Students can exhibit several different learning styles. According to the VARK model, there are four main styles of learning: visual, kinesthetic, read/write, and auditory. Each learning style has different characteristics and strategies for learning and retaining information.
A visual learning style means that students learn best when they can see and read the material and process it in terms of symbols, charts, and graphs. Kinesthetic learners work best in a hands-on environment. The read/write learning style encompasses students who prefer to read instructions and love words, while auditory learners retain information best when they can hear it.
Students who appreciate an auditory learning style excel when they can actively listen to the information they need to understand, as opposed to seeing it or physically trying it. Auditory learners often do well in classroom settings where the instructor is orally teaching the course.
Auditory Learning Examples
How do auditory learners learn? Auditory learners thrive when they are a part of an oral presentation of information. They are also more likely to retain what they hear when it is said more than once, so the presenter should ensure the most important information is repeated for those who prefer auditory learning.
Auditory Learner Characteristics
There are several auditory learner characteristics that may indicate your child prefers auditory learning. These characteristics include any or several of the following:
- Good storyteller
- Easily recalls spoken information
- Strong listening skills
- Easily distracted by background noise or silence
- Enjoys conversations with others
- Works through complex problems by talking them through
- Able to easily explain ideas
- Generally excels at oral exams
- Good public speaking skills
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Excels at oral presentations
- Strong study group member
- Good at collaborating on projects
Having these characteristics may suggest that your child is articulate, great at expressing themselves, and enjoys conversations with others.
Auditory Learning Strategies for Students
Study tips for auditory learners involve finding ways to let your child or student listen to the information they are trying to learn. Several auditory learning strategies include:
- Listening to music in the background - Students who are auditory learners may focus better on retention with some soft music playing in the background. The music should not be harsh, such as rock and roll or hip hop, but rather soft instrumental music. Classical music is a great example, but anything without words will work.
- Receiving verbal instruction - One of the strengths of auditory learners is that they remember directions best when they are spoken. If instructions are provided in writing, the student should review them orally.
- Joining group discussions - Auditory learners thrive when they can participate in group discussions where the topic they are trying to learn is discussed.
- Reading aloud - Reading the material or instructions aloud can help auditory learners retain information.
- Talking through problems - If an auditory learner is struggling with an issue, give them a safe space and time to talk through the problem. They likely will come up with a solution on their own if they can talk the problem out with someone else.
- Finding a study buddy - Having someone to talk through the topics they’re learning is great for an auditory learner.
- Asking questions - One great strategy for understanding the topic or instructions is to ask questions. Asking questions starts a verbal conversation, which is perfect for this learning style. A question will receive a response, and hearing the answer will help the student process the information.
Auditory Learning Strategies for Teachers
Understanding auditory learner characteristics can help teachers improve their communication with those learners and identify them in the classroom. Some general ways that teachers can engage with auditory learners include:
- Repetition - Repetition of information helps learners best retain the information because they will better comprehend it when they hear it multiple times.
- Multiple types of instruction - Allowing students to watch, hear, or read information encourages them to focus on the learning style that best suits them.
- Social learning - Including social elements such as group projects or discussions helps auditory learners learn and retain information as they can discuss it with their peers.
Benefits of Auditory Learning
There are several benefits of auditory learning that are strengths of this learning style.
- The need to see or read information to retain it is reduced.
- The likelihood that information will be remembered is higher with the auditory learning style.
- Hearing instruction increases a student’s ability to multitask.
- The student is more likely to have better verbal communication skills.
Brain Balance Centers provides a program catered to your child’s needs. Our program offers strategic brain training that helps children improve their memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Whether you want to learn more about your child’s learning style or help them improve their skills, we are here to help. Contact us today.
