If you have children that are currently school aged, have you ever thought about what their learning style might be?

The study of learning styles became popular in the 1970s. Many theories abound, and some say there are three learning styles, with others saying up to eight. 

I’d like to stick with a smaller number and highlight four, also called the VARK learning styles.

We have the Visual learner (seeing), Auditory learner (hearing), Reading and writing learner (making lists, taking notes), and the Kinesthetic learner (movement, hands-on). 

While it may be impossible for any student to be taught only in the way that they learn best, it can be helpful for parents and their children to understand their learning strengths.  It may allow them to realize why they have areas of struggle, and why they enjoy certain activities or subjects more than others. 

I came across a couple of websites that offer a free learning styles assessment.  You can go to www.educationplanner.org. You can also look at www.howtolearn.com.

I took the assessment on education planner, and was not surprised that I scored highest as a visual learner (45%), but auditory was only a little bit behind that at 35%, with kinesthetic bringing up the remaining percentage.  This website only tests for three. 

Maybe this would be something fun to try with your school aged kids.  Before you start, try and guess what you think your dominant style is, and see if you’re right!

-by Pam Konnerup