“The mind is not a vessel to be filled , but a fire to be kindled” – Greek Philosopher Plutarch
If we observe a group of children learning together , we’ll quickly learn that each child engages with information differently. Research has shown that children are not wired the same way and hence they prefer to receive, process and express information differently. Some students may gravitate towards visual materials, others may respond more actively to hands-on experiences, while some others may thrive through discussion and listening. These preferences shape how comfortably and confidently children engage with learning.
Even though the idea of “Learning Styles” has widespread appeal ; the concept itself generates considerable debate among educators and academicians. Because of the practical challenges involved in tailoring instruction to every child’s preferred mode, many parents, teachers and academicians, despite recognizing individual differences, sometimes dismiss the idea altogether as a neuromyth. This has led to an unintended oversimplification of a more important truth: children benefit not from rigidly fixed learning styles, but from flexible and responsive learning environments.
A flexible learning approach means we don’t just confine our children to a single mode of learning alone ; instead we would be gradually expanding the child’s ability to learn through multiple pathways ; while acknowledging their learning preferences. When the educators and parents adopt this sort of approach , they enable the child to move beyond just labels and nurture adaptability , resilience and deeper understanding in them. So, such an approach shifts the focus from categorizing children to cultivating their true potential.
Maneuvering Around Learning Challenges:
Many children face learning challenges during their early years of schooling. Some of these challenges are clinical in nature, such as specific learning disorders or attention-related difficulties, while others may be subtle and go undiagnosed. Regardless of the cause, the impact on a child’s academic performance and self-esteem can be profound.
I, too, experienced minor learning difficulties during my school years. Many classroom lectures seemed to go over my head. At the time, I did not fully understand why I struggled, but over the years, I gradually learned to maneuver around these challenges; sometimes consciously, sometimes intuitively. Looking back, I realize that the mode of instruction often did not align with how I processed information best.
The Hindi film Taare Zameen Par powerfully illustrates the emotional weight of such struggles. It shows how misunderstood learning challenges can affect a child’s confidence, sense of worth and overall performance. When a child repeatedly feels “less capable,” the damage is not merely academic; it is deeply psychological.
In such cases, engaging with diverse and flexible learning styles can make a world of difference. When teaching incorporates visual and kinesthetic elements- diagrams, demonstrations, hands-on activities, movement- it often sparks greater curiosity and engagement, irrespective of the subject. For many children, including myself, learning becomes meaningful when it is experienced rather than merely heard.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
This is another condition that can very much influence the child’s ability to focus on anything or regulate attention. While its effects are complex and multifaceted – ranging from neurological to genetic factors and even environmental influences ; what remains clear is that children with attention differences benefit greatly if their learning process is structured , engaging and interactive.
Years of research in this space has increasingly emphasized, that when learning feels more relevant and stimulating , children are likely to sustain much more attention and develop an intrinsic level of curiosity for the subject . When educators and parents are able to move beyond rigid , one-size-fits-all models and adopt a much more flexible teaching strategy; they empower children to overcome challenges instead of being limited by them .
Ultimately, the goal is not merely to help children cope with learning difficulties but to empower them to discover how they learn best; thereby restoring confidence, nurturing curiosity and unlocking their full potential.
Experts say on Learning Styles:
We understand that each of us uses different learning modes and thinking styles to learn and process information. Prominent experts such as Neil Fleming, David Kolb and Richard Felder suggest that there is much more to learning than simply having a dominant learning style.
It is commonly understood that most people use all learning styles to some extent, depending on the situation. However, the learning experience tends to be more effective and engaging when individuals use the style with which they are most comfortable.
The VARK model (V – Visual, A – Auditory, R – Read/Write, K – Kinesthetic) is one of the most widely recognized classifications of learning styles. For example, my daughter often struggles to understand history in class. Since she tends to be more visual and prefers learning through reading and writing, she finds it difficult to grasp historical events when they are explained primarily through lectures. She cannot easily visualize the past in that format. In such cases, visual aids or educational videos might enhance her understanding.
Similarly, some students appear reluctant to begin project work independently, even if they are otherwise studious. They may simply feel less comfortable with kinesthetic or hands-on tasks. They may hesitate to start manual activities, but once they begin, they often become fully engaged.
