Learning Styles Guide for Every Teacher in 2025

Different students have different ways of understanding and retaining information. As a teacher, you must employ different teaching methods to accommodate all students. You must also understand the various learning styles and determine the best style in your classroom.

There are four main learning styles—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing—but experts count up to 70. All will help students learn more efficiently and perform better in school.

We'll analyze the different learning styles comprehensively, demonstrate how they affect learning, and give examples of implementing them in a classroom.

What Is a Learning Style? 

A learning style is the strategy each student uses to retain information more efficiently while studying. According to Western Governors University, learning styles can be traced back to 334 BC, when Aristotle declared that “every child possessed specific” talents and skills.

Teachers incorporate different teaching methods in a classroom to accommodate other students' learning styles. This ensures all students have an equal opportunity to learn and succeed academically.

In recent decades, learning styles have continued to gain popularity among educators. The following factors have contributed to this:

• The rise of individualized learning is where educators tailor instruction to meet the individual learning needs of every student.
• The availability of technology, such as videos and other online resources, has made it easier to incorporate different learning styles in the classroom.
• Increased awareness is enabling teachers to acknowledge the differences among their students.
• Acceptance of culturally responsive learning that allows inclusivity and diversity in the curriculum.

What Is a VARK Model?

The VARK model is a framework for categorizing different learning styles. VARK is an acronym for visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learning styles. 

According to the model, most individuals have a dominant learning method that helps them grasp and retain information better. For example, visual learners may benefit from using pictures, diagrams, and other visuals to supplement classwork. 

On the other hand, an auditory learner will benefit from podcasts, audiobooks, debates, and class discussions to reinforce their understanding of concepts and learning material.

Both students will have improved educational outcomes through different instructional methods. 

Educators should strive to understand their students' preferred learning styles and create more engaging, effective lessons tailored to each student's needs.

Benefits of Learning Styles for Teachers

Students learn differently based on their environment, cognitive abilities, and emotional states. When teachers understand this, they can employ various teaching methods in the classroom to help students engage and succeed academically.

When you understand different learning methods, you get empowered to use the right skills in the classroom with your students.

You should develop the skills needed if you feel you're not skilled enough for a particular style. You should be able to teach in multiple styles to meet your student's learning needs.

Understanding your learning style means you know what works best for you. You can then adapt your education experience to tailor instruction for your learners.

Benefits of Learning Styles for Students

Adapting different teaching styles is important for your student's academic success. It makes students self-assured, leading to more productive learning and positive relationships in the classroom and the future.

Acknowledging various learning methods ensures students learn what best works for them, creating an inclusive and positive learning environment.

Learning styles offer a range of benefits that go beyond the classroom. For example:

• Career success
• Improved memory and retention
• Better communication skills

Students enhance their academic performance if you use teaching styles that align with their learning needs.

Four Main Learning Styles

Students will require a mix of different learning styles. However, understanding the four main ones will give you a better understanding of what might work and what might not.

The four learning styles include:

• Visual
• Auditory
• Kinesthetic
• Reading/writing

We'll explore them deeply next week. We'll give you a clear picture of what each entails.

1. Visual Learning Style

The visual learning style is where students learn best through seeing and observing things. Visual learners have a strong memory and often use mental images to help them remember when learning different topics.

In a classroom setting, teachers can employ visual learning in different ways. For instance, you can use videos to teach historical methods.

Visual aids help learners grasp the concept more effectively than just a verbal explanation.

Examples of tools that can help you engage your visual learners include:

• Videos
• Diagrams
• Whiteboard sketches
• Visual organizers such as maps and timelines.

2. Auditory Learning Style

Auditory style is where students learn best through listening and hearing things. Auditory learners have a strong verbal memory and tend to recall information they've heard.

Auditory learners participate in debates and discussions because they can process information by exchanging ideas and arguments.

Unlike visual learners, who thrive with purely visual instructions, auditory learners struggle to remember information presented without a visual explanation.

For example,suppose a teacher is teaching a history class. In that case, auditory learners may struggle with a textbook or other visual aids but find it easy to remember when the teacher explains the events verbally in class.

