Catching learning differences early: Why it matters
17 MARCH 2015 | DR. ALICIA VICTORY
Have you ever thought that your child is struggling to learn the way that he/she is being taught? Or, have you ever felt that no matter how much you review something with your child they just don’t seem to retain the information? Observations such as these may be indicative of either their particular learning style or possibly a learning disability. Children learn in different ways and the one size fits all models that occur in traditional classrooms may not be beneficial for all children.
There are three primary types of learning: visual, auditory, and tactile. Some children will have overlap and learn through a variety of modalities, while others will only respond to one of the three primary ways, which can cause them to fall behind in the classroom or appear disinterested in what is being taught. It can also mimic other issues, such as ADHD or a learning disorder.
Knowing your child’s individual learning style can be the catalyst for their academic growth and improvement. Visual learners will benefit from information provided in written form or by observing what another person is doing. They will benefit greatly from having class notes typed, from study guides written by the teacher, and from handouts. Using flash cards, playing word games, and other forms of work that they can view and work through can also be very beneficial to them. They are not the type of learners who will benefit from a traditional lecture type of teaching, and are likely to lose focus and show a lack of interest in such an environment.
Children who are auditory learners will thrive in the traditional lecture environment. They benefit from audio recordings of teachers during class, using songs and creating poems to memorize information (similar to singing the ABC’s), and audio books. They will likely be able to maintain interest in class as much of the instruction throughout school is presented in an auditory format. However, they may struggle in classes such as lab sciences unless they are able to “teach” to their partners or the teacher.
Tactile learners are “hands on” learners; show them and they will know how to do what is asked. Children who are tactile learners will benefit from manipulatives (blocks, coins, etc.), especially in mathematics. They will want to act out plays and interact with parents and teachers to benefit from their learning environment. They can greatly benefit from field trip learning in which they can feel and experiment with their environment. In a traditional lecture type of classroom these learners will likely be bored and may appear disinterested.
So, what kind of learner do you have? Are the issues related to learning style or is something more going on? The definitive way to gain that information is through a full Psycho-educational Evaluation. This type of assessment can assist in understanding a child’s learning style, and areas of strength and weakness. It also defines if there is a specific learning disability present. Whatever the case ma be, early detection is the best way to ensure your child is getting the most from his or her education. But, whether they need academic accommodations through school or less formal changes to their learning environment, early detection is the key to their future success.