Engaging the Learner

Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic Input

Visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners access information in different ways and teacher input in a lesson should take account of this. Plan opportunities to deliver material in different ways.

Visual Learners enjoy images and pictures; they look and observe closely. Auditory Learners remember words to songs, rhymes and raps; they enjoy descriptions and explanations and can listen easily without losing concentration quickly. Kinaesthetic learners like models and real objects; they learn through touching, moving and doing.

To learn anything fast and effectively you have to see it, hear it and feel it.
Tony Stockwell

	these learners	teachers could
Visual	• enjoy pictures and images • like to read • notice details and look and observe closely • find spoken instructions difficult • often doodle or draw while listening	• use videos and images • provide written information and picture books • model instructions and activities • use drawings, charts and mind maps • use visual prompts
Auditory	• remember words to songs, rhymes and raps • enjoy descriptions and explanations • like to be read to • enjoy music • like to explain things to other people • listen easily without losing concentration	• read stories • include songs, rhymes and raps • talk through a process • use music as part of the lesson input • ask pupils to share ideas with each other • use visualisations
Kinaesthetic	• like models and objects • enjoy moving about • learn by touching and doing • often walk about while reading or thinking • often tap a pencil or foot when listening, often fidgets	• use artefacts and objects where possible • devise activities with movement • use role play • use actions to establish understanding