Auditory learning is a powerful tool that can benefit people with different learning styles. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of auditory learning, specifically for people with different learning styles.

The VARK learning style model introduced by Fleming suggests the presence of four main learning styles, which can be broken down into Visual (V), Auditory (A), Reading-writing (R), and Kinesthetic (K) (Prithishkumar & Michael, 2014). Each style is based on the sensory modality that a person needs to acquire information.

Visual

Visual learners learn best through demonstrations, informative graphs, illustrations, or educational videos. Many people enjoy visual learning styles, with 65% of the population having a preference for visual learning (Zopf et al., 2004).

Visual learners may not naturally gravitate towards auditory learning. However, incorporating bimodal learning, which combines two senses, can be effective. A study found that a majority of medical students displayed a preference for visual-auditory learning (Kharb et al., 2013). For visual learners, listening to recordings or lectures while following along with visual aids such as graphs or illustrations can be an effective way to supplement their learning.

Auditory

For auditory learners, acquiring knowledge through listening can be an effective approach. Auditory learners can usually follow instructions after hearing them once, perform well during presentations and oral exams, and exhibit strong listening skills. For these learners, incorporating auditory learning into their routine can enhance their study experience.

In addition, this type of learning has been found to be effective for studying foreign languages, as it aids in developing listening and pronunciation skills (Kayalar & Kayalar, 2017; Zheng et al., 2022).

A study showed that several students noted that podcasts were convenient for studying while commuting on a train or while walking or running, and found it to be a more accessible and an easier alternative to studying from lecture notes and readings during travel (Nataatmadja & Dyson, 2008). This can be especially useful for students who struggle with traditional classroom environments or who have different learning styles.

Reading-writing

Reading-writing learners typically prefer to read and write to retain information. However, incorporating auditory learning can also be beneficial for them. By listening to lectures or recordings, they can reinforce what they have read and heard, helping them to better understand and remember the content. This is because hearing information can help to reinforce what has been read and enhance memory recall.

Moreover, listening to podcasts or audio recordings can provide reading-writing learners with a convenient and accessible way to study. For instance, they can listen to educational podcasts while commuting or during physical activity, making it easier to fit studying into their busy schedules. This can be especially helpful for learners who struggle to find time for traditional studying methods or who find it difficult to sit still for extended periods of time.

Kinesthetic

Kinesthetic learners are individuals who learn best through physical movement and interaction with their environment. They often struggle with traditional classroom settings that require them to sit still and passively absorb information. Instead, they thrive in active learning environments where they can engage in hands-on experiences and explore concepts through physical movement.

At first glance, it may seem that auditory learning would not benefit kinesthetic learners since it typically involves listening rather than physical interaction. However, listening to educational recordings or lectures while engaging in physical activity can actually be a powerful combination for these learners.

For example, if a kinesthetic learner is struggling to remember information from a lecture, they might benefit from listening to a recording of the lecture while engaging in a physical activity, such as taking a walk or stretching. The physical movement can help to reinforce the information and improve their retention of the material.

In conclusion, auditory learning can benefit people with different learning styles in various ways. Whether as a primary learning tool or as a supplement to other forms of learning, auditory learning can aid in developing listening and pronunciation skills, reinforce understanding of content, and enhance academic performance. So if you're looking for a new way to study, why not try incorporating auditory learning into your routine and see how it works for you!