Learning Style Forum

Just as there are different methods to achieve a goal, there are different methods of learning. One method is not more effective than another, it just depends on the individual and what is most effective for them.

There are the Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, and Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners. To my experience, Tactile learning, commonly called hands-on learning, proven to be the most effective method for me. I learn by exploring the world around me and visual and audio contents are not enough for me. I need to have touched the very thing I am learning about to gain not only its visual and auditory characteristics, only then I gain the feeling of receiving a full understanding of the content.

Among these strategies, auditory learning is the less effective method for me. Just by listening, it is hard for me to paint the picture of the words. In my teaching, I would like all my students to be success. Therefore, when I plan for my lessons, I combine different learning styles. I make sure that my students have hands-on task, and they can have a direct picture about what we are learning and also they can listen to the language too. For example, when we learn house and furniture, I showed students pictures about different houses and their decoration, and then ask them to describe these houses. Also, I provide students with listening material so they can listen to it and find out the picture that matches the recording. Students love it because they can use this language to play a game and when they find the correct picture, they have the sense of accomplishment.

Sometimes, it is hard for a teacher to make sure all his/her students to reach the same level. But we can focus on inspiring students' interests, which leads students to become enthusiastic learners. Teachers should also encourage students on self-educating. Nowadays, if one learns the importance of self-education, he/she is able to have knowledge about different cultures, otherwise, he/she can easily be left behind. Therefore, light up students' motivation and help them to take self-education as a habit can prepare students to become a life-long learner.