Navigating high school can be challenging, especially if your teen’s learning style isn’t fully understood or supported. Trying to teach them without recognizing how they learn best can lead to frustration for you and your teen.
But when you teach to their strengths? The results can be nothing short of transformative.
In this post, I’ll share how identifying and adapting to your teen’s learning style can completely change their academic experience—from struggling with subjects like Algebra and English to excelling beyond expectations.
Understanding Your Teen’s Learning Style
Students learn differently, and these preferences are often apparent by the time they’re in high school. You might notice that your teen remembers things better when they see them written down, or maybe they grasp concepts quickly when they hear them explained.
These preferences are more than just habits—they’re critical insights into how your teen learns best. Educators often categorize learning styles into four primary groups: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic. While some students may strongly favor one style, others might be a mix of two or more. The key to effective tutoring is recognizing these styles and adapting the teaching methods to match.
A Success Story: Turning Around a Struggling Student
Let me share a story about a high school student I worked with—let’s call him Aaron. Aaron was in the 10th grade and was struggling with Algebra. Despite putting in the effort, his grades were slipping, and his confidence was at an all-time low. His parents knew he was capable but were frustrated by his lack of progress.
When I started working with Aaron, it quickly became clear that his teachers’ traditional methods weren’t effective for him. They relied heavily on written notes and problem-solving exercises, but Aaron didn’t respond well.
During our sessions, I noticed Aaron was much more engaged when discussing the problems. He could follow along and understand the concepts when they were explained verbally, even if he struggled when working alone. That’s when I realized that Aaron was an auditory learner.
I shifted our sessions to focus more on discussions and verbal explanations. Instead of relying solely on written exercises, I used storytelling techniques and verbal problem-solving to reinforce the material. I even recorded our sessions so Aaron could listen to them again later.
The change was remarkable. Within weeks, Aaron’s grades started improving, and his confidence grew. He began participating more in class and even started helping his friends with their homework. Aaron wasn’t a struggling student anymore—he just needed to learn in a way that made sense to him.
Visual Learners: Seeing is Believing
Visual learners absorb information best when it’s presented in pictures, charts, or diagrams. If your teen is a visual learner, they’ll thrive when they can see what they’re learning.
In my tutoring sessions, I use charts, graphs, and other visual aids to help these students grasp concepts. I also involve them in creating these visual tools. For example, if we’re working on biology, I might have them draw diagrams of cell structures. This hands-on approach gives them a stronger connection to the material.
Online resources like Khan Academy and Coursera offer great visual learning opportunities. Videos, infographics, and even educational documentaries on platforms like YouTube can also be incredibly effective for visual learners.
Auditory Learners: The Power of Sound
If your teen responds well to lectures, discussions, or listening to explanations, they might be an auditory learner. These students benefit most from hearing the information.
In our sessions, I make sure to incorporate plenty of verbal explanations and discussions. I also provide audio clips from various sources to offer different perspectives. Sometimes, I record our sessions so your teen can listen to them again, reinforcing their learning.
Podcasts and audiobooks are fantastic resources for auditory learners. Whether it’s a history podcast or an audiobook on physics, these tools can greatly improve their understanding and retention.
Read/Write Learners: The Traditionalists
Read/Write learners excel when they can engage with written materials. If this sounds like your teen, they likely do well with textbooks, note-taking, and written exercises.
I provide these students with plenty of written resources and encourage them to rewrite information in their own words. This technique helps solidify their understanding. Traditional learning tools like flashcards, study guides, and written assignments are their go-to methods.
Kinesthetic Learners: Hands-On and On the Move
Some teens learn best by doing—they need to move, build, and engage physically with the material. This isn’t a disadvantage; it’s just how they engage with the world.
For kinesthetic learners, I incorporate as much physical interaction as possible. This could mean hands-on science experiments, interactive math problems, or even creative projects that involve building or creating. One of my favorite strategies is to have them create videos or presentations that engage them in research, writing, and editing—a perfect fit for their active learning style.
How I Determine Your Teen’s Learning Style
When your teen starts tutoring with me, I take the time to understand their learning style. Parents and teachers often have insights, but I also observe how your teen interacts with different materials and tasks. This helps me tailor my approach to their specific needs.
While formal assessments like the VARK questionnaire can offer valuable insights, ongoing observation and adaptation are essential. By constantly fine-tuning our sessions, I can ensure that your teen is learning most effectively.
And So, …
Tailoring tutoring to your teen’s learning style isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer. By teaching them in a way that resonates, we can unlock their full potential. Whether they’re visual, auditory, read/write, or kinesthetic learners, there’s a method that will make learning more effective and enjoyable.
Ready to see your teen thrive? Let’s explore their learning style and turn challenges into successes.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Want to enhance your teen’s learning experience and help them get the most out of high school? Reach out today for a free consultation! We’ll discuss your teen’s unique needs, explore tailored strategies, and create a plan to make their educational journey successful. We’re Dana and Nathan Hurwitz, The Tutor Duo. Visit us at www.thetutorduo.com/contact/, and let’s start making your teen’s education a success!
