How a Tutor identifies your learning style

How a Tutor identifies your learning style

It's really helpful if your tutor can identify your learning style, as they can then tailor their teaching methods to suit you best. Here are some ways a tutor might go about this:

1. Direct Inquiry and Questionnaires:

●       Asking you directly: The most straightforward way is for your tutor to simply ask you about your learning preferences. They might ask questions like:

○       "How do you typically like to study?"

○       "What kind of learning activities do you find most engaging?"

○       "Do you prefer reading, listening, doing, or a combination?"

○       "What has worked well for you in the past when learning a language or other subjects?"

●       Using learning style questionnaires: Some tutors use formal or informal questionnaires to get a better understanding of your learning style. These questionnaires might ask about your preferences for different types of learning materials, activities, and environments.

2. Observation and Analysis:

●       Observing your behaviour during lessons: A good tutor will pay attention to how you interact with the material and respond to different teaching methods. For example:

○       Do you take detailed notes? (Visual/Reading/Writing)

○       Do you ask a lot of questions? (Auditory/Kinesthetic)

○       Do you prefer hands-on activities and role-playing? (Kinesthetic)

○       Do you seem to learn best when things are explained visually with diagrams or charts? (Visual)

●       Analysing your work: Your tutor might look at your written work, how you approach tasks, and how you respond to feedback to get insights into your learning style.

3. Trying Different Approaches:

●       Experimenting with various methods: A skilled tutor will likely try different teaching techniques and activities to see which ones resonate with you best. They might use a combination of:

○       Visual aids (flashcards, images, videos)

○       Auditory materials (podcasts, dialogues, songs)

○       Kinesthetic activities (role-playing, games, hands-on exercises)

○       Reading and writing tasks (grammar exercises, essays, translations)

●       Adapting to your responses: As they experiment, your tutor will observe your reactions and adjust their approach based on your engagement and progress.

4. Open Communication:

●       Encouraging feedback: Your tutor should create a safe and open environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and preferences. They should encourage you to provide feedback on what works well for you and what doesn't.

●       Regular check-ins: Regular conversations about your learning experience can help your tutor refine their approach and better cater to your needs.

Important Note:

It's crucial to remember that learning styles are not absolute categories. Most people have a combination of different learning preferences, and these can even change over time or depending on the subject matter. The goal is not to label yourself but to find the methods that make learning most effective and enjoyable for you.

By actively participating in the process and communicating openly with your tutor, you can work together to identify your learning style and create a learning plan that maximizes your potential.