Everyone is an individual, and we all have different learning styles.

Learning styles

Pedagogical experts have categorised learners into four different categories known as Dunn’s classification of learning styles

1. Visual – these students learn best from reading and seeing
2. Auditory – learn best from hearing. Maybe a tape recorder could be used
3. Kinesthetic – need movement (could be clapping etc) to facilitate learning
4. Tactile – this form of learning is most suitable for younger students who respond best to concrete material. A small band of students will continue to need this type of learning to develop their abstract skills

Although teachers and educators are aware of these different learning styles, it is very difficult to successfully incorporate all four styles into a class of 20-30 students. Consequently, failure to cover the different learning styles may contribute to some students ‘falling through the cracks’ at school.

All students are different

Educators now realise that the real key to learning is much faceted. And learning styles are not a critical element to the process. Attitude, expectation and self-belief are far more relevant to the ultimate success of students.

While every student is different in some aspects, they are similar in more significant ways. Children start life with a thirst to learn, a craving for success, the ability to adapt and desire to assimilate information. And most importantly, have unlimited powers to achieve. This is part of the human DNA that has fuelled the development of modern society.

The five attributes that are listed above is a legacy for all students. However, unfortunately, it is one that fewer and fewer students inherent.

The great challenge todays is not what children learn at school but that children learn how to learn so that they may survive in an ever-changing environment.

1 A full appraisal of the different learning styles can be read in the “Study Tips and Strategies” which is a free download at https://mastercoachingaustralia.com/free lessons/study- skills/

See : The Weekender ( Page 66 )