Tactile learners

(take in messages through the skin; they learn by touching)

• Recall words after tracing or typing them a few times
• Write legibly
• Excel at sewing, model making etc.
• Recall words after touching an object

Kinesthetic

(take in messages through body movement; they learn by doing)

• Recall words after writing them a few times
• Can recall information more easily when moving

Many people prefer to use one method over the others when they are trying to learn something. Once you get to know your learner, you will be able to determine how she learns best. You'll be able to get a lot of information from the learner herself. Encourage your learner to tell you her preferred learning style. How does she learn best at school? What is the most efficient way for her to learn at work? What strategies does she use when learning a new task at home? Keep in mind that your learner may not have the same preference all of the time. Sometimes, learning preferences differ dependent upon the task or type of learning that is done.

Generally, learners are already aware of what learning style they feel the most comfortable with in a given situation. Ask the learner for feedback and use your own judgment while you observe your learners response to various teaching styles.

Other considerations

Keep in mind that learning styles exist on a continuum - not all learners will be equally "visual", "auditory", "kinesthetic" or "tactile." For example, some visual learners may have a lot of difficulty when faced with learning situations that emphasize the use of other learning styles, while other visual learners may be able to more readily understand information presented in the other forms.

Regardless of where your learner seems to be on the continuum, use all the methods of delivery. Although using the preferred learning style will make the process faster and easier, it is important to expose the learner to different methods. This will allow the learner to gain the most from the learning experience. However, keep in mind that it is best to use the preferred method when introducing new material. Use other methods when doing extra practice or review. This will help reinforce what has been learned.