Auditory learners make up 30% of the population. Auditory learners would rather listen to a lecture than take notes. They remember what is read to them and what they have read aloud. They retain new information by repeating.
Auditory learners usually make sophisticated speakers and often become lawyers or politicians. They are good at making speeches without prior notice, remembering names of people they meet, although they do forget faces, and tuning into inflections in a person’s voice.
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
Tactile/kinesthetic learners make up 5% of the population. Tactile/Kinesthetic learners are highly active and communicate with body language and gestures. They learn through imitation and practice. They may appear slow at times, but this may be because the material is not presented in a style they can readily understand.
Physical action is key to this person. Walking, jogging, hiking and biking are activities they enjoy. In order to keep their attention, don’t talk too fast, don’t sit too far from them, and don’t lecture without visual aids.
Pros and Cons of Each Learning Style
Each learning style has its pros and cons. Visual learners need peace and quiet to accomplish tasks. They often have trouble tuning out sounds in a noisy environment. They are the people that actually read directions before completing a task or using something new. They are handy to have around with their photographic memories – but they also see the details – typing errors, anything out of place, last night’s lipstick on your collar… They are also sticklers for details; setting the table correctly, having a place for everything and expecting everyone to put things in their place, and having a plan to follow.
In contrast, the auditory learner doesn’t read manuals or directions. They often have difficulty reading since they read more slowly than visual learners. They’d rather talk and they don’t do well when they have to read silently. On the flip side, the auditory learner hears directions once or twice and follows them to the letter. They can also repeat most of what they heard at yesterday’s lecture, or on the news, and they know the words to all the songs on the radio.
Tactile/kinesthetic learners ignore directions completely and figure things out as they go along. They have trouble sitting still and are often labeled hyperactive. They use their hands in everything they do – including talking and relating to others. They make good mechanics and small engine repairmen because they can take things apart and put them back together. They are also well coordinated and usually good at sports.