“Let’s look at this differently”, “I can’t see the big picture”, “See how this works?” – stand back here comes a visual learner and a future artist, builder, inventor or musician, that is if they can get through our education system.
These right hemi-sphere thinking (that’s creative thinking) students are not wired to produce written reports on the thoughts they visualise in their mind, at least not until they learn how. They think and learn in multi-dimensional images. Our education system is more geared to teach left hemi-sphere thinking auditory learners who think and learn in words rather than images.
A visual-spatial learner may be good at spelling and lousy with names, needs a quiet study time, likes colour and is good with charts, maps and diagrams. They remember pictures and are good with direction. They will always have trouble remembering verbal instructions and must learn by taking notes.
As a parent you can help by explaining a project you wish them to do by explaining why you want them to do something, because they need to see the big picture first.
by Peter Kenyon: Tutor at XtraMile Tuition Strategies
XtraMile Tuition Strategies (North Brisbane) - 0451 030188 