Recently, a friend of mine was searching for a Kindle that could play audiobooks – something that can easily be done using an iPad or tablet. However, the device itself was not the main issue. The situation highlights how strongly some individuals prefer the auditory mode of learning. For such learners, simply reading digital text is not sufficient; they comprehend and retain information more effectively when they can listen to it. This preference reflects the broader idea that learning becomes more meaningful when it aligns with an individual’s dominant or preferred learning style.
Learning Abilities, Thinking Modes, and Learning Styles
Learning Abilities- Core capacities by which information is grasped & transformed as knowledge :
It is important to recognize that, through a combination of inheritance, past experiences and the demands of our current environment, each of us develops learning preferences that emphasize certain abilities over others.
The learning process is both complex and dynamic, gradually shaping a unique and individualized way of processing information. As we grow, the experiences we encounter and the choices we make contribute to a form of self-structuring. This process influences how we perceive, interpret, internalize and intentionally apply knowledge.
TThis individualized pattern of development determines the learning mode we are most likely to rely on in different situations. According to experiential learning theory, particularly as proposed by David Kolb, individuals tend to favor one or more of the following modes:
- Concrete Experience– Learning through direct involvement, feelings and sensory engagement. Emotions and vivid experiences often serve as strong memory triggers.
- Reflective Observation– Learning by carefully observing, gathering information and thoughtfully considering how events unfold before taking action.
- Abstract Conceptualization- Learning through analytical thinking, logical reasoning and the development of theoretical or scientific understanding.
- Active Experimentation- Learning by doing, engaging in action, testing ideas and gaining insight through hands-on experience.
Depending on the mode a child naturally gravitates toward, their thinking orientation may vary across different contexts. Over time, these preferences influence how they approach problems, process information and respond to learning environments. We discuss in detail on Learning Ability & Individual Learning Orientation in future chapters where we discuss Individual Orientation & Learning Cycle.
Thinking Orientation Or Individual Learning Orientation :
According to established research, there are four primary thinking orientations. Each represents a distinct way individuals perceive, process and apply information.
According to established research , there are four primary thinking orientations , each reflecting a distinct way individuals would perceive , process and apply information. In essence – these orientations influence how a child approaches situations , interprets experiences and ultimately constructs knowledge.
1. Convergent Thinking
Convergent thinkers combine abstract conceptualization with active experimentation. This orientation is highly effective for problem-solving, decision-making and the practical application of ideas. Individuals with this style tend to focus on finding clear, correct solutions and are often drawn to structured, outcome-driven environments where clarity, accuracy and results matter.
Examples: Engineers and other professionals in solution-focused, yes/no decision-making roles.
2. Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinkers emphasize concrete experience and reflective observation. They are imaginative, creative and skilled at generating ideas from seemingly unrelated concepts. These individuals excel at viewing situations from multiple perspectives and often focus on creating meaningful, value-driven change.
Examples: Artists, historians, psychologists.
3. Assimilative Thinking
This orientation is characterized by strengths in reflective observation and abstract conceptualization. Assimilators excel at developing logical frameworks, theories and hypotheses. They are analytical and prefer ideas grounded in sound reasoning rather than immediate practical application.
Examples: Mathematicians, chemists, physicists, economists.
4. Accommodative Thinking
Accommodative thinkers rely on concrete experience and active experimentation. They are action-oriented, intuitive and comfortable taking calculated risks to bring ideas to life. Rather than overanalyzing, they prefer learning by doing.
Examples: Entrepreneurs and business leaders.Insight: For managers and leaders in the corporate world , understanding these thinking orientations can significantly enhance team effectiveness. By intentionally building teams with a balanced mix of thinking styles, organizations can improve collaboration, innovation and overall performance. The right cognitive diversity can make a substantial difference in achieving strategic objectives.
Learning Styles[How each child prefers to receive information]:
As mentioned earlier, many educators refer to the VARK model developed by Neil Fleming, although there has also been extensive research in this field by scholars such as David Kolb, who explored learning through experiential models. While no single framework fully captures how individuals learn, these models offer useful insights into preferred learning approaches.
