There are three different learning styles: visual, auditory and/or tactile/kinesthetic learner. Learning which style of learner an individual is can help them in their everyday life and more importantly in the beginning of their educational years. .
A visual learner is someone who learns by seeing the information they are to absorb. This type of learner is reactive to an educator who uses their body language and facial expressions to comprehend the lesson at hand. This allows the visual learner to pay more attention to you. They prefer sitting in the front to avoid distractions and learn and think from visual displays. Such displays would include diagrams, pictures, illustrated text books, videos, charts and handouts. A great way to assist the visual learner is through demonstration. .
An auditory learner is a person who learns by listening. This type of learner learns best through lectures, discussions, talking through learning, and listening to what is being said. They listen specifically to pitch, tone and speed of speech to learn. Seeing will not have as much of an effect on an auditory learner until it is heard. An educator would benefit from instructions being read aloud rather than simply reading themselves. Books on tape are a great tool, as well as closed caption on educational television programs. The last type of learner is the tactile/kinesthetic learner. This type of learner learns best through moving, doing, and touching. This type of individual learns through hands-on approach and actively exploring the physical work around them. This type of learner does not sit still for long periods of time, is easily distracted by the need of activity and exploration. As an educator, you would allow the learner to try things for themselves even if they do it wrong; this allows them to figure it out for themselves. A warm up process such as jumping in place will get the thought/learning process going for a tactile/kinesthetic learner.