"Learning styles" is the idea that different students learn very differently and can be clever in different ways.
Individuals don’t all learn the same way. Some prefer discussion and to relate to people, some benefit very well from a good lecture, some are solitary readers or writers, some need to visualize a picture, and others need to try doing it.
What individuals learn can depend on whether the teaching fits their learning style.
Besides, looking at a topic through different kinds of activities will make your sessions much more stimulating and insightful.
If you have a student who is struggling, you should consider whether your teaching has been inappropriate for their learning style, and you should also be aware that some cultures prefer some kinds of learning to others.
There are many ways to look at learning styles; here's a good sample that will cover the basics. Some educators identify types, and here are a few:
Visual learners
These learners want to see something, especially a diagram or picture. If asked to explain something, their natural first choice is to draw a diagram.
Audiolearners
These learners like sound. They find a verbal explanation very helpful, and will prefer to explain something orally.
Theoretical learners
These learners like to think it through and make sure they understand it before they feel ready to do anything. Logical consistency is very important.
Activist learners
These learners like to do it straight away and see what happens. They get frustrated if asked to carefully think something through before trying to do it.
Reflective learners
These learners want to mull it over before taking action.
Relaters
Relaters feel that relating to people is most important. They look at relationships and personalities, and want to learn from other people. They are very interested in how people tick but aren’t very interested in abstract ideas.
Active experimenters
Active experimenters are motivated by the question, "What would happen if I did this?" They ask "What if ...?" and "Why not... ?".
Language-oriented learners
Language-oriented learners think in words, and are sensitive to their meanings, sounds and rhythms. They verbalize concepts, and tell tales and jokes. They might like reading or prefer oral communication.
Kinaesthetic learners
These learners are good at physical activities and are naturally active. They have a good understanding of their own physical movement and are often good at sport, dancing and other physical activities. They process knowledge through physical sensations and naturally want to touch the object that they are learning about. The idea of five kilograms doesn't mean much to them; they want to pick it up and feel the weight.
Musical learners
Musical learners listen for ideas in music and how to interpret sounds.
Other educators prefer to look at pairs of variables:
Concrete or abstract
Does an individual learn by direct concrete experience (doing, acting, sensing, and feeling) or abstractly by analysing, observing, and thinking.
Active or reflective processors
Does an individual make sense of new information by immediately using it? Or do they learn better through reflecting on it?
Right brain or left brain
Does a student look at the parts, think in sequential linear logic, and try to be analytical and objective? Or are they intuitive and holistic, looking also at the personal feelings and perspectives of the people involved?
Auditory or visual
Do they learn better through listening or through seeing something such as print, film, picture, or diagram?
Applied or conceptual
Applied learners want tasks with real objects and practical, real-life learning situations. Conceptual learners prefer ideas.
Spatial or nonspatial
Can they visualize how things work and their position in space? Or do they tend to rely on verbal or language skills?
Social or independent
Do they want to work with other people and enjoy personal interaction? Or do they like to work and study alone and set their own goals?
Creative or pragmatic learners
Are they imaginative and inventive? Do they like discovery and taking risks? Or are they practical, logical, and systematic.
Thinkers or implementers
Do they want to discover the relevancy or "why" of a situation and reason from information that is detailed, systematic, reasoned and concrete? Or do they want to know how to apply information, look at practical implications, and try it out?
Divergers or convergers
Do they seek to generate many different answers, or do they try to use detailed, systematic, reasoned information to work toward a single preferred answer?