The Different Types of Learner and The 11 Plus Exam

In the run-up to the 11 Plus exams, parents understandably want their child to be as prepared as possible; however, one area that is frequently overlooked is learning styles. This, however, should serve as something that ultimately underpins every revision session and each practice test that your child sits. If you’re new to the varying types of learners, then read on to find out what it means for your child and their learning journey.

 

The Different Types of Learner and The 11 Plus Exam

 

1 – Visual Learners

Visual learners are best suited to learning and revision sessions with visually based teaching aids; items such as charts, memory maps, images and diagrams are all revision methods that will work effectively with a visual learner.
Signs that your child is a Visual Learner
Your child may:
– Be a fast talker, who frequently interrupts,
– Require tranquil study time,
– Think in terms of pictures,
– Write extensive and detailed notes,
– Prefer to sit at the very front of the class.

 

Preparing your child for the 11 Plus Exams

Learning suggestions for Visual Learners include:

– The drawing/visualisation of key pieces of information or concepts.
– Colour coding, highlighting and underlining words/critical ideas within a text.
– Using flashcards.

 

2 – Auditory Learners

Auditory Learners are those who respond best to lessons that they’ve heard; they also excel in oral exams.
Signs that your child is an Auditory Learner
Your child may:

– Be a slow speaker who likes to explain things in full.
– Tend to be a natural listener.
– Repeat things out loud to process them.
– Read slowly.

 

Preparing your child for the 11 Plus Exams

Learning suggestions for Auditory Learners include:

– Using word associations between concepts,
– Recording key pieces of information,
– Sourcing videos that cover 11 Plus relevant revisions,
– Take part in either group or one to one discussions.

 

3 – Kinaesthetic Learners

Signs that your child is a Kinaesthetic Learner

Your child may:

– Be slower than average at talking,
– Learn through doing and experiencing real-life problems,
– Prefer hands-on tasks,
– Become impatient, fidgety or talkative,
– Frequently ask for breaks from study,
– Have a short attention span.

 

Preparing your child for the 11 Plus Exams

Learning suggestions for Kinaesthetic Learners include:

– Revision periods should be in shorter and more frequent blocks.
– Trips out for learning in suitable real-world environments should be factored in where possible.
– Use memory games, such as flashcard tests.
– Study in groups, talking through key points.

 

4 – Read and Write Learners

The Read and Write learner model has only recently been suggested as another form of a learner.

Signs that your child is a Read and Write Learner
Your child may:

– Prefer to learn facts through repetitive reading and writing,
– Write extensive notes throughout lessons.

 

Preparing your child for the 11 Plus Exams

Learning suggestions for Read and Write Learners include:

– Post It Notes placed around the house with key pieces of information,
– Reading and Writing of key concepts (split into digestible chunks with sessions no longer than 30 minutes long).

Here at Eleven plus Tutors, we have tutored students from all Learner types and helped them achieve the results they deserve through bespoke teaching methods. We are highly adept at producing customised learning programmes that make the most out of each child’s strengths.