Visual Learners
(Also see Auditory & Kinesthetic learner)
Visual learners are unique in that they don’t all fit into one box. Instead, those who learn visually are broken into two primary camps: Visual-linguistic learners and Visual-spatial learners. The former enjoys learning activities that give their brain the chance to take in the information and then repeat it as necessary -- writing and reading, for example, and note taking when listening to audio or visual presentations.
When it comes to language learning, visual-linguistic learners often prefer to learn the alphabet through writing exercises first, and then speak it back to themselves to make the connection between letters and their spoken sounds. The same goes for learning key words and phrases in a new language.
On the other hand, visual-spatial learners want visual direction through imagery and media. Charts and graphs, along with photos and video, are of significant impact. If you tend to remember a person’s face after only meeting them once, and can recall that obscure actor from the movie you watched last week when someone shows you a photo of them, you might fall into this category. Sense of direction and the ability to follow a map of a new area often come naturally to the visual-spatial learner. Where the linguistic learners prefer words, the spatial learners want exercises that let them move words and phrases around, and when necessary, find their place within them.
Common ways to identify a Visual learner:
- They respond overwhelmingly well to lessons and activities that give them ample time to see information as part of the comprehension process.
- They memorized directions on a map either by seeing them visually laid out and/or in a step-by-step bulleted process.
- They have no problem drawing productive questions and comments from their notes or charts almost immediately.
- They may skip the audio portion of a lesson, or at least push it back until after they’ve been able to work through written or designed material.
- Note taking is an important step to them – in fact, they will appear to be constantly taking notes or making marks, perhaps doodling or copying material from a lesson. Then, they’ll look at and study it in the comprehension process.
- They like charts and graphs, especially when they come with a good caption.
- They can pull out important aspects of a photograph, piece of artwork, or written document with minimal guidance, and can recite that information back to the teacher, a fellow student, or companion concisely and accurately.
What kind of learning style do you have?
You can find out in just a few minutes. Take our fun and easy learning style quiz and find out in a few minutes. Absolutely free.