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Different learners have different preferences about how they understand, organise, and remember new information. Some prefer to study in groups, while others prefer to study alone. Some people prefer to think things through, while others prefer to be more active. Some learn best by listening, while others find it easier to remember information if they can see it. These differences in the way we like to learn are called learning styles. Understanding your own preferences can be an important first step in improving how you study.

This section will introduce some of the main learning styles: the Kolb learning styles, the Honey & Mumford styles, the VAK model, and the Dunn & Dunn model, as well as considering some other popular learning styles. It will also give you ideas about how learning styles could improve your study.

Different types of learning styles

There are many different theories about how learners prefer to study, and therefore many different types of 'learning styles'. Some studies suggest there are over 70 different models. Some of the major ones are discussed below.

Kolb learning styles

Educators first became interested in learning styles following Kolb's description of them in the mid-1970s. His learning styles are connected with the Kolb learning cycle. He suggested that although learners need to go through the same stages as they progress through the learning cycle, they often prefer some aspects of the cycle to others. This led Kolb to identify four learning styles, which he called accommodative, divergent, assimilative, and convergent. Each of these, and its connection to the learning cycle, is shown below.

Honey & Mumford learning styles

Another notable model is the Honey and Mumford model, which is widely used in the UK. This model adapts the Kolb learning styles. In this model, which was developed by Honey and Mumford following extensive research, the styles are directly aligned to the stages in the learning cycle (this contrasts with the Kolb learning styles, where the styles are from overlapping stages). The styles are activist, reflector, theorist and pragmatist, which relate to the do, reflect, conclude, and plan stages of the cycle. Each of these is described in more detail in the table below.

VAK model

Perhaps the most well-known model of learning styles (and the one used in this website) is the VAK model. VAK is short for Visual, Auditory, and Kinaesthetic, which are the three learning styles. Their meanings, and the differences between them, are shown below.

Dunn & Dunn model

The Dunn & Dunn model is one of the most popular and widely used models in the USA. It describes individuals' reactions to 21 different elements, such as sound, light, motivation, individual work. Each of these elements is grouped under five dimensions: environmental, emotional, sociological, physiological, and psychological. Some other learning styles, e.g. the VAK learning styles, are included within these headings.

The five dimensions and the 21 elements are shown below, together with some key questions for students and teachers to consider.

Other types of learning style

As noted above, there are over 70 different models of learning styles, too many to list here. Other models include adaptations of the VAK model, e.g. by dividing the kinaesthetic style into 'tactile' learners (who enjoy touching and manipulating) and pure 'kinaesthetic' learners (who simply enjoy moving while learning), or by adding another dimension, 'reading', in which case the model is referred to as the VARK model. Some models combine or adapt elements of both the VAK and Dunn & Dunn models, e.g. by consider visual as well as social learners, or by adding an 'olfactory' style for learners who find that smells and taste can add to learning.

How to use learning styles to improve your study

With so many styles, it can be confusing to identify your own preferred style, let alone consider how to make use of this information. An important first step is to be aware of the different learning styles that each of us has. Just because everyone else in the classroom prefers to work in groups in a loud, bright environment, doesn't mean you do too. Think about the models above and decide which one you find most convincing, and try some online questionnaires to help you to identify your own style (although you probably know yourself well enough to know what your preferences are). Try to adapt your study to take your preferred styles into account, e.g. by using more images and pictures if you are a visual learner, or by studying outside if you prefer natural to artificial light. There is no right or wrong learning style. Understand yours, and use it to help you learn.

References

Andreou, E., Andreou, G, and Vlachos, F. (2008). Learning Styles and Performance in Second Language Tasks, TESOL Quarterly, Vol. 42(4) pp. 665-674

Boström, L. and L.M. Lassen (2006). Unravelling learning, learning styles, learning strategies and meta-cognition, Education + Training, Vol 48(2/3), pp. 178-189

Dunn, R. (2000). Capitalizing on College Students' Learning Styles: Theory, Practice, and Research, in Griggs, S. and Dunn, R. (eds.), Practical Approaches to Using Learning Styles in Higher Education, Westport: Greenwood Press, pp. 3-18

Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development, London: Prentice-Hall

Reid, J.M. (1987). The Learning Style Preferences of ESL Students, TESOL Quarterly, Vol. 21(1), pp. 87-111

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