Learners may prefer one or more of the following ways of learning – Visual (seeing), Auditory (hearing), Kinesthetic (moving) or Tactile (touching).

Those who prefer a visual learning style:

  • Look at the speaker’s face intently
  • Like looking at wall displays, books etc.
  • Often recognise words by sight
  • Use lists to organise their thoughts
  • Recall information by remembering how it was set out on a page

 

Those who prefer an auditory learning style:

  • Like verbal instructions
  • Like dialogues, discussions and plays
  • Solve problems by talking about them
  • Use rhythm and sound as memory aids

 

Those who prefer a kinesthetic learning style:

  • Learn best when they are involved or active
  • Find it difficult to sit still for long periods
  • Use movement as a memory aid

 

Those who prefer a tactile way of learning

  • Use writing and drawing as memory aids
  • Learn well in hands-on activities like projects and demonstrations

 

A good example of the VAKT model in action is the Portraits Workshop at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery. This workshop uses visual and auditory instruction in the gallery sessions and trails, and kinesthetic and tactile methods in the dressing up, drawing and photograph activities.

Return to ‘Different Learning Styles’