Seven Different Learning Styles.

Children are born with natural curiosity.  They have an innate love of learning.  They are playful, like to try new things, observe their surroundings and take in whatever they can.  Children glean information, absorb and digest as much as possible.  They are sponges.  Each child, however, is different.  They learn in their own way.  Some kids are audio learners; some are more hands on tactile learners.  Educators have determined there are seven types of learning styles:

The Seven Learning Styles:

• Visual (spatial):  Prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
• Aural (auditory-musical):  Prefer using sound and music.
• Verbal (linguistic):  Prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
• Physical (kinesthetic):  Prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
• Logical (mathematical):  Prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
• Social (interpersonal):  Prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
• Solitary (interpersonal):  Prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Everyone uses a mix of these learning styles and some people rely on certain styles more than others, depending on the circumstances.  In the traditional school system, educators typically rely on Linguistic and Logical learning methods, which include repetition and testing.  This methodology works well for some children, but does not work well for everyone.  Researchers have found that many students are unhappy with this learning style and get burnt out on school during the middle and high school years.  What this system seems to be teaching kids is that learning is hard work, rather than fun.  Evidence has shown that most people and especially children learn best when they are self-motivated.  You can give a child a computer, with no instruction and they can figure their way around it in a manner of minutes, because they want to learn about it.  Traditional schools need to begin incorporating ways to allow children to explore, and learn in ways that will motivate them.  Learning is something we do our entire lives; we are born to learn and should enjoy it along the way.