Visual-Spatial Learner: An Introduction (continued)
Here are the basic distinctions between the visual-spatial and auditory-sequential learner:
| The Auditory-Sequential Learner | The Visual-Spatial Learner |
| Thinks primarily in words | Thinks primarily in pictures |
| Has auditory strengths | Has visual strengths |
| Relates well to time | Relates well to space |
| Is a step-by-step learner | Is a whole-part learner |
| Learns by trial and error | Learns concepts all at once |
| Progresses sequentially from easy to difficult material |
Learns complex concepts easily;
Struggles with easy skills |
| Is an analytical thinker | Is a good synthesizer |
| Attends well to details | Sees the big picture; may miss details |
| Follows oral directions well | Reads maps well |
| Does well at arithmetic | Is better at math reasoning than computation |
| Learns phonics easily | Learns whole words easily |
| Can sound out spelling words | Must visualize words to spell them |
| Can write quickly and neatly | Much better at keyboarding than handwriting |
| Is well organized | Creates unique methods of organization |
| Can show steps of work easily | Arrives at correct solutions intuitively |
| Excels at rote memorization | Learns best by seeing relationships |
| Has good auditory short-term memory | Has good long-term visual memory |
| May need some repetition to reinforce learning |
Learns concepts permanently; does not learn by drill and repetition |
| Learns well from instructions | Develops own methods of problem solving |
| Learns in spite of emotional reactions | Is very sensitive to teachers' attitudes |
| Is comfortable with one right answer | Generates unusual solutions to problems |
| Develops fairly evenly | Develops quite asynchronously (unevenly) |
| Usually maintains high grades | May have very uneven grades |
| Enjoys algebra and chemistry | Enjoys geometry and physics |
| Masters other languages in classes | Masters other languages through immersion |
| Is academically talented | Is creatively, technologically, mechanically, emotionally or spiritually gifted |
| Is an early bloomer | Is a late bloomer |
At the Gifted Development Center, we have been exploring the visual-spatial learner phenomenon for over 2 decades. We have developed strategies for working effectively with these children, guidance for parents on living with visual-spatial learners, and techniques to help visual-spatial students learn successfully through their strengths. This information is now available in Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual-Spatial Learner (Denver: DeLeon Publishing, 2002) and Raising Topsy-Turvy Kids: Successfully Parenting Your Visual-Spatial Child (Denver: DeLeon Publishing, 2004).
Reprinted with the permission of the Visual-Spatial Resource. © 2004-2007, Visual-Spatial Resource. All rights reserved.
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