How do you prefer to learn? What works best for you? When you know how you learn well, you’ll more easily become successful at learning. Below, I’ve listed the 4 main types of learners (according to the VARK model of learning) with specific tips and tools you can try when learning languages, that fit each type best.
If you don’t know your preferred type, I recommend exploring different types and see what (combination) works best for you. If you are working with a teacher: tell them your type(s), so that the teacher can guide you accordingly. We are usually a combination of different types, with 1 or 2 more dominant. Good luck!
1. Visual Learners
If this is you, you’ll probably have a strong memory for faces, visual details, can easily imagine things in your mind, and remember where something was on a page. You might find yourself distracted in class, but get extra attentive when watching videos. These types learn best via anything visual: images, pictures, videos, illustrations, colours, diagrams, maps, flashcards.
Things you can try:
- Images combined with words when learning vocabulary.
- Memrise is a great language learning app that is very visual focused.
- Because grammar is often not presented very visually, Zichtbaarnederlands does a great job of visualising Dutch grammar (online, or book version).
- Use PowerPoints, or getting text shown while learning. You’ll see that words/text can be memorised similarly to images.
- Watch videos (with subtitles).
- Use colours, colour-coded notes, or coloured pencils to highlight important information.
- Use teaching methods/books with lots of pictures or illustrations.
2. Auditory Learners
You’re probably a good listener, somebody who remembers names better than faces, and can recite every snippet of conversation you’ve had with someone. These types prefer hearing and speaking: listening to audio, lectures, discussions, podcasts and verbal explanations.
Things for you to try:
- Listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Some podcast I recommend are: ‘Een Beetje Nederlands', ‘5-minuten Nederlands’, en ‘Learn Dutch with this novel for beginners’.
- Repeat spoken phrases.
- Read out loud or think out loud.
- Record yourself (reading the vocabulary lists or example sentences) and listen back later.
- Discuss materials together with your peers.
- Listen to music (with vocals).
- Phonetic mnemonics: link a new foreign word to a familiar sound or phrase in your own language (for example: ‘The cow says moo, because it’s tired.’ —> ‘Moe’ means tired).
- Use rhymes and rhythm to remember patterns (‘time, manner, place - that’s the Dutch embrace’).
- Study in a quiet environment.
- (Extra) one-on-one tutoring to have new/difficult information talked through.
3. Verbal or Linguistic Learners
You probably have beautiful handwriting and are excellent at organising notes and writing summaries. These types do best by reading and writing. If this is you, you love words: vocabulary lists, storytelling, definitions, writing notes, and reading articles.
Things you could try:
- Make notes during class.
- Create your own sentences or stories after learning new words.
- Rewrite or paraphrase dialogues, or what you’ve learned.
- Read books.
- Wordplay, metaphors, analogies and rhymes to understand and remember a concept (for example this metaphor: ‘the verb is like a loyal dog, it always comes second’).
- Read out loud.
- Write summaries.
4. Kinaesthetic Learners
Are you easily bored in class and find it hard to sit still? This might be you. You’re somebody who gets confused by grammar rules and explanations. You like to just do, and trial-and-error your way through. These types learn best by doing, ideally via “immersion”: interacting, using the language in real-life situations, and practicing actively.
Things to try:
- Role plays.
- (Word)puzzles.
- Try to walk/move while learning, or for example bounce a tennis ball while reciting vocabulary.
- Writing a creative text, drawing a diagram, or making a PowerPoint can also help you actively engage with the content.
- Use gestures, movement, or objects while learning (e.g. tapping your finger on the table, or any movement with the hands or objects).
- Take regular breaks: don’t study for long hours, but divide it in short bursts.
I hope this blog was helpful and/or inspiring. Happy learnings!