An auditory learner is an individual who has the ability to retain and learn new information through the process of listening and discussing. These individuals do not necessarily take notes in the classroom but prefer to engage in discussion about a topic and enjoy asking questions as part of the learning process.
The Auditory Learning Style
The auditory learning style is one in which the learner interprets meaning and solidifies understanding through the form of active listening. These individuals can often times appear to be disengaged from the learning process simply because they do not take notes as the instructor is facilitating. However, when the instructor poses a question to the auditory learner, he/she is able to quickly and correctly respond by recalling information that has been discussed in class.
Auditory learners have a tendency to focus on the inflection, speed, volume, tone and pitch of the instructor’s voice. They can easily recall the details of a conversation, discussion, speech or lecture.
Auditory Learning Style Challenges
Individual classroom activities, projects and assignments are not an ideal way for an auditory learner to learn or retain information. They become bored and distracted from the new material being taught. Side chatter amongst classmates also poses a problem because it prevents the auditory learner from hearing the instructor.
Difficulties for Auditory Learners Include:
- Solitary classroom work.
- An instructor that does not permit questions from students or engage the class in a Q&A session.
- A lack of dialogue or classroom discussion to review course material.
- Ample time for discussion, questions, answers, debate and verbal activities are required to engage and support an auditory learner.
Issues and challenges will arise when auditory learners in the classroom are not verbally engaged throughout the course.
Ways to Enhance an Auditory Learner’s Educational Experience
An auditory learner enjoys speaking out loud in the class and listening to others as they speak about the topic being taught. The use of a tape recorder, the ability to read text out loud and the opportunity to discuss course material in the classroom will enhance the auditory learner’s classroom experience.
Strategies to Assist Auditory Learners Include:
- Instructors that verbally explain to the students what they will be learning at the beginning of each class.
- Instructors that provide an opportunity for review using a variety of methods including question and answer sessions, discussions, debates and group presentations.
- Lectures or presentations that contain a variety of real life stories, anecdotes or examples.
- Instructions or directions that are provided verbally.
Auditory learners need to learn in an environment that supports lots of discussion and questions. They have the tendency to talk out loud when reading, ask a bevy of questions for clarification and actively engage in discussion to solidify learning.
In order for an auditory learner to be successful in the classroom it is imperative that the instructor be aware of the unique learning style of the verbal learner.
The key to successful learning is an instructor that clearly understands each different learning style including visual, verbal and kinesthetic and effectively incorporate necessary teaching strategies and methodologies into the training session.
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