How Does Learning Work and What are the Different Types?

Before we can dive into the different types of learning, we should first clarify how learning works in the brain and under what conditions.

How Does Learning Work:

In order to be able to learn effectively, it is helpful to know how the brain basically works. The following aspects must be taken into account:

• Memory is divided into different stores (short-term and long-term memory).
  This means that information that ends up in short-term memory is unfortunately not automatically learned and is therefore quickly forgotten.
• There is a filter between the memories.
  In order for information to enter the long-term memory, it must be overcome. Various learning techniques can help with this.
• The capacity of the short-term storage system is limited.
  Often no more than 7 units of knowledge can be remembered. Therefore, the learning content should be divided into units that are learned one after the other.
• The order in which information is received is relevant.
  Information that is learned at the beginning or end of a learning unit can be better absorbed by short-term memory. Therefore, care should be taken to position difficult content exactly at these points in the learning unit.
• Interference displaces information.
  Distractions during a learning phase have a massive negative impact on learning success and should therefore be avoided. In addition, it is important to regularly incorporate small breaks and to keep them. Relaxation exercises at the beginning and end of a learning phase can also be helpful.
• The left and right hemispheres of the brain have different focal points.
  The right half is responsible for areas such as creativity or visual thinking, while the left half is more specialized in language, organization, sequences, and logic. For optimal learning success, both hemispheres of the brain should be activated during learning.

This can be done, for example, by combining different learning types, which are presented in the following section.

Different Learning Types

At this point, we would like to mention that the view that people can be divided into clear learning types and should then focus only on this form of learning has now been refuted by scientific research. However, we would like to introduce them anyway, as it makes sense to know different types of learners. This is because it allows individual preferences to be better understood and combinations to be chosen more consciously.

Auditory Learning

Here we learn by listening. A good way to learn independently in this area is to say the learning content out loud, record it (as a voice message or video, for example) and then listen to it over and over again. You shouldn’t be irritated by the sound of your own voice, it’s a matter of getting used to. This form is particularly helpful for very complex learning content or learning content that requires particular explanation.

Visual Learning

We learn here through images. The learning content can be presented and visualized, for example, as a mind map or graphic. Simplicity should also be taken into account, as simple representations can be memorized better. Here, everyone can learn with their own style and, for example, use symbols or colors that they particularly like.

Learning by Reading

Learning takes place by reading texts. If the learning content is conveyed through secondary texts that are not immediately easy for the learner to understand, it can help to write down the content in your own words and read through it again and again.

Learning by Writing

Written learning is a very strong and practical form of learning and therefore the most common method for many people besides reading. The learning content can be written down and also presented at the same time with bright colors or different fonts in a way that is most appealing to the learner.

These types of learners are often combined with each other and they should, as this significantly increases the chance of learning success.