People may be classified as having different learning strengths in some cases. There are a variety of classifications that can be used, but the auditory/tactile/visual classification is a common one. When this term is used, it means that learners may have a natural preference for one of these, and that they may learn more effectively by hearing, touching/doing, or seeing. People who learn best by hearing and speaking belong to the auditory learning style.
A simple definition of auditory learning style doesn’t really tell you much about how auditory learners operate in the classroom. For these students, this strength manifests itself in a variety of ways. They might have some flaws that need to be addressed. If auditory learners aren’t allowed to read aloud, even at a whisper, reading can be difficult. Speaking the words aloud can help to reinforce the material and improve comprehension.
Students who learn through auditory means speak a lot. Another flaw could be the proclivity to speak excessively at times. While these students and adults are generally eager to participate in class, their enthusiasm can sometimes be excessive. Teachers working with students like this must encourage appropriate contributions while also discouraging excessive participation.
A person who learns in an auditory manner is likely to excel in a variety of areas. Students with strong speaking skills are likely to enjoy formats that require them to make oral reports or take oral tests. During lectures, such students usually do exceptionally well, absorbing a large amount of information.
Students will also respond positively if they listen to lectures on tape or watch narrated material. This type of student might benefit from recording rather than taking notes during class lectures, as they will retain much more information from hearing a lecture multiple times. Voice narration programming, which allows typed notes or material to be read aloud, is another tool for this type of student.
Because auditory learning focuses on hearing, teachers are advised to provide verbal prompting to identified auditory learners. It is not always possible to assume that this type of learner will receive visual cues to complete tasks. If a student’s behavior, such as excessive talking, is causing problems in the classroom, there are many ways to give verbal prompts that do not embarrass the student.
There are many methods for classifying learning styles, and none of them are perfect. Not everyone who identifies as an auditory learner possesses all of the style’s characteristics. There are excellent readers who enjoy talking, as well as excellent listeners who can pick up visual cues quickly. While categorization is useful, and many teachers use it to address different learning styles, it’s also important to understand each learner’s individual range. Identifying with a learning style is a good starting point for students, but understanding personal strengths and weaknesses is more useful when determining how to learn best.