There are various tools that teachers can use to implement auditory learning style in the classroom, including:

• Class discussions
• Audiobooks and podcasts
• Music
• Oral presentations
• Verbal instructions

These auditory learning strategies can help engage your students, leading to improved academic and overall success.

3. Kinesthetic learning style

The kinesthetic learning style is a learning method where students learn best through hands-on experience or physical activity.

Kinesthetic learners are also referred to as tactile learners. They rely on movement, touch, and manipulation of objects to remember information.

Kinesthetic learners tend to enjoy sports, dance, and other physical activities. They may find sitting still for long challenging but benefit from activities that allow them to move and interact with the learning material, such as experiments and hands-on projects.

As a teacher, you can help kinesthetic learners understand and retain information by providing real-life experiences. For instance, you can take your history class to the museum to see artifacts from a period you teach them about.

Here are tools you may incorporate for your learners:

• Physical objects such as blocks, puzzles, and counters
• Whiteboard or chalkboard for students to sketch ideas and concepts
• Physical games such as scavenger hunts and relay races
• Virtual reality to simulate physical activities 

4. Reading/writing learning style

The reading/writing learning style is a method in which students find learning easier through text-based material, such as books, articles, and written notes.

Students who prefer this specific learning style prefer reading and writing to engage with new information. They are highly able to process written information and retain details from text.

Such students tend to take notes while reading or listening to lectures. They may prefer quiet study environments that allow for focused reading and writing.

As a teacher, you can encourage your students with reading and writing learning styles to take notes while you teach in class. You can also give them writing assignments such as essays or research papers to help them practice and improve their writing skills.

You can use several tools to help students with a reading/writing learning preference retain information. For example:

• Ebooks
• Providing written instructions
• Group discussions where they write reports on ideas

Other Learning Styles

Besides the four learning styles we've covered, there are many ways that teachers can consider implementing them in their classrooms. These methods help educators cater to various student learning abilities. They include:

• Social/linguistic
• Logical/analytical
• Solitary 
• Nature
• Spatial
• Sensory 

Let's explore them in detail.

1. Social/linguistic Learning Style

Social/linguistic learning style focuses on the social and communicative aspects of learning. Students with this learning style perform best when they engage in activities involving social interaction and communication. 

When teaching such students, you need to encourage learners to participate in group discussions, debates, and role-playing to help social/linguistic learners process and understand ideas.

2. Logical/analytical Learning Style

Logical/analytical learning style is a learning preference where students use logic, analysis, and reasoning to learn new ideas. Logical/analytical learners break down complex concepts into manageable parts and then analyze them to arrive at a solution. They enjoy categorizing information and working with numbers and patterns.

As a teacher, you can use charts, graphs, and diagrams to help students with this style see patterns and visualize connections that may not be very obvious. You can also use real-life examples to show the students how certain concepts apply to the real world.

3. Solitary Learning Style

A solitary learning style is a method in which students prefer to work alone and independently to learn new ideas. Solitary learners also like to reflect on their thoughts and experiences and retain information through self-study. Such learners may enjoy setting their own goals and timelines.

As a teacher, you can help solitary learners by assigning them to research certain topics independently through books and online resources. Once they've completed the assignment, you can encourage them to present or explain the concepts to the class.

Providing them with such opportunities for self-study can help improve their learning outcomes and help them enjoy the learning process.

4. Nature Learning Style

The nature learning style is a learning method where students learn by connecting to the natural world. Students with this learning style deeply appreciate the environment. They are drawn to activities that allow them to learn about and explore the natural world.

Educators can cater to nature learners by incorporating learning tasks that allow them to connect with nature. For example, they can take students to local parks, field trips, and nature reserves.

They can also incorporate class activities such as nature walks, gardening, and experiments into the curriculum.

5. Spatial learning style

Spatial learning is a learning style in which students learn best by seeing and observing things. Students with this style are good at interpreting visual information such as graphs and maps. They may have an all-or-none learning style, where they either immediately see the correct solution or don't get it. They are creative, have strong orientation skills, and are good at reading people. 

You can use whiteboards or smartboards to accommodate spatial learners in the classroom. You can also allow students to draw pictures and diagrams, make handouts, and use presentations. You can also use charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, timelines, and infographics. 

