Visual Learners
Learning Styles
Not everyone learns in the same way. People vary widely in their ability to retain information, and one of the most important determinants of how much a person will retain is how well matched the method of presentation is with his or her natural manner of processing information. There are several identified styles of learning, including: kinesthetic, visual and auditory. For many people, one learning style is dominant over the rest. When trying to reach a wide audience, it may be helpful to combine aspects of all learning styles.
Visual Learners
Visual learners acquire knowledge mainly through sight. It is most beneficial for them to see material in any form.
Examples of chemistry demonstrations for visual learners: Tollens, Burning Metals, Blue Bottles, Disappearing Styrofoam, Elephant's Toothpaste, Luminol, Rainbow Reaction, Universal Indicator.
It might be useful to apply some of the following techniques while teaching visual learners:
- Use visual representations of material (charts, graphs, etc.)
- Write out information, such as on a blackboard or PowerPoint presentation
- Include videos and pictures in lectures
- Include demonstrations
If you are a visual learner, you may find it helpful to alter your study habits in the following ways:
- Picture material in your head.
- Use flashcards
- Write notes
- Use highlighters to emphasize important information