The 12 learning styles: what is each one based on?

The scientific explanation behind each learning style.

Learning styles are the consistent way in which students respond to or use stimuli in the learning environment, ie, the educational conditions under which a student is most likely to learn..

Thus, learning styles do not really refer to what students learn, but how they prefer to learn and, in many instances, how they find it easier to learn. Learning styles are a mix of characteristic cognitive, affective, and physiological factors that serve as relatively stable indicators of how the learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the learning environment.

Learning styles: what are they?

Some people find it easier to learn by observing, because colors or pictures help them learn more easily; while others learn better by reading and this is their way of studying. Have you ever wondered which learning style is more effective for you? The truth is that there is no single way of learning, but rather that each of us tends to be more comfortable with one learning style or another..

In today's article, we review the different learning styles - don't miss them!

Learning styles according to Alonso, Gallego and Honey

For Alonso, Gallego and Honey (1995), authors of the book Learning styles, learning procedures and improvement, "it is necessary to know more about learning styles and which of these define our preferred way of learning.

This is essential for both learners and teachers. The authors state that there are 4 learning styles:

1. active

Learners who prefer the active learning style enjoy new experiences, are not skeptical and are open-minded.. They do not mind learning a new task, as they do not shy away from challenges even though it may compromise their idea of themselves and their abilities.

2. Reflective

Individuals with a preference for the reflective learning style look at experiences from different angles. They also analyze data, but not before reflecting with determination. They are cautious and do not rush to draw conclusions from their experiences, so they may appear hesitant.

3. Theoretical

They tend to have a perfectionist personality. They are also analytical, but they like to synthesize and seek to integrate facts into coherent theories, without leaving loose ends and unanswered questions. They are rational and seek to remain objective above all else.

4. Pragmatists

They are rather practical and need to test their ideas. They are realistic when it comes to making decisions and solving an issue, and orient their learning towards the need to provide answers to concrete problems. For them, "if it is useful, it is valid".

Other learning styles we can find

But the above classification is not the only one that exists, other authors have proposed different learning styles. They are the following:

5. Logical (mathematical)

Individuals with the logical learning style prefer to use logic and reasoning rather than contextualizing. They use schemas in which relevant things are shown. They associate words even without making sense of them.

6. Social (interpersonal)

This learning style, also called group learning, is characteristic of those who prefer to work with others whenever possible.. These individuals try to share their findings with others. and put their findings into practice in group settings. Role-playing" is an ideal technique for them.

7. Solitary (intrapersonal)

This learning style, also called individual is characteristic of those who prefer solitude and quiet to study.. They are reflective and tend to focus on topics that are of interest to them and place great value on introspection and "mental experiments", although they may also experiment with the subject matter.

8. Visual learners

These students are not good at reading texts, but instead, they assimilate images, diagrams, graphs and videos very well.diagrams, charts, graphs and videos. It is often practical for them to use symbols or create a visual shorthand when taking notes, as they memorize better.

9. Aural (auditory)

These students learn best when they listen. For example, in discussions, debates or simply with the teacher's explanations. While other students may learn more when they get home and open the class manual, they learn a lot in the classroom, listening to the teachers.

10. Verbal (reading and writing)

Also known as linguistic learning, students with this style of learning learn best by reading or writing. For them, it is better to read notes or simply elaborate on them. The process of elaborating these notes is a good tool for their learning.

11. Kinesthetic

These people learn best by doing, i.e. by doing rather than reading or observing.. It is in this practice that they carry out analysis and reflection. Teachers who want to get the most out of these students must involve them in the practical application of the concepts they intend to teach.

12. Multimodal

Some individuals combine several of the above stylesThey do not have a particular preference. Their learning style is flexible and they are comfortable learning with various learning styles.

Understanding learning styles: what does the science say?

Learning styles have more influence on learning than we realize, because they represent the internal experiences we have or the way we remember information.

Researchers have been interested in this phenomenon, and it is estimated that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. that each learning style uses different parts of the brain.. Here are some examples:

• VisualThe occipital lobes at the back of the brain control the visual sense. Both the occipital and parietal lobes handle spatial orientation.
• AuralTemporal lobes handle auditory content. The right temporal lobe is especially important for music.
• VerbalThe temporal and frontal lobes are involved in this learning style, especially two specialized areas called Broca's and Wernicke's areas.
• KinestheticThe cerebellum and motor cortex at the back of the frontal lobe handle much of our physical movement.
• LogicalThe parietal lobes, especially the left side, drive our logical thinking.
• SocialSocial : The frontal and temporal lobes drive much of our social activities. The limbic system also influences both social and individual style. The limbic system has a lot to do with emotions and moods.
• IndividualThe frontal and parietal lobes and the limbic system are also involved in this learning style.

An approach to the theory of multiple intelligences.

Taking into account the above, a theory that revolutionized the concept of intelligence makes a lot of sense. This theoretical idea was born when Howard Gardner noticed that the intelligence indicated by the Intellectual Quotient (IQ) is not the only form of intelligence that exists. is not the only form of intelligence that existsHe identified and described up to eight different types of intelligence. According to this conception of the human mind, there are several types of mental abilities that, in one way or another, are relatively independent of each other and can be considered self-sufficient types of intelligence.

Thus, learning styles could indicate the different ways in which people learn depending on the type of propensities of facilities available to them, taking into account those intelligences in which they Excel more or less.

• To learn more about this theory, you can visit our article: "Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences".