What if the learning styles myth was holding back your English progress?
Millions of people are looking for methods and tips that will help them learn English.
A few years ago, CBC published a article interesting article on the secret of language learning. According to the polyglots surveyed, the main advice is to understand how your own brain works. However, for several years now, the concept of "individual learning styles" has been debated. Although several theories exist on this subject, a common idea distinguishes three main types: kinesthetic, auditory, and visual.
Traditionally, kinesthetic learners are described as those who get the most out of physical activity combined with learning, as they make connections between their movements and the content studied. Auditory learners, on the other hand, learn better by listening, then repeating and discussing what they have heard. Finally, the visual learner benefits more from what they see than from what they hear or do. They find their bearings in colorful and logical images, such as graphs or icons.
In the video below, Dr. Tesia Marshik explains the lack of scientific data supporting the idea that a person would necessarily learn better with a particular style. She emphasizes instead that we have preferences in our way of learning, and that depending on what needs to be assimilated, a different method may prove more relevant. She points out that confining a person to a single learner category can be dangerous, as it limits their possibilities for assimilation.
Our approach is to stay attuned to ourselves and try to understand which method may be the most effective depending on the circumstances. Imagine, for example, that you are trying to memorize vocabulary by simply staring at a textbook page, and you realize that the content just isn't sticking in your mind. You might then try more visual methods, such as creating flashcards of different colors or representing the words in a diagram. Or perhaps you will discover that hearing the words pronounced on an audio file, with the ability to repeat what you hear, helps you more.
As mentioned earlier, the idea of confining a person to one of these three categories remains highly controversial. Therefore, we prefer to take this opportunity to share some useful study techniques, which can be classified according to one of these three methods.
Kinesthetic methods for learning English
A kinesthetic approach can involve listening to information in English or a show while walking or exercising. An additional step is what the CBC article calls the "shadowing" method: the recommendation is simply to "listen, repeat, listen, repeat, while walking." Another useful tactile method is to simply write down what needs to be learned on paper. Some will say that traditional school punishment of writing lines doesn't really help with learning, but in some cases, it can work, as the mind makes associations with the simple movement of the hand. Another approach that we particularly appreciate is the use of gestures during conversation practice. For example, if you are working on a dialogue about taking a phone message, pretending to actually write the note can be very helpful.
Auditory methods for learning English
An auditory approach involves anything related to hearing. Conversations with other learners or with native speakers can be very effective, as they combine both listening and repeating the content. A good auditory technique is to use resources like English radio, music, audiobooks, movies, recordings, or any other available sound media. Additionally, when you read, try to do it out loud. Repeating the same paragraph up to ten times can greatly help retain the information contained in a text.
Visual methods for learning English
Among visual methods, one can mention the use of flashcards or videos. Color coding, using highlighters or colored sticky notes, can also help the brain organize certain concepts. Another option is to use icons when taking notes, or to create concept maps to link one idea to another. Here is an example of a very simple diagram, with trigger words, that can help memorize phrases related to ordering at a restaurant.
In summary, remember that there are many ways to study English, and it is important not to dismiss a method simply because you have always considered yourself a particular type of learner. Consciously think about what you are about to learn, and the study technique that might give you the most motivation.
Dr. Marshik's lecture may provoke criticism from those who have believed for years that there is only one way to learn for each person. Why not test for yourself the benefits of different study methods? You might be surprised.
