Children absorb and retain information in different ways. Hence, it is essential to accommodate them in the classroom to ensure that all children learn best. This article lists the five most common ways of learning and how one can integrate them into the syllabus.
Visual Learning:
One of the most frequently used methods of learning is through visual input. Many children learn best when they can see information visually or observe a physical process.
There are multiple tools teachers can use to engage these types of learners. Using a whiteboard to draw diagrams and sort information visually (like in a graph or list) is a cost-effective method. Another method is to include videos and films in the syllabus. Videos keep students focused on the subject and create a comfortable learning atmosphere.
Agastya uses many videos and visual cues in its teaching material, especially in the Creativity Lab at Kuppam. There are multiple models, and visual activities children can observe and learn information from.
Auditory Learning:
The other sensory input that helps children learn better is auditory. Children who find this learning style most useful rely on their hearing and sound inputs.
Music is a great tool to keep such children engaged. Turning formulae or processes (the how-tos in science and math) into poems or songs children can recite helps lodge information better in their brains. It is also a great way to memorise and recall information, coming in handy during standardised tests when they have to use their memory.
A cost-effective method to help auditory learners is to make them read out material in class or prepare a speech on the topic. Their voice helps them internalise the subject matter better when they speak out loud.
Agastya uses many audio-visual models and films for the same. We also use audiotapes as a tool for teaching.
Linguistic Learning:
Also called learning through reading and writing, linguistic learning is one of the most used teaching methods in Indian classrooms. These types of learners are drawn to expression through writing, reading articles or books, writing in diaries — just about anything that involves the written word.
But what the Indian education system lacks is making effective use of this method. While there is a lot of reading and writing involved, it is often done with the purpose of rote memorisation, not understanding the concept.
Thus a better way to incorporate linguistic learners is to give them time to research a topic and write essays elucidating their understanding of it. Another way is to encourage storybooks and storytelling in the class. This simplifies a concept for children and gives them the vocabulary with which they can internalise the topic. It is especially useful in subjects like history or science, where the chronology of events can be used to make a story.
Agastya’s Library and its mobile wings encourage reading amongst children and develop storytelling skills.
Kinesthetic Learning:
Learning through physical activity is called kinesthetic learning. It is one of the tenets of the Agastya Way of learning, and an important teaching tool, especially for the younger ages. Active Learning is beneficial in many ways.
The easiest way to accommodate these learners is gamifying the learning process. When teachers turn the subject into physical activity, especially as a competition, it motivates the children and makes the subject interesting.
Kinesthetic learners rely on physical memory to internalise information. Making them move in specific ways or do an activity that requires physical movement helps them process the subject matter better.
Agastya’s ActiLearn book is filled with such activities that emphasise learning by doing. Many live-action models at the Creativity Lab in Kuppam and physical game boards help the hands-on learning process. Learn more about how Agastya uses this method of learning through makerspaces here.
Social Learning:
Social learning, or interpersonal learning, involves learning in groups. Children often learn from each other, apart from learning from the teacher. Thus they need environments to collaborate or engage in discussions with their peers to learn better.
Encouraging group activities is a way Agastya uses effectively to engage social learners. In smaller groups consisting of their peers, children feel less pressured to ask or answer questions. Thus they open up better, and can adequately participate in the activity, making for more effective learning. Class debates are another tool teachers can use with older children to keep them focused on a subject and learn more about it through dialogue.
But a thing to keep in mind is that social learning is not for every child. Some children may be the opposite and prefer to learn on their own, or alone. If these children are pushed towards more socialisation, it may become a detriment to their learning. Thus a balance needs to be struck.
These are the five most common learning styles children adopt to study and internalise a subject. Use the above-mentioned tips to integrate them into your learning material.
