Each student has a unique way of learning, which may differ from their classmates. To support all learners, teachers need to recognize the different types of learning styles and adapt their teaching accordingly. By doing so, educators can help students discover how they learn best and guide them toward greater academic success.

In this article, we’ll discuss multiple learning styles and preferences as well as effective teaching techniques to cater to them.

A learning preference framework

In 1987, Neil Fleming, an educational theorist, introduced a model that aimed to categorize the different ways that children learn. His model proposed that children learn through four primary means: seeing, hearing, reading/writing and doing. Fittingly, these ways of observing and interacting with the world around them influenced the four different modalities. Per the VARK® framework, they are:

  • Visual: Visual learners prefer information presented in such forms as charts, diagrams and maps rather than words.
  • Auditory: Auditory learners benefit from listening to verbal instruction, speaking and talking things through.
  • Read/write: Read/write learners do better when information is presented as text.
  • Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners perform well via real-life examples and hands-on experience.

Then, there are secondary learning styles, which refer to the environment where students prefer to apply their primary learning preferences:

  • Social or interpersonal: These learners prefer group settings and activities.
  • Solitary or intrapersonal: These learners prefer to work independently.

“Every child has different needs,” says Joe Melita, assistant professor in the College of Education at Lynn University. “I operate under the premise that children with unequal needs need unequal resources.”

How to identify learning styles in young students

Identifying learning styles, especially in young children, can be challenging. In the right environment, with access to the right resources, teachers can use the following strategies to narrow down their assumptions about how each child prefers to learn.

Observation and activities

A classroom setting is rife with opportunities for teachers to observe their students. Observation can help determine a child’s learning style. It allows one to gain insights into how a child interacts with others, where they may need additional support and what environments help them thrive.

Experimenting with various teaching methods

When it comes to identifying learning styles, teachers can try different approaches to lessons and monitor their effectiveness with different learners along the way through performance assessments or progress reports.

For example, while visual learners may respond well to the visual learning aspects of a picture book, kinesthetic learners may be less engaged. Teachers could try having those latter students act out scenes from the book to reflect their preferred learning style.

According to Melita, feedback from students can also inform their learning experience.

“[What] I’m finding with teachers is sometimes they jump right into an activity without preparing the students to get their input, to see what they’re doing, what they know, what they don’t know [and] what they’d like to learn,” says Melita.

Students have a voice. Engaging them in lesson planning can help teachers discern how they prefer to absorb information—even at the early childhood and elementary levels.

How to create an inclusive learning environment

Depending on the number of students under a teacher's care, it can be challenging to cater to every learner. However, there are several strategies that effective educators can use to create an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

UDL is a framework that helps guide lesson and learning environment design. The goal is to create “accessible, inclusive, equitable, and challenging” environments that maximize learner agency.

The UDL framework can apply to all levels of student learning, and it operates on several principles: engagement, representation, action and expression.

In short, the UDL framework advocates for teachers to use various methods for capturing interest and motivation. It encourages presenting information in different formats and offering flexible ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge. These actions, in turn, could appeal to diverse learning styles. For instance, if a student is struggling to memorize math facts, alternative learning methods could include watching a video on the topic or playing a game with study flash cards.

Necessary classroom accommodations

Melita says, as part of an equitable and universal approach to learning, teachers should ask themselves, “What kind of accommodations do children need? And are we giving them those accommodations?”

While accommodations are especially important for students with developmental disorders or learning differences, they can be equally valuable for other students. In an elementary setting, for example, an accommodation could be as simple as allowing a student extra time to complete an activity.

Other examples of accommodations include:

Such diversity in learning necessitates diversity in teaching style. This can ensure the delivery of meaningful experiences to allstudents, regardless of their preferences or capabilities.

Begin a rewarding journey in early childhood or elementary education

Early childhood and elementary years represent some of the most critical times for learning. If you’re interested in helping educate and empower the next generation of diverse learners, consider earning an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education or online bachelor's degree in elementary education from Lynn. If you're not sure which degree is right for you, our education career guide provides additional details on each degree.

If you're looking for more information, don't hesitate to reach out to us today.