The 4 Types of Learners

by Valeria Cruz
2 July 2017

There is no size fits all when it comes to individuals and how they learn. Just like everyone has different personalities and ideals, so too do they differ in the way they internalize information. Whether you like to discuss topics with friends or study by yourself, you probably have a dominant style of learning that you prefer to use to integrate new knowledge into your frame of mind. This, however, does not necessarily mean that you solemnly use one of the four learning styles. In all honesty, the particular learning style that you might use to learn a subject depends on which one you believe would be most effective and ideal for that particular situation. Currently, there are four common types of learning styles: visual/spatial, tactile/kinesthetic, writing/reading, and auditory.

Visual/Spatial Learners
If a person has a visual style of learning, they prefer using images, pictures, colors, and maps to organize information and communicate with others. It is easy for individuals who learn like this to see objects, plans, and outcomes with their mind’s eye. In addition, they also have good spatial sense, which inadvertently gives them a keen sense of direction. Therefore, they can easily maneuver themselves through unknown locations and rarely get lost. Most of the time, they love drawing, scribbling, and doodling, especially with colors.

Major Traits of the Visual/Spatial Learner
• Prefers to see words written down.
• When something is being described, the visual learner likes looking at images.
• Favors a time-line or some other diagram to remember information.
• Likes written instructions rather than verbal.
• Observes and is keen to all of the physical elements occurring around them.
• Remembers through the usage of diagrams, charts, and maps.
• Studies materials by reading notes and organizing them in outline form.


Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
If a person has a more physical style of learning, it is likely that they use their body and sense of touch to learn about the world around them. Most of the time, they prefer participating in activities that are hands on, such as woodworking, mechanics, or gardening. These people best problem solve whenever they are actually participating physically in the learning process. Moreover, they tend to be more sensitive to the physical world around them and typically use larger hand gestures with other body language to communicate. When they are learning a new skill or topic, kinesthetic learners would prefer to 'jump in' and play with the physical parts as soon as possible. The thought of sitting down to read or listen to someone teach is unexciting to them.

Major Traits of the Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
• Remembers what they DO very well.
• Remembers best through getting physically involved in whatever is being learned.
• Enjoys acting out a situation or physically practicing it.
• Enjoys making and creating.
• Enjoys the opportunities to build and physically handle materials.
• Likes hands on activities.
• Physically expresses interest and enthusiasm by getting active and excited.


Writing/Reading Learners
Read/write learners take in information best by writing out key words in a list form. They will absorb knowledge by silently reading or rewriting their notes repeatedly, writing out in their own words the ideas and principles that were taught or discussed, or organizing any diagrams, graphs, and other visual depictions into statements. In addition, they might also arrange their list in a multiple-choice format to be able to distinguish each section from the others.

Major Traits of Writing/Reading Learners
• Writes and rewrites main ideas and key points.
• Rewords main ideas and principles to gain a better understanding.
• Arranges diagrams, charts, and graphic organizers into statements.
• Reads supplementary information on the topics being learned.
• Develops bullet point lists.


Auditory Learners
If a person is an auditory learner, they like to work with sound, music, or converse with others to comprehend a particular subject. Typically, individuals who are auditory have a good sense of pitch and rhythm. Many can sing, play a musical instrument, or identify the sounds of different objects. Certain music invokes strong emotions within them and they frequently find themselves humming or tapping to a particular tune. In addition, they integrate their knowledge of learning by verbally listening to it or teaching it to others.

Major Traits of the Auditory Leaners
• Remembers what they say and what others say very well.
• Remembers best through verbal repetition and by saying things aloud.
• Prefers to discuss ideas they do not immediately understand.
• Enjoys the opportunity to present dramatically, including the use of music.
• Finds it difficult to work quietly for long periods of time.
• Easily distracted by noise, but also easily distracted by silence.


Application Towards Magic and The Craft
As previously stated, the way an individual applies each learning style to their magical practices is completely dependent on their personality and which one they believe is the best way for them to solidify the information. Depending on the situation, a person might switch back in forth between the four common learning styles or use all of them at the same time. Consequently, it is advised for a person to switch up their traditional way of learning to a more unconventional style. This will help them become more mindful and aware of which ones they should apply in their growing process. In my experience, it is best for a person to achieve mastery in all four styles of learning so as to be able to keep the mind working and not allow it to become stagnant. It is a lot easier than it sounds and you might already be doing it without even knowing it! With patience, practice, and dedication, any of these can be attained. If you have any questions, do not be afraid to reach out to the covenoftheopenmind@gmail.com and ask.

References
Learning Styles Overview . (2017). Retrieved June 21, 2017, from https://www.learningstyles-online.com/inventory/
Tsabo6. (2017). Spell Books. [Website Image]. Retrieved June 21, 2017, from http://tsabo6.deviantart.com/art/Spell-Books-192928777
What is My Learning Style?. (2014). Retrieved June 21, 2017, from http://www.whatismylearningstyle.com/index.html