Introduction
How best do you learn? Do you learn best when you listen, read for your self, engage in a group discussion, given a chance to do things for your self? 

our ability to deal with new information, store, retrieve it does not happen in a similar manner. In so saying, we all have different preferred learning styles. we may enjoy using certain styles more than others and we may find some learning styles more effective than others.

Teachers who want to be inclusive need to think about and plan for different ways in which their learners prefer to learn and, how they might adapt similar activities for use in the classroom to make learning enjoyable to all.

What do we mean by learning styles?
Learning style  are  defined  as  “the  complex  manner  in  which,  and conditions under which, learners most effectively perceive process, store, and recall what they are attempting to learn” (James  and  Gardner,  1995:  20). Learning styles are seen more in terms of the  strategies  that  learners  use  to  deal  with learning.

What Are the Different Learning Styles? Let us quickly explore them.

1. Visual (Spatial)  learning style

Visual learners are those who prefer learning by observing things. Using pictures, images, diagrams, charts, maps  and more helps these types of learners understand information better. These learners can easily visualize information,and have a good sense of direction. They also tend to learn holistically, instead of sequentially, or in parts. One of the benefits of being a visual learner is easily seeing the big picture. As a result, these learners may sometimes miss out on the details.

How easily can you identify these kind of learners?

• They tend to have a vivid imagination and this can sometimes lead to daydreaming or mental wandering.
• Since they think primarily in pictures, they highly enjoy visual stimulation.
• They tend to grasp the underlying meaning behind body language and facial expressions. On the flip side, they may need to see a person’s body language and facial expression to fully understand what they are trying to say.
• They are typically good at reading maps and charts.
• When it comes to spelling, they oftentimes need to visualize the words in order to spell them correctly.
• They are usually good at using their intuition to solve problems.
• They enjoy watching videos, using flash cards and highlighting information.
• They easily notice new things in a room or physical changes in a person.
• They tend to make lists to recall information.
• They usually have strong artistic, mechanic, or technological talents.
• They are perfectionists and usually highly organized.
• They can easily identify patterns in what they see.
• They usually prefer a quiet environment as they can easily get distracted by noise  

Exercise 1.    Having read the information above, do you think learners with SEN/ disabilities can fall into this category? Y/N . Give examples of learners with SEN/disability that you may know of that are likely to be visual- spatial learners._________________________

2.  Auditory Learning Style

The auditory learning style means a learner learns best by listening either to music, video clips and conversations. Auditory learners tend to do well in a traditional school environment listening to lectures, and also contributing to discussions. 

Traits of auditory learners

• Talk frequently, to self and to others
• Prefers spoken directions
• Have difficulty concentrating in noisy environments
• Enjoy lectures and discussions
• Remember names, not faces
• Express emotion by tone and volume of voice
• Musically minded

Exercise 2.   Argue for or against this statement.  Give 2 reasons

" Learners with hearing impairment are likely to be auditory learners. " 

_____________________________________________________________________

3.  Kinesthetic learning style

Llearners are very hands-on. They learn best by touching, moving, and physical doing and manipulating objects. Because of this, kinesthetic learners may get fidgety in the typical traditional classroom setting.

Traits of Kinesthetic learners

• Are highly coordinated
• Learn through hands-on activities
• Have a hard time staying still
• May have difficulty staying attentive
• Usually performers and athletes
• Lots of energy
• Strong motor energy

Exercise 3.  In your subject area what kind of classroom activities can you issues out for these kind of learners ? _____________________________________________

4. Logical- mathematical learning style

Logical learners succeed by using order, steps, and logic. These learners can make connections and recognize patterns with ease, and work well with numbers. They have a very systematic approach to learning and are excellent at keeping organized. Text-heavy lessons may not be ideal for logical learners; they prefer  focusing on facts.

Traits of logical- mathematical learners

• Are highly investigative and curious
• Prefer visuals over words
• Are highly goal oriented
• Seek out rules and procedures
• May struggle writing creatively
• May have difficulty seeing big-picture

Exercise 4 :  Logical- mathematical learners usually perform well in questions that require  lengthy verbal expression. Y/N ? Give 2 reasons for your answer.______________________________________________________________ 

5. Verbal -linguistic learning style

Verbal learners learn best through the words they hear as opposed to just hearing in general which is how auditory learners best learn.Verbal-linguistic learners love both written and spoken word. They are naturally drawn to language in general, which means there are plenty of opportunities to learn

Traits of verbal- linguistic learners

• Have a fascination with words and tend to learn new words easily.
• Usually possess a rich vocabulary.
• Tend to flourish in reading and writing activities.
• Tend to enjoy games that involve word play such as  Scrabble, Boggle and crossword puzzles.
• Often gifted at learning new languages.
• May have difficulty spelling or visualizing information.
• Tend to ask questions frequently and have excellent verbal expression.
• Enjoy reading, whether it’s to themselves or to others.
• Dislike silence and enjoy participating in study groups.
• Tend to do better with word problems in math as opposed to equations.
• Enjoy talking about what they read, and easily remembers quotes, puns and rhymes.

Exercise 5.  differentiate between verbal- linguistic  and auditory learners.

_____________________________________________________________________________

NB: It is important to note  the primary learning styles are visual, verbal, kinesthetic, auditory, and logical. However these can be supplemented by other secondary learning styles.

Below is the discussion of the secondary learning styles.

 1. Interpersonal- social learning style

These types of students learn best through communication with others, whether it’s verbal or non-verbal. Social learners love being around people, working in groups, teams and overall thrives through social interactions. They are often seen as social butterflies as they like spending much of their time with others. Social learners love sharing their knowledge with others, but also love listening to their peers.

Interpersonal learners are well known for their ability to “read” people and are sometimes called “people smart”. This unique ability helps them understand what goes around them.

Traits of social learners

• They like to hang out with large groups of people
• They do well with study groups or any sort of collaborative activities
• They struggle working alone, especially on projects
• They are vocal and are not afraid to ask questions
• They prefer social activities
• They are good at understanding others, interpreting tone, gestures and faces
• They are natural leaders
• They usually don’t have trouble making new friends

Exercise 6 : come up with 2 class activities that can best suit these learners___________________________________________________________________

7.  Intrapersonal- solitary learning style

The key to success for solitary-intrapersonal learners is plenty of space and silence. These students love to work on their own and concentrate best when in a quiet, peaceful environment. It’s important to check in with these learners on a regular basis however, since they may find it difficult to ask for help. If you find that your student is struggling, approach them gently and ask if there is anything they need assistance with. 

NB: To understand a learner's preferred learning style, we need to observe the learner more than once , doing different activities.  we also need to talk to the learner about what he/she enjoys or dislikes in school, finds easy/ difficult and so on. We must not expect everyone's  skills to fit  neatly into fixed learning style categories and must not fall into  fixed learning style categories; and  must not fall into a trap of labeling a learner according to their learning style and then potentially ignoring any changes that subsequently develop with preferences for learning.