1. Visual Learners
Visual learners absorb information best when it is presented in a visual format. They respond strongly to images, diagrams, charts, color codes, mind maps and spatial organization. For many individuals, visual learning feels natural because, from early childhood, we are exposed to picture books, symbols and visual demonstrations.
These learners often:
- Understand concepts quickly when they see them represented graphically
- Make connections between ideas through imagery.
- Remember information better when it is color-coded or structured visually.
- Benefit from drawing, mapping and visual summaries
Incorporating visuals such as infographics, flowcharts and concept diagrams significantly enhances their understanding and retention.
2. Auditory Learners
Auditory learners prefer listening as their primary mode of understanding. They are comfortable with lectures, discussions, storytelling and verbal explanations. Traditionally, much of formal schooling has relied heavily on this method, although modern education increasingly integrates multiple approaches to improve engagement.
These learners typically:
- Grasp concepts better through discussion and explanation
- Enjoy group conversations and verbal processing.
- Remember information by hearing it repeated.
- Benefit from podcasts, debates and recorded lectures
To stimulate their curiosity, introducing new topics verbally and encouraging interactive dialogue is especially effective.
3. Read/Write Learners
Read/Write learners prefer engaging with text-based materials such as books, articles, notes,s and online resources. They process information deeply through reading, writing and rewriting content in their own words. You may notice they often recreate or reorganize their notes as a method of internalizing concepts.
These learners tend to:
- Enjoy structured text and detailed explanations
- Reflect deeply by writing summaries or journals.
- Strengthen understanding through research and documentation.
- Develop clarity by translating ideas into written form.
This style can be cultivated by encouraging purposeful reading, reflective writing and analytical reviews. Asking students to read books and write structured reflections can gradually strengthen this orientation.
4. Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners thrive through hands-on experiences. They learn best by doing, moving, building, experimenting, or physically engaging with material. Purely lecture-based environments may not hold their attention for long.
These learners:
- Prefer practical exercises, simulations and real-world projects
- Retain information through physical engagement.
- Benefit from role-plays, experiments and demonstrations
- Learn effectively when movement or tactile interaction is involved.
Incorporating project-based learning, lab work, interactive models and movement-based activities greatly enhances their comprehension.
Learning Flexibility:
One of the most important dimensions of learning is learning flexibility – the ability to adapt one’s learning approach based on the demands of a situation.
A learning style is not a rigid, unchangeable trait. Rather, it is a habitual pattern shaped by early experiences, environment and orientation during childhood. Most of the time, we adopt these patterns unconsciously. However, with awareness and intentional effort, they can be modified and expanded.
When an individual strongly prefers one or two learning modes, their effectiveness may be limited to situations that suit those preferences. While specialization can offer comfort and efficiency, it may reduce adaptability in unfamiliar or complex environments.
This is why it’s widely accepted by experiential learning enthusiasts that education should begin by supporting all dimensions of a child’s growth , creating a balanced and holistic learning journey from the early years itself.
Key Insights To Understand Learning Flexibility?
Learning flexibility is the capacity to:
- Engage with all four learning modes (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic)
- Move fluidly through different stages of the learning cycle.
- Adjust one’s approach depending on the task, context, or challenge.
Instead of asking, “What is my learning style?” a more powerful question becomes:
“Which learning approach does this situation require?”
An effective learner can:
- Observe carefully when reflection is needed
- Read and research when depth is required.
- Listen and discuss when clarity is needed.
- Experiment and practice when an application is necessary
The ability to shift from one mode to another strengthens comprehension, retention and real-world performance.
Conclusion:
“Learning how to learn should be a focus of our education” – James Zull.
It is always advisable to begin a child’s learning journey through their most comfortable learning style. When children are first engaged in a way that feels natural and familiar, they build confidence, curiosity and a positive emotional connection to learning.
However, the goal should not be to confine them to a single style. With thoughtful mentoring and gradual exposure, children can be guided to strengthen other learning modes as well. This intentional expansion nurtures learning flexibility: the ability to adapt one’s approach based on the demands of a situation.