They say, “Energy flows where the attention goes”. Children are brimming balls of energy and one cannot put a leash on them as they go on to conquer the world. Most good students aren’t born good learners. Their individual personality plays a big part in a child’s willingness to learn and their overall disposition. Moreover, the current generation simply cannot be expected to learn the same way people learned a generation ago. Every child is unique with his or her own temperament and learning style. While some love to read, others may not want to study at all. Some might be good at solving puzzles while some might be born artists.
Kids learning is an ongoing process. An enthusiastic learner has the capability to achieve much more than a forced learner. Imagine a classroom full of painters, writers, singers, scientists, mathematicians and more. Though the students seem alike when gathered together in a classroom, they possess talents and intellects as diverse as all of these professionals. We cannot rely on a single universal teaching method and expect all of them to learn in identical ways. Precisely why, Differentiated Instruction Methods is the need of the hour. It is basically an activity-driven approach to teaching. Students are directed through a subject by using a variety of projects, kids learning activities, or problem-solving exercises. As per Piaget and Vygotsky’s ideas, every child carries his or her own individuality to each new experience and is actively involved in the learning process. This method also helps them learn and retain concepts in a faster, better, and more effective manner.
As per the VARK model of learning styles, there are four categories of learning:
Kids’ learning can be boosted through various teaching techniques and school activities that fit their learning styles, strengths, and interests. Identifying learners based on these predominant categories and adopting apt teaching methods can ease the execution of teaching routines. As a result, the kid learns in the most suitable way, thus making the process more organised and faster.
Visual learners favour seeing information given visually rather than in writing. So the kids who will respond better to virtual activities can be understood as visual learners.
Hearing information is the strongest way for auditory learners to grasp things. They usually are the most attentive ones during lectures and are pro at remembering what is spoken to them.
Students who can learn better by reading or writing prefer to take the information in the form of texts.
A kinesthetic learner learns through touching and moving things. For them, hands-on experience is crucial.
There are some more factors that impact kids’ learning styles, like Multiple Intelligence. It indicates that we all learn holistically but acquire distinct capacities and intelligence, which may further be developed and nurtured in each individual through tailored teaching provided through schooling.
Understanding different types of learning styles can drastically impact the way parents and teachers handle their children and students. Broadly there are 9 levels of intelligence, based on which you can easily identify what kind of learner your kid is.
For example, a child who keeps whistling can be considered a nuisance in the class and the teacher might snub him for causing a disturbance. Of course, that is not a way to behave during an ongoing class, but it is clearly an indicator of his interest in music and that he is a musical learner. He might not excel in academics, but for all you know, he could be the next big thing in the music world. Hence, the cue here is to catch them early.
Similarly, visual learners learn best by absorbing all that they see and visualize. Fascinated by bright colours and patterns, you will often find them at the front of the classroom soaking up the information written on the board. They like to draw and paint, and their favourite phrase is ‘Show me’. The best way to present information to such children is by showing them the relationship between different ideas visually. Visual cues are helpful in particular as important information is highlighted and it can also help in remembering the concept. It’s rather easy to spot these types of learners in a busy classroom. Just pay attention to those who are doodling, making lists in class or diligently taking notes.
In conclusion, don’t just limit your child with labels. Expose them to a broad spectrum of experiences. They may activate latent talents. Don’t assume your child is not gifted in an area because they haven’t shown any interest. The ultimate success lies in developing the child as a whole and instilling the love for lifelong learning. All we need to do is empower them with the freedom to explore life—take risks, make mistakes, innovate and find meaning to their existence. All they ask us is for our love, support and trust, which enables them to blossom in their life ahead.