Visual representations aid in long-term memory retention, making it easier for spatial learners to recall information. Spatial learners excel at tasks that require mental rotation, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.

6. Sensory learning style

Sensory learning involves using the senses to interpret your surroundings. It is important for children with special educational needs. Sensory learners use multiple senses to process information, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Sensory learning styles can be divided into three groups according to the student's  preferred methods students:

• Auditory: Learn by hearing
• Tactile: Learn by doing
• Visual: Learn by seeing or writing 

Sensory stimuli, such as tactile objects, auditory cues, and visual aids, can enhance learning to accommodate spatial learners in the classroom. You can also engage students in physical manipulation activities, such as building models, conducting experiments, or role-playing.

The sensory learning style is beneficial because physical activity and hands-on experiences strengthen memory and recall. Hands-on activities can also make learning more enjoyable and motivating.

Models and Theories that Influenced Learning Styles

Learning styles didn't always look the same throughout history. Certain theories affected them as we know them today. Here are some common learning theories:

1. David Kolb and experiential learning 

David Kolb is an American education theorist and psychologist best known for his experiential learning theory. According to Kolb, learning is a process that occurs through experiences, and the knowledge gained from those experiences is used to guide future actions and experiences.

Kolb's theory of experiential Kolb'sng consists of four learning methods, namely:

• Accommodating
• Converging
• Diverging
• Assimilating

Kolb's theory has been influential in educational psychology and management. It emphasizes the importance of active participation in the learning process.

2. Honey and Mumford's learning styles

HoneMumford's theory is based on the idea that each individual has a preferred learning style, and identifying these preferences can lead to more effective learning.

Honey and Mumford identified four learning styles, namely:

• Activist: Prefers to learn through active experimentation and experience
• Pragmatist: Prefers to learn through practical application and problem-solving
• Reflector: Learn through observation and reflection
• Theorist: Learn through abstract conceptualization and models

3. Anthony Gregorc's mind styles

Anthony Gregorc'ss, an American psychologist, developed a theory of mind styles that identify how individuals perceive, process, and organize information.

According to Gregorc, we have four learning styles, which are described in pairs of opposing concepts, namely:

• Concrete vs. abstract thinking: Individuals with a concrete mindset prefer to learn with hands-on experience. In contrast, individuals with an abstract thinking mind style prefer to focus on ideas and concepts.
• Sequential vs. random thinking: Sequential learners prefer to learn ideas step-by-step. In contrast, random learners prefer to learn information spontaneously.

Anthony Gregorc's mind styles theory states that individuals have different strengths and preferences. Educators who understand this can employ individualized learning styles to promote effective learning and communication.

4. Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learners (VAK)

The VAK learning style model identifies the three primary sensory modalities individuals use to receive and process information. I.e., visual, auditory, and kinesthetic

As mentioned, the VARK model recognizes reading/writing as a learning style. VAK is a simpler method that does not include reading/writing learning methods.

The VAK model is widely used in educational training. It's a useful tool for identifying general preferences and tendencies.

5. The Learning Styles Task Force

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) formed a learning styles task force.

The NASSP task force model consists of three learning methods:

• Cognitive
• Affective
• Physiological

According to the model, these three factors determine an individual's approach to learning. Over the years, these approaches have been used to improve educational practices. 

6. The Index of Learning Styles

The index of learning styles is a learning model developed by Dr. Richard Felder and Barbara Soloman of North Carolina State University.

It recognizes four styles of learning:

• Sensory/Intuitive: This style refers to how learners prefer to focus on concrete, factual information (sensing) or abstract concepts and theories (intuitive).
• Visual/Verbal: This refers to how learners prefer to learn through visual aids and verbal explanations, such as lectures and discussions.
• Active/Reflective: This refers to the extent to which learners prefer to be actively involved in the learning process or to reflect on the material before responding.
• Sequential/Global: This is the extent to which learners prefer to learn information step-by-step versus seeing the big picture first and then filling in the details.

The Index Learning Styles is widely used in educational training to help educators and students adapt to individual styles. 

