Everyone learns in different ways and at their own pace. In this lesson, we will focus on auditory learning and define the characteristics of this type of learner.
Different Types of Learners
There are many types of learners in our classrooms. Some students do well with kinesthetic, hands-on assignments, while others need visual aids to retain information.
Some students learn best through the arts, while others need a more logical approach.Let’s take a look at a learning style called auditory learning and define the style and characteristics.
Auditory Learners Defined
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An auditory learner is the student that’s able to recall information by simply hearing it. They may or may not feel the need to take notes because they excel at processing information by sound and usually have excellent memories. Like James in the example above, the auditory learner may look as though they are not paying attention, since their main mode of processing stems from simply listening to a lecture, audio book, or video.Because auditory learners focus on sound as their mode of learning, noises can be distracting. They may struggle to read independently in their head and need more time to process the information if given through a written medium.
Auditory learners also tend to participate in class discussions and presentations. They are outspoken and enjoy speaking and acting.While these are the main characteristics of an auditory learner, keep in mind that each student is different. Some students may not exhibit all of the characteristics we mentioned.
The important thing to remember is that repetition of sound is key. Always read the directions to your auditory learners and have them reinforce the information by saying them back to you; and, if applicable, give your auditory learners any type of media with sound to reinforce content.
Strategies for Auditory Learners
Let’s take a look at some strategies for auditory learners.Our auditory learners are successful when we provide them with explicit oral instruction along with opportunities to work through their thoughts orally. Some ways we can help reach this type of learner in and out of the classroom are by:
- Recording lectures
- Talking over content material with a peer or family member
- Providing audio books and videos
- Using word/melody associations
- Reading out loud
- Reciting information out loud and repeating this step multiple times
Lesson Summary
Are you an auditory learner? It seems only a small percentage of our students fit into this category.An auditory learner is a student that learns through hearing information. This information could come from a lecture, audio book, or video.
This type of learner does not necessarily need to take notes to remember content. They have an excellent memory when it comes to names, places, experiences, and directions.Auditory learners need time to process what they learn by reading out loud and/or discussing content with a teacher, peer, or family member. These learners may struggle reading silently, but they excel at presentations, acting, and speaking.