Every child learns differently, and understanding your child's unique learning style can help you provide more effective support for their education. This is especially important if your child attends an online school, where a personalized approach plays a key role in their success.
This article examines different learning styles, how to identify which one best suits your child, and ways to personalize their learning with tools like CambriLearn's flexible online platform. After reading, consider observing your child's interactions and preferences to gain a deeper understanding of their learning style. You can also try out a learning style quiz to gain further insights. To get started, watch your child during homework to see which activities they enjoy or struggle with, and ask teachers for their input on your child's learning preferences. These steps empower you to take immediate action in identifying and supporting your child's unique learning needs.
Why Learning Styles Matter
Learning styles are the preferred ways in which individuals absorb, process, and retain information. While no two learners are the same, educational theorists often group learners into four main categories. Discover how various intelligences, including IQ, EQ, SQ, and AQ, impact learning outcomes and behaviors. IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, measures cognitive abilities, including problem-solving and logical reasoning. EQ, Emotional Quotient, assesses emotional awareness and interpersonal skills. SQ, Social Quotient, evaluates social interaction and adaptability in social contexts. Lastly, AQ, Adversity Quotient, gauges one's ability to handle adversities and challenges effectively. Understanding these intelligences can provide a comprehensive view of a child's learning potential and offer insights into ways to support their educational journey.
The 4 Main Learning Styles
- Visual learners: absorb information through images, diagrams, and spatial understanding.
- Auditory learners grasp concepts more effectively through listening, discussions, or spoken instructions.
- Reading/Writing learners: prefer interacting with written material such as textbooks, notes, and articles.
- Kinesthetic learners: learn best by doing, using hands-on activities, movement, and real-world practice.
Knowing your child’s dominant learning style can help guide decisions about study techniques, curriculum choices, and even the pacing of lessons.
How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style
Observation is key. Pay attention to how your child naturally engages with the world:
- Do they enjoy building things or moving around while thinking? They might be kinesthetic.
- Are they drawn to stories, music, or explaining things out loud? That’s often a sign of auditory learning.
- Do they love reading, writing, or working from checklists? Reading/Writing could be their strength.
- Are they fascinated by charts, mind maps, or colour-coded notes? That suggests visual learning.
You can try formal learning style assessments, but often, simply reflecting and experimenting will help you see what works best.
Matching Learning Styles to Online Education
A big advantage of online school is that you can personalise your child’s learning. Whether your child is preparing for A Levels or just starting out, understanding their learning style helps you get the most from platforms like CambriLearn.
Visual Learners
Visual learners do well with videos, diagrams, and presentations. Try using resources like infographics or mind maps, and encourage your child to draw or outline their ideas before starting a tough subject.
Auditory Learners
For auditory learners, select lessons that feature clear verbal explanations or podcasts. Ask them to repeat what they’ve learned in their own words or study out loud. Listening to lesson recordings or talking about topics helps them remember better.
Reading/Writing Learners
Reading and writing learners often do well in traditional school settings. Encourage them to take notes, keep a journal, and quiz themselves. Utilise textbooks, online articles, and written exercises to facilitate their learning.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners require movement and physical activity. Try project-based learning, science experiments, or real-life math problems to engage students. Break lessons into smaller parts, incorporating movement in between, and use hands-on tools or role-play to effectively explain ideas.
Bringing It All Together
The best education respects your child's individuality. Learning styles are not boxes to put children in; they are clues to understanding each child's unique learning needs. Remember that learning styles can change over time, and many children may find themselves using multiple styles depending on the subject or activity at hand. This flexibility in learning ensures that your child has the versatility to adapt to different learning situations. By noticing how your child learns and adjusting your approach, you help them gain confidence and succeed.
Are you unsure which curriculum best suits your child? Explore our CAPS Curriculum or dive into the British Curriculum overview to see how each model aligns with different learning preferences and goals. The CAPS Curriculum employs a structured approach with set guidelines, providing a consistent learning path that benefits reading/writing learners through its comprehensive use of textbooks and written assessments. Meanwhile, the British Curriculum is often considered more flexible, as it potentially better supports kinesthetic and visual learners with its emphasis on a wider variety of teaching methods, including projects and presentations. Understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed decision about which educational route best meets your child's learning style and academic goals.
CambriLearn’s internationally accredited online school supports multiple curricula, including the British, Edexcel, and US K12 systems. With live classes, flexible scheduling, and tailored academic support, it offers the tools to cater to every type of learner.
