles in children have been discovered.
A child could be a visual learner or auditory learner or kinesthetic learner. To address these individual needs, it is important to recognize and understand different learning styles and how they can be used as a method of addressing each child’s needs.
Visual learners prefer to learn through pictures, diagrams, and visual aids. They are often skilled at reading maps, charts, and graphs and may struggle with written instructions that do not include visuals. Teachers can accommodate visual learners by using images, diagrams, and videos to explain concepts and provide written instructions with visual aids.
Auditory learners are those that prefer to learn through sound and listening. They often have excellent listening skills and can retain information through lectures, discussions, and audio recordings. Teachers can accommodate auditory learners by using lectures, discussions, and podcasts to present information and allow them to repeat and summarize concepts in their own words.
Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn through movement and hands-on activities. They often have excellent motor skills and enjoy activities that involve physical manipulation, such as building models or conducting experiments. Teachers can accommodate kinesthetic learners by providing hands-on activities, group projects, and experiments to engage their learning.
By recognizing and accommodating different learning styles, teachers can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. This approach can improve academic performance, increase student engagement and motivation, and reduce the risk of behavioral issues and academic frustration.
However, it is important to note that not all children fit neatly into one learning style category. Many children have a combination of learning styles and may benefit from a variety of teaching methods. It is also important to consider other factors that may impact a child’s learning, such as their age, cognitive abilities, cultural background, and socio-economic status.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that different learning styles may not always align with standardized tests and academic assessments. While some children may excel in traditional academic settings, others may struggle or underperform due to their unique learning styles. This highlights the importance of developing and implementing alternative forms of assessment that can better capture the full range of a child’s abilities and potential.
Conclusively, different learning styles are an essential component of addressing individual child needs in education. By recognizing and accommodating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, teachers can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment that caters to each child’s unique strengths and needs. However, it is important to consider other factors that may impact a child’s learning and to develop alternative forms of assessment that can capture the full range of their abilities. By prioritizing individualized learning and accommodating different learning styles, we can create a more equitable and effective education system that better serves the needs of all children.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
