A Guide To Different Learning Styles

People process information in very unique ways. When these different learning styles are understood, it can change the way you learn - from unlocking better academic performance to building stronger memory retention and enhancing personal development. By creating personalised study habits and approaches to teaching, a person's learning preferences can be matched. This helps make  education more interesting, effective and engaging.



What Are Learning Styles?


Learning styles are the different ways people prefer to receive, process and retain information. In educational psychology, recognising and understanding these preferences helps educators teach their learners in a more personalised manner. This aims to support their success in the classroom and beyond.


The VARK model is one of the most well-known frameworks. It was introduced in the late 1980s by Neil Fleming. VARK categorises learners into four unique types: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing  and Kinesthetic. Even though learning styles aren't the only factor in academic achievement, understanding them can significantly enhance how we teach and learn.



The VARK Learning Styles Explained


Visual Learners


A visual learner  absorbs information through pictures, diagrams, charts and spatial understanding. These learners are often drawn to colours, mind maps and visual metaphors.


Study strategies include:


  • Using diagrams, charts and concept maps
  • Highlighting key points by colour-coding them
  • Watching educational videos


Auditory Learners


An auditory learner thrives when listening to lessons. These learners process spoken information better than they do written. Lectures and discussions are very effective for these types of learners.


Study strategies include:


  • Listening to podcasts or audio recordings
  • Studying with a peer and discussing the various topics
  • Reading material out loud


Reading/Writing Learners


Learners with a reading/writing preference excel with text-based materials. They enjoy lists, essays and reading instructional material.


Study strategies include:


  • Taking detailed notes and rewriting them to retain the information
  • Reading textbooks and any other relevant articles
  • Creating flashcards and writing up summaries


Kinesthetic Learners


Learners who prefer kinesthetic learning understand information best through physical movement and getting a hands-on experience. They prefer the real-life application of concepts, rather than just reading or hearing about them.


Study strategies include:


  • Role-playing, experiments or models
  • Incorporating movement into study time, like walking while reviewing their notes
  • Engaging with physical objects or building prototypes



How to Identify Your Learning Style


Recognising your unique learning style starts with self-assessment and observation. Ask yourself how you best remember new information. Is this by seeing, hearing writing, or doing?


Other ways to discover your style:


  • Reflect on past learning successes and challenges
  • Ask your teachers or peers to talk about your strengths
  • Take a free online VARK-based quiz



Teaching Strategies for Each Learning Style


Understanding learning preferences can vastly change teaching and parenting. Here are some strategies to try.


  • Visual learners: Use graphic organisers and multimedia presentations
  • Auditory learners: Encourage oral presentations and group discussions
  • Reading/writing learners: Provide written instructions and essay assignments
  • Kinesthetic learners: Design lab work, crafts and lessons where movement is encouraged



Debates and Limitations of Learning Styles Theory


Even though the concept of different learning styles is a popular one, it has also faced some criticism over the years. There has been some research in educational psychology that suggests there is limited evidence that matching teaching to a learner’s style improves outcomes. However, when all of the styles are combined using adaptive and multimodal learning, this tends to be most effective for learners.


Practical Tips to Enhance Learning Regardless of Style


Regardless of your preferred style, here are some universal study strategies to try:


  • Mix methods: blend visuals, text, audio and hands-on tasks to keep learning interesting and engaging
  • Stay curious: experiment with new approaches to find out what works best for you
  • Be flexible: adapt to different subjects and learning environments to broaden your mind


When the VARK model is explored and the different learning styles are recognised, you can gain valuable insight into how you learn and retain information. Whether you’re a visual learner, an auditory learner, prefer kinesthetic learning or are happy with reading/writing,  understanding and applying your learning preferences can lead to smarter study habits and improved academic success.


June 27, 2025
It is undeniable that AI in education, even though still in relative infancy, has a multiplier effect on student outcomes. An overview of the substantial impact of individualised learning on student performance over the past few years, combined with an insight into daily advances in real life, has the potential to raise concern about the role of human educators in classrooms. Are teachers becoming obsolete? Not quite. While it is true that AI’s role is growing by the day, it is in fact not replacing teachers, but rather changing the role of teachers, an education expert says. “We have, over the past 3 years, seen a 20% improvement in student performance, with AI and individualised learning having become the order of the day,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools. AI in education isn’t a case of students having access to ChatGPT – it is a vastly more considered strategy leveraging proprietary tools and platforms. ADvTECH’s ADvLEARN Intelligent Tutoring System is a prime example, utilising AI to craft individualised learning paths that allow students to advance at their own speed. This system empowers data-guided instruction while fostering independent learning across various subjects. “Adaptive learning technologies leverage data-driven analysis to personalise educational content, pacing, and assessments based on each student's unique needs. These solutions, which include intelligent tutoring systems and learning management platforms, enable educators to tailor instruction efficiently without increasing their workload, when integrated effectively,” says Hugo. “For students, this creates a customised, engaging, and encouraging experience, whether they’re building core skills or exploring complex topics. For educators, it delivers real-time insights to refine teaching approaches, ensuring all students achieve progress.” AI systems are fast moving in the direction of students being able to learn completely independently, which then raises the question – what about the teachers? Will in-person schools still be a thing? Or will future learning consist of young people working alone, in front of their screens? “Adopting best international practices in AI implementation is critical to staying at the forefront of educational excellence. However, the narrative around AI in education must be clear: AI is a powerful tool to support, not replace, teachers,” says Hugo. “The human element in teaching, in particular empathy, creativity, and mentorship, remains irreplaceable, and AI’s role is to enhance these supportive opportunities, ensuring teachers remain central to the learning experience, while time-consuming repetitive tasks become the domain of AI.” The integration of AI into education really is a best-case scenario, allowing overworked teachers to get back to their unique strengths, Hugo says. WHY TEACHERS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE While AI excels at processing data and delivering personalised content, it lacks the human qualities that ensures an exceptional, holistic education. In the age of AI, the role of teachers will remain important in the following areas: Emotional connection and empathy - Learning is deeply human, driven by relationships. Teachers understand students’ emotional needs, motivate them through challenges, and celebrate their successes. No algorithm can replicate the encouragement of a teacher who notices a student’s potential or the trust built through years of mentorship. Fostering creativity and critical thinking - AI can provide information, but teachers guide students to question, innovate, and think critically. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, skills like ethical reasoning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, nurtured by teachers, are essential. Curricula, like the IEB, IB and Cambridge systems, emphasize these skills, and ADvTECH’s commitment to global standards positions its teachers as key drivers of this development. Cultural and contextual nuance - South Africa’s diverse educational landscape requires teachers who understand local contexts, languages, and cultural dynamics. Teachers bridge the gap between AI and real-life context, ensuring learning is relevant and inclusive. “The fear that AI will replace teachers stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose, combined with the stunning realisation of its ability to improve student outcomes. But AI is not a substitute for human connection. Rather, it is a catalyst for unlocking teacher potential. It empowers teachers to do what they do best: inspire, guide, and transform lives.  “Imagine a classroom where AI handles repetitive tasks, provides real-time student insights, and suggests tailored resources, while the teacher focuses on sparking debates, nurturing talents, and building confidence. This is the future that educational institutions must champion - a future where technology supports human excellence, not replaces it.”
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