How to Change a Student's Learning Style

by Andrea Buckner Schoenherr

Overview

Popularized by Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory, teachers recognize that each student is gifted in some respect. While teachers should allow students to learn using all learning styles, it is undeniable that some students would benefit from increasing their ability to use the traditional styles of verbal and logical. Perhaps you have a student who doesn't display great strength in any learning style and would like to. Or there may be a student who would love to increase his auditory intelligence but struggles. Regardless of the scenario, it can be helpful to assist students in expanding and modifying their learning styles.

Step 1

Have the student take a learning style inventory. It is helpful for both the student and the teacher to identify the student's learning style. Consider having the student take several surveys to check for consistency of results. Also have the student reflect on the survey results to see if they seem accurate. See the Resources section for possible inventories.
Step 2

Conference with the student about the results of the learning inventories. Discuss ways the student can use his dominant learning styles to help him succeed in the class. Also discuss a plan to further develop other learning styles.
Step 3

Write a contract that includes activities the student will complete to help increase a targeted learning style. For example, a student who wants to improve her visual style can create a sketch for each vocabulary word, use highlighters on important text, and use more multimedia materials. Completing the activities in the contract can help modify the student's learning style over time. See the Resources section for activities that correlate to each learning style.
Step 4

Conduct follow up meetings with the student to see how the modification is progressing. Write a new contract if needed with new ideas to try.

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Learning style inventory Contract
Learning style inventory
Contract
Do not pressure students to change their learning styles. Also encourage them to use their natural strengths in creative ways to excel in the classroom.
Do not pressure students to change their learning styles. Also encourage them to use their natural strengths in creative ways to excel in the classroom.

Overview