Overview
This lecture covers the VAC model of learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—including characteristics, strategies for each style, and teaching adaptations.
The VAC Model of Learning Styles
- The VAC model identifies three learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (hands-on).
- Most people have a dominant learning style, but some have a balanced mix.
- Everyone starts as a hands-on learner and develops a preference in early elementary years.
- People can learn using other styles, though it may be more challenging.
Characteristics of Learning Styles
- Visual learners learn best through seeing, using mental images, charts, maps, and written instructions.
- Auditory learners excel at learning by listening, discussions, lectures, and prefer verbal instructions.
- Kinesthetic learners prefer moving, touching, and doing; they learn through hands-on activities and physical interaction.
Tips for Each Learning Style
- Visual learners benefit from colored highlighters, drawing mind maps, visualizing steps, and sitting at the front to view visuals.
- Auditory learners succeed in study groups, reciting information, using mnemonics and rhymes, and storytelling.
- Kinesthetic learners remember better when moving, taking breaks, listening to music, skimming then rereading, and talking aloud while walking.
Teaching Strategies for Learning Styles
- Instructors can use visuals like pictures, graphs, colored markers, and videos to support visual learners.
- Auditory learners benefit from group discussions, oral instructions, and videos that reinforce material.
- Kinesthetic learners need hands-on activities, varied methods, short breaks, and movement-based experiences like field trips.
Key Terms & Definitions
- VAC model — framework describing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning preferences.
- Visual learner — prefers learning through seeing and visual aids.
- Auditory learner — prefers learning by listening and verbal communication.
- Kinesthetic learner — learns best with movement, touch, and hands-on activities.
- Mnemonic — a memory aid, such as a rhyme or acronym.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Identify your own learning style and try a recommended strategy.
- Instructors: incorporate at least one new strategy per style into your next lesson.