Learning Principles: More Important
than Learning Styles

People not only learn at different rates, but also in different ways. Some students want their teacher to write everything on the board. Others prefer to listen. Some like to sit in small groups and discuss a question; others like to listen to a lecture, translating it into pictures or doodles in their notebook. Such individual learning preferences are known as learning styles.

Learning styles are generally divided into three categories: (1.) visual learners, who need to see it to know it, (2.) auditory learners, who need to hear it to know it and (3.) tactual learners, who need to touch it to know it.

Once you understand your child's learning style, you may be able to help him adjust his approach to the classroom and his study habits for maximum benefit. However, BEWARE! Although there is some value in adjusting to a preferred learning style, its value should not be overrated. Learning principles, which are universal, are of far greater importance than learning styles, which are individual. Learning failure will not necessarily result if one omits to teach a child to adjust to a preferred learning style. However, the chances of learning success if one fails to teach in accordance with learning principles are remote.

Let us compare the above situation to eating. When people eat — like when they learn — they also have individual preferences. Some people prefer to eat with their hands, some with a knife and fork, while others prefer to eat with chopsticks. Some cut their food into small chunks, while others put rather large chunks into their mouths. Some chew their food very well while others do not allow much time for chewing.

However, the role that these individual preferences play in the eating process is relatively small. What really matters, however, is what all people have in common. All people (1.) place their food into their mouths, (2.) chew their food, and then (3.) swallow their food. Without following these three universal steps, eating would not be possible. In the same way, learning is not possible unless one follows universal learning principles.

Click here to learn more about the universal learning principles that play a role in learning. Audiblox is based on these universal learning principles.