Classroom-Ready Strategies for 8 Distinct Learning Styles of Students

Whether you believe that learning preferences can be categorized by Neil Fleming’s VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) or you side more with psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman who highlights that researchers have proposed anywhere from 3 to 170 different learning styles, one thing remains clear: students don’t all learn the same way. Mixing things up—talking, drawing, building, writing—not only taps into student preferences, but also keeps teachers’ lessons fresh and their students engaged.

With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the 8 most popular learning styles of students and how teachers can tailor their lessons through classroom-ready strategies to make each one work in the classroom.

8 Learning Styles of Students

The whole purpose of understanding different learning styles of students is to spark lesson ideas, it’s not about boxing students in. Let’s take a look now at the 8 most popular learning styles of students and what makes each one unique as well as practical, classroom-ready strategies educators can use right away.

1. Visual (Spatial)

Visual-spatial learners are the ones who reach for a highlighter before you’ve even said “underline.” Abstract ideas often won’t land for them unless they’re laid out visually. Diagrams, color-coding, timelines—these tools all help the lesson click. Think about a history class: isn’t it so much easier to recall a sequence of events when it’s laid out in a simple, color-coded timeline with icons? Be sure to ask students to explain their thinking when creating their visuals—how they organize and represent ideas often says more than the design itself.

Classroom-ready strategies for visual learners include:

• Organize information: Use charts, graphs, and infographics— a digital whiteboarding software like ViewSonic’s myViewBoard education software is perfect for enriching lessons with multimedia content.
• Deepen understanding: Use visual metaphors to make abstract concepts relatable. Mind-mapping and visual storytelling work well too. You can also use an interactive whiteboard for education to spotlight diagrams, annotate in real time, and keep visuals front and center.

2. Auditory

Auditory learners pick up on tone, rhythm, and phrasing—often recalling exactly how something was said. They come alive during discussions and may hum or talk quietly as they work. Silent reading and solo writing don’t always work for them; they need to hear information—and often say it out loud—for it to truly stick. It’s important to make space for structured, purposeful talk. Also, keep an eye on those who might appear distracted but are listening closely. Some auditory learners process best while doodling, moving, or even looking away.

Classroom-ready strategies for auditory learners include:

• Engage with sound: Use read-alouds, audiobooks, and podcasts to bring content to life. Digital whiteboarding software with text-to-speech features can make written material more accessible—and way more engaging.
• Promote verbal processing: Incorporate class discussions, Q&As, and structured debates. Having students talk through their thinking builds clarity and confidence.
• Support memory through rhythm: Introduce rhymes, songs, or chants—especially for facts and vocabulary.
• Encourage voice-based study: Let students record voice notes or verbal reflections to review later. Interactive learning platforms like ClassSwift supports audio responses—perfect for language learning and building speaking confidence.

3. Kinesthetic (Physical/Tactile)

Kinesthetic learners are the students tapping pencils, shifting in their seats, or asking, “When do we get to do something?” They don’t just enjoy movement—they need it as they learn best by doing. When kinesthetic learners fidget or shift in their seats, they’re often trying to stay focused as moving is a vital part of how these types of learners stay engaged. When everything stays on paper or screens, they often check out. But get them moving, and it clicks —like the student who finally understood fractions by cutting and rearranging paper. It wasn’t just visual—it was hands-on, and that made all the difference.

Classroom-ready strategies for kinesthetic learners include:

• Make it physical: Use experiments, role-plays, or classroom simulations. Think science labs, skits, or real-world scenarios that bring learning to life.
• Use materials they can touch: Manipulatives, models, or even craft supplies help turn abstract concepts into something concrete. Tools like Tinkercad let students build digitally, too.
• Add movement to routines: Rotate between stations or do quick “stand if you agree” polls to keep energy up during review.
• Support hands-on note-taking: Let students doodle, sketch, or build while they work. Whether it’s using myViewBoard, blocks, or foldables, active hands can lead to active thinking.

4. Verbal (Linguistic)

When it comes to learning styles of students, verbal learners well they love words – spoken, written, or performed. These types of learners are your poets, debaters, journalers, and storytellers. Unlike auditory learners who focus on hearing information, verbal learners thrive on using language not just hearing it—crafting ideas, choosing words, and playing with phrasing. In other words, they express understanding best when they can write or talk it out.

