6 Successful Learner Types

Despite our best efforts, our knowledge remains limited in the wide sciences field. However, many people are passionate about acquiring knowledge and consistently strive to learn.



In reality, many people's knowledge is limited to the books they require in their undergraduate and graduate programs. Therefore, when they embark on their life's journey to acquire new skills, they are shocked by a mind that has lost its flexibility in acquiring new knowledge and the ability to retain even the smallest amount of information.

The solution lies in knowing which type of learner you are and determining your most suitable learning style. As you can see, people learn differently, and each person has their learning approach. Therefore, you should know your most appropriate approach.

You can accelerate and improve the learning process by knowing which learners' category you belong to. Since using different learning styles promotes professional success, you might discover your hidden potential and enhance your professional life.

You should consider different learning models before deciding which category you fall into. For example, you can use the VARK model, which is an abbreviation for the initials of the following words:

  • Visual
  • Auditory
  • Reading
  • Kinesthetic

6 Successful Learner Types

The VARK model does not replace other teaching models, but it is a comprehensive model that includes many methods through which you can categorise learning styles.

Therefore, we will add two more types of learners to this list to make it more comprehensive. In this article, we have chosen six successful learner types. So, read on to learn about the style that suits you and how to improve your learning.

Successful Learner Types

1. Visual Learners

People tend to use specific senses to receive information, meaning most people learn best when they concentrate on using one of their primary senses, which is why visual learners rely on their sight senses.

These individuals learn best when presented in drawings, diagrams, animations, and maps. Also, they learn more effectively when they draw their concepts and create an understandable visual chart.

Visual learners can summarise information visually, extract complex ideas through simple diagrams, and retain them effectively in their memory.

Visual Learners Learning Methods

If you are a visual learner, try creating visual charts as brief notes to help you remember what you are learning, whether it's a lecture, a technique, a skill, or anything you are trying to master. Regardless of what you are learning, try to absorb the information in a logical sequence of your thoughts and write it down in a chart.

Additionally, you can master the visual learning art through:

  • Creating task lists.
  • Diagrams and charts.
  • Mind maps.
  • Educational videos.

2. Auditory Learners

You may remember in school how there were times when a teacher would ask a student who appeared to be distracted a sudden question, and the student would respond right away.

This student collects data through their auditory senses. This type of learner understands and retains information through auditory means. Therefore, they can understand information in lectures or meetings even if they bow their heads and do not communicate visually.

These learners can enhance their learning ability through physical or visual communication; however, lacking this communication won't significantly impact them. Also, auditory learners are frequently impacted more by observing changes in others' voice tones.

Auditory Learners Learning Methods

According to a 2019 survey, 20% of adult Americans had recently listened to an audiobook. If you classify yourself as an auditory learner, you prefer audiobooks to printed ones on the subject you wish to study.

If you want to make sure you remember something, record it on your phone and play it back several times during the day. Also, speaking out loud while reading helps in auditory stimulation.

3. Reading and Writing Learners

In addition to being the most prevalent style, this is the primary and most significant type of learner.

Written texts provide better opportunities for reading and writing learners. They either concentrate on reading their books or fill their notebooks with information they try to retain and learn. However, they believe that making charts or diagrams is an ineffective learning method since it leaves out crucial details.

Reading and Writing Learners Learning Methods

Save your time and stop taking notes on everything you read. Set aside more time for practice and real-world application of what you have learned rather than concentrating only on memorisation.

As a result, try to keep your notes as brief as possible and concentrate on the details you might want to review later. To save time later, try to write down the most important points beforehand and concentrate on them. Also, choose an online training course combining written texts with audio or video lectures if you wish to enrol.

Successful Learner Types

4. Kinesthetic Learners

These students exhibit better learning discipline not just because they understand theories but also because they put their knowledge into practice.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through applying information. They have a practical learning experience and constantly consider ways to make information more useful and intuitive.

They are usually less interested in theories. They prefer diving into what they are learning first and trying to learn through this process instead of reading a book or enrolling in an online course.

Kinesthetic Learners Learning Methods

The biggest challenge for these learners is wasting time applying what they have learned in real-life situations.

You can find a wealth of information to assist you in grasping the fundamentals of whatever it is you're attempting to learn or accomplish. Regardless of learning discipline, others have used the same techniques as you have, so you should learn from their mistakes and experiences rather than making the same ones over again. Also, all kinesthetic learners must supplement their learning with high-quality information sources, whether written, visual, or auditory.

Never assume that you can learn anything without using the aids above. Even if you try, you will waste much time in this process instead of dedicating it to learning more.

Furthermore, while studying a subject or learning a skill, consider how you can apply this knowledge in the real world. For example, if you are learning how to prepare financial reports, prepare a report for a local business activity for free. As a result, you'll learn more than you anticipated about creating financial reports by the time you're done learning.

5. Group Learners

This learning style is not included in the VARK model. Still, it is a prevalent and fascinating learning style, and many people prefer social situations and perform best in groups where others are learning the same subjects.

Group learners strongly desire teamwork and often possess innate leadership abilities. Frequently, you will see a group of learners volunteering for leadership roles and being the social interactions centre.

Group Learners Learning Methods

If you are a group learner, you should enrol in a physical classroom rather than an online course. Even though online courses are readily available these days, they do not offer real-world group interactions.

Although an online course with a community atmosphere may give you a sense of shared purpose with your classmates, nothing beats having fellow learners with you in the same classroom.

If you want to learn something on your own, try to find an accountability partner who can listen to you, support your educational journey, and encourage you to continue striving towards your goal.

6. Multisensory Learners

This learning style is acknowledged even though it is not included in the basic VARK model. About 50–70% of learners are multisensory, according to the Vark Learn website, which focuses on multiple sensory learning approaches.

Simply put, multisensory learners employ multiple learning styles. A multisensory learner might favour group learning with visual learning or auditory learning with reading/writing. Furthermore, this learner can easily use multiple styles.

These learners' primary skill is their ability to navigate comfortably between various learning styles. These learners believe in one learning way and can easily adapt to different learning methods.

Multisensory Learners Learning Methods

Maintain your ability to learn quickly and use whichever learning style is most appropriate for the task at hand. Don't worry too much about the different learning types and styles.

Read also: Effective Learning: Theories and Benefits

What Type of Learner Are You?

Taking an online questionnaire is one way to determine your learner type. However, this isn't the best option because observing what works best for you is the best way to figure out your learning style.

Therefore, observe your learning methods and techniques over a few days. This will help you determine what works and what doesn't for you.

Read also: What are Modern Learning Theories?

In Conclusion

According to a 2009 study, insufficient data supports the claim that some learning styles are more successful than others. Also, the study discovered that neither individuals nor educational institutions need to allocate time to adapt to a specific teaching style.

Do not worry about your learning style; everyone learns differently and uses different methods according to what works for them. No learning style yields better results than others.

Just because something works for your peer does not always mean it will work for you, so avoid forcing yourself to follow it. If you are learning well, it indicates that your approach is the best fit for you.




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