Understanding Your Teen’s Learning Style: A Guide for Parents

‘Tell me and I forget, teach me & I may remember, involve me and I learn’

As a parent, you play a key role in supporting your teen’s educational journey. One way to enhance your support is by understanding your teen’s learning style. By recognising how your teen processes information, you can help them make the most out of their studies. Research has shown that students perform better when their learning styles are accommodated. Studies have found that tailoring teaching methods to learning styles can enhance academic achievement and boost students’ confidence.

Identifying Learning Styles

Every student has a unique way of learning. Some thrive in visual environments, while others benefit more from auditory or kinesthetic learning. Identifying your teen’s learning style can provide valuable insights for both you and your child. The VARK model, for example, categorises learners as visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic. Understanding how your teen prefers to engage with new information can help you direct them towards study methods and resources that are better suited to their style.

Supporting Visual Learners

Visual learners tend to thrive when presented with visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and videos. If your teen is a visual learner, consider introducing them to educational apps and websites that offer visual learning resources. Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera provide a variety of visual learning materials across subjects. Apps like MindMeister and Evernote can help visual learners organise their thoughts with mind mapping and visual note-taking features.

Assisting Auditory Learners

Auditory learners absorb information best through listening and speaking. To support auditory learners, consider directing them to educational podcasts and audiobooks as supplements to their studies. Websites like TED-Ed and BBC Bitesize provide educational videos and audio resources. For a focus on language learning, apps like Duolingo and Babbel offer auditory-based learning experiences.

Aiding Reading/Writing Learners

Reading/writing learners excel in textual content and written learning materials. They tend to benefit from reading and writing tasks, as well as detailed note-taking. Encourage your teen to explore educational platforms like Project Gutenberg and Google Books for access to a wide range of reading materials. Websites such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can assist with writing improvement. Apps like Quizlet and Anki offer valuable tools for creating digital flashcards and written study aids.

Supporting Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners learn best through physical activities and hands-on experiences. Look for educational websites that offer interactive simulations and practical learning experiences. Apps like Tinkercad and GeoGebra provide interactive learning environments for subjects like mathematics and sciences. Encourage your teen to participate in hands-on activities related to their studies, such as conducting experiments or engaging in group projects.

The role of parental support in understanding and accommodating your teen’s learning style cannot be overstated. By recognising and embracing their individual preferences, you can help your teen maximise their potential and excel in their studies. Keep in mind that learning styles can be a combination of different preferences, and it’s important to explore and adapt strategies that best suit your teen’s unique needs.

Whether your teen is a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner, there are numerous tools and resources available to support their learning style. By understanding and catering to your teen’s preferred mode of learning, you can enhance their educational experience and set them up for success.

Here are some relevant resources to help you support your teen’s learning style:

Visual Learners:
– Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
– Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/
– MindMeister: https://www.mindmeister.com/
– Evernote: https://evernote.com/

Auditory Learners:
– TED-Ed: https://ed.ted.com/
– BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
– Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/
– Babbel: https://www.babbel.com/

Reading/Writing Learners:
– Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
– Google Books: https://books.google.com/
– Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
– Hemingway Editor: http://www.hemingwayapp.com/
– Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/
– Anki: https://apps.ankiweb.net/

Kinesthetic Learners:
– Tinkercad: https://www.tinkercad.com/
– GeoGebra: https://www.geogebra.org/
– Interactive simulations: https://phet.colorado.edu/

By exploring these resources and understanding your teen’s learning style, you can provide them with the necessary support to thrive academically. Remember, every teen is different, so it’s essential to encourage open communication and engage in ongoing discussions to tailor your support to their evolving needs.