Classroom-ready strategies for verbal learners include:

• Write it out: Journals, reflections, and creative prompts help students process ideas through writing. Platforms like Storybird make it fun and easy to share their written work.
• Play with words: Try vocabulary games, puns, or challenges. Some interactive whiteboard apps even let you download pre-made vocabulary games for quick, engaging word work.
• Let them speak up: Encourage presentations, debates, or spoken words.

5. Logical (Analytical/Mathematical)

These are your “why?” students—not to challenge, but because they need things to make sense. They thrive on structure, patterns, and clear cause-and-effect. Abstract concepts don’t always land right away. In math, for example, algebra might feel too disconnected. But apply those same principles in physics—using formulas to explain how the world works—and suddenly it all clicks. However, these types of learners can get lost in the details so it may be necessary at times to help them step back and see the big picture.

Classroom-ready strategies for logical learners include:

• Create If-Then Logic Chains: Use statements like “If X happens, then Y results” to explore cause-and-effect—great for breaking down science experiments, historical turning points, or character decisions.
• Sort and Justify: Group concepts, data, or characters into categories and explain the logic behind each choice.
• Investigate a Mystery: Present a scenario with clues to solve. Whether it’s a scientific error, a historical twist, or a character’s hidden motive, let students use evidence and deduction to figure it out.

6. Interpersonal (Social)

Social learners thrive through interaction. They process ideas by talking them out—through discussion, peer feedback, or teamwork. You’ll often see them thinking out loud, building clarity as they speak. While they can manage independent work in short bursts, they’re most engaged when working with others. For example, a student who struggles with a new science concept until they explain it to a partner. By putting the idea into words, they clarified it for themselves. However, social learners can sometimes accidentally take over, so to keep things balanced, it’s important to assign rotating roles, set clear expectations, and make time for individual reflection.

Classroom-ready strategies for social learners include:

• Collaborate with purpose: Small group projects, partner tasks, and collaborative writing work well- especially with real-time collaborative tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
• Keep it expressive: Debates, simulations, or skits let them learn through action.
• Encourage leadership: Let them lead warm-ups, breakout groups, or mini-lessons as this helps to build confidence and communication skills.

7. Intrapersonal (Solo)

Intrapersonal learners are your deep thinkers — they may not speak up much but often turn in the most insightful reflections. Group work and noisy classrooms can overwhelm them, but give them autonomy, quiet time, and meaningful choice, and they shine. Their quiet nature doesn’t mean they’re not disengaged or shy, they are just not outwardly expressive and flourish when given space to think. Making space for independent thought builds confidence, critical thinking, and ownership.

Classroom-ready strategies for intrapersonal learners include:

• Begin with quiet solo tasks: Start lessons with journaling, reading, or personal goal-setting to help them settle in and focus. Apps like Notion, Google Keep, and OneNote are great for organizing thoughts.
• Build in regular reflection: Incorporate mindfulness or simple self-assessments to encourage reflection without requiring discussion.
• Offer flexible project options: Let students choose how to show what they’ve learned—through writing, visuals, or creative formats.

8. Naturalistic

To wrap up our deep dive into learning styles of students, let’s talk about naturalistic learners. These types of learners light up when a lesson connects to the world around them. They’re observant, curious, and drawn to patterns and systems in the natural world. They might struggle with abstract content, but give them a chance to see it in action, and they’re all in. Even in non-science subjects, naturalistic learners can thrive through nature-based analogies, data collection, and system-based thinking.

• Connect lessons to the environment: Use local weather data, plant cycles, or sustainability projects. Digital tools like Google Earth are great for bringing nature into the classroom.
• Get outside (if you can): A quick nature walk, leaf collection, or sketching session can spark curiosity. If outdoor time isn’t an option, use presentation tools with embedded videos to bring the outside in.
• Use systems thinking: Whether it’s food webs or the water cycle, these learners light up when they see how things connect. Use analogies like growth, balance, or cycles to make abstract ideas feel even more relatable.

Learning Styles of Students: The Takeaway

Teachers might recognize these 8 learning styles in their own students—or maybe even themselves—but in the end, it’s not about labeling. Understanding these different learning styles of students is about staying open to the many ways learning can happen. Most learners are not a perfect fit for just one approach (or one of the 170 theories out there!), but rather a blend of styles. And even if each student did fit just one style, teachers would still be managing a mix of preferences in any classroom. That’s why Howard Gardner acknowledges that anything you truly understand, “you can describe and convey … in several ways.” When educators keep this mindset—especially with students facing learning or behavioral challenges—they open more doors to connection, support, and growth!

From the editor: Parts of this article were originally published on ViewSonic Library.)