Asking Your Students About Their Learning Styles

In addition to learning and understanding different learning styles to incorporate them in the classroom, you can also discuss them with your students. For example, you can give your students a learning styles questionnaire to understand their personal preferences.

Here are some questions you can add to the questionnaire:

• Do you prefer reading a book with a lot of a) pictures, b) words, or c) word searches/crossword puzzles?
• When unsure how to spell a certain word, are you more likely to a) write it down, b) spell it out, or c) trace the letters in the air?
• When waiting in lines, are you most likely to a) look around yourself, b) talk to the person next to you, or c) move back and forth?
• When you see the word “cat,” do you first a) picture” a cat” in your mind, b) say the word cat to yourself, or c) think about being with a cat?
• When you study for a test, do you a) read the book and your notes, b) have someone asking you questions, and you answer out loud, and c) create index cards?

The answers to these questions can help you understand each student and identify the common learning style in your classroom.

Steps to Determining the Right Learning Style

Analyzing how your students learn can help you in crafting your teaching strategies. It can also help you become more organized, use prior knowledge as a foundation for new learning, and choose effective methods for different learning tasks.

Here are the steps to determining the right learning style for your students.

1. Understand the Bigger Picture.

To understand the big picture, you must ask the why and the how. This way, you can determine why a particular learning style approach is better and how to incorporate it into their teaching.

Learning the preferred way refers to the idea that individuals have different learning styles, preferences, and strengths and that teaching and learning should consider these differences.

On the other hand, learning the efficient way refers to the idea that certain teaching and learning methods are more effective and efficient for all learners, regardless of their learning styles or preferences. 

For example, research has shown that active learning, spaced repetition, and retrieval practice can be effective for all learners, regardless of their preferred learning style.

While it is important to recognize and accommodate individual learning styles, it is also important to consider the most efficient and effective teaching and learning methods. 

2. Identify Your Strengths.

Every teacher is naturally skilled in every learning style. You should identify your strengths and how you naturally approach teaching.

This understanding will help you develop different teaching styles to meet the needs of your learners.

3. Understand the Learning Style Spectrum.

The learning style spectrum represents the various approaches to teaching and learning. This spectrum helps educators understand how best to deliver content to students based on their preferences.  

In the teacher-centered approach, the teacher is the primary source of knowledge and information. The teacher's role is to transmit this knowledge to students, who are expected to receive and memorize the material passively.

The student-centered approach focuses on the learner. Students are actively engaged in the learning process, and the teacher's role is to facilitate and guide students' exploration.

Here are examples of learning styles and their position on the spectrum:

• Traditional lecture: This is a teacher-centered approach. The teacher lectures, and students take notes. Students are passive recipients of information.
• Active learning is a student-centered approach. Students actively participate in discussions, problem-solving, and hands-on projects. They are encouraged to think critically and apply knowledge.
• Cooperative learning: This is a student-centered approach. Students work collaboratively in small groups to learn from each other. They share ideas, develop social skills, and learn from their peers.
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL):  A student-centered approach. Students learn by working on real-world problems and taking ownership of their learning.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: This is a student-centered approach. Students investigate questions and explore topics independently.
• Experiential Learning: This is a student-centered approach. Students learn through hands-on experiences and reflection, connecting theory to practice and developing practical skills.

 4. Learn How to Communicate Chosen Learning Styles.

Once you've learned your strengths and the learning styles you should employ, you should also explain them to your students.

Communicating your chosen learning styles will help your students prepare for the tasks and activities they'll be doing. They'll also help the students take ownership of their learning and identify the best methods for them.

You can introduce learning styles as a topic and encourage students to try different styles. You can also give examples and demonstrate different learning methods to help them understand.

Learning Styles Go Beyond Classrooms

Learning styles are not just efficient in the classroom– they also help prepare students for their future.

How a child learns can tremendously affect their ability to connect with the topics you're teaching and how they interact with the rest of the class.

How young children approach learning will also strongly impact their future careers and how they deal with everyday situations later in life.

Understanding the style that works best for you as a teacher also affects your classroom management and how you relate to your students.

SimpleK12 can help you understand the different learning modalities and match instruction with your students' capabilities. 

Select a professional course now and get better equipped for the classroom.