Types of Learning Styles for Adults

 Types of Learning Styles for Adults: How I Learned to Learn Again in My 20s

When I turned 20, I realized something about myself that school never taught me.

I didn’t really know how I learn best.

In college, I thought success came from reading books for hours. But when I tried to learn programming and writing after graduation, that method failed miserably. I kept forgetting what I read, zoning out halfway through a tutorial. It was frustrating—until I discovered that adults have different learning styles.

That single idea changed the way I approach every skill I’ve learned since.

What Are the Different Learning Styles for Adults?

According to educational psychology research from the University of Illinois (2020), adults process information differently from children.

Children learn through repetition and memorization, while adults rely on relevance, experience, and application.

In other words, we learn best when something connects to our life context.

There are four major adult learning styles commonly discussed in education theory:

1. Visual Learners – absorb information through charts, videos, and diagrams.

2. Auditory Learners – prefer listening, discussions, or lectures.

3. Reading/Writing Learners – process knowledge by taking notes or reading structured materials.

4. Kinesthetic Learners – understand better by doing things physically.

These are often called the 4 adult learning styles, and they represent the foundation of most modern adult learning types.

How I Discovered My Learning Preference

I’m a kinesthetic learner. I didn’t know it until I joined a workshop where we had to build a small web app instead of just reading code.

When my hands started typing and my brain could see the result instantly, everything made sense.

That’s when I realized something powerful: adults don’t just want to “know”  we want to experience learning.

In 2023, a study from Harvard Graduate School of Education found that adult learners who engage in experiential learning retain up to 80% more information than those who only read or watch.

That explains why I remembered the project-based lessons but forgot the lecture slides.

Assessing Learning Styles in Adults

Many adults don’t consciously know their learning style preference.

If you’ve ever said “I just can’t focus on reading,” or “I learn better by watching,” that’s your natural style showing up.

Educators often use tools like the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) to assess learning preferences.

These assessments are not about labeling yourself, but about identifying what works.

Once you know your dominant learning type, you can combine it with other styles to create a stronger learning system. For example:

• I use videos (visual) to start a topic.
• I summarize the content (writing).
• Then I build or test something (kinesthetic).

This integrated approach matches how adult learning styles function in real life: context-first, purpose-driven, and outcome-focused.

Teaching Styles for Adults: It’s Not About Telling, It’s About Guiding

If you teach or mentor adults, understanding teaching styles for adults is just as important as knowing how they learn.

A 2022 paper by the International Journal of Lifelong Education showed that the most effective adult teaching styles are facilitative, not directive.

That means instead of “lecturing,” teachers should act as mentors, guiding learners through discovery, experimentation, and reflection.

This is the same principle that drives modern online learning platforms — learning by doing, not by memorizing.

Why Adults Learn Differently

Adults bring emotions, memories, and responsibilities into every learning process.

We’re not empty vessels.

We filter knowledge through experience.

Thats why adult learning preferences tend to shift over time. When I was 18, I could study late into the night. Now, I learn better in short, focused sessions after Fajr prayer when my mind is calm.

Neuroscientists at Stanford University found that adult brains consolidate information more efficiently when learning happens in a meaningful context — like solving a real-world problem or pursuing a personal goal.

So if you’re struggling to focus, maybe it’s not about discipline. Maybe it’s about finding your rhythm.

Kinesthetic Learning for Adults: Movement Creates Memory

One fascinating insight I’ve learned as a kinesthetic learner is this: movement creates memory.

When I physically engage with material — typing, sketching, building, or even pacing while memorizing — I retain the information longer.

According to the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology (2021), adults who use active learning techniques perform 40% better in problem-solving tasks than those using passive methods.

That’s why workshop-based education and hands-on apprenticeships still exist — they’re built for how our adult brains actually work.

How to Apply Different Learning Styles in Real Life

Here’s a simple system that helped me and might help you too:

• Visual: Use charts, mind maps, and videos.
• Auditory: Record notes and listen during breaks.
• Reading/Writing: Summarize key points in your own words.
• Kinesthetic: Practice through projects, not theory.

You don’t need to choose just one. The best learners blend multiple methods into one integrated learning habit.

Why Understanding Learning Styles Matters in Adulthood

As adults, we don’t just seek knowledge — we seek transformation.

Knowing your learning style can save you from frustration and wasted effort.

It helps you align your study habits with how your brain naturally absorbs and stores information.

It’s not just about learning faster; it’s about learning smarter.

When I realized that, I stopped fighting the way I learn. I started designing my study sessions around my own rhythm, not someone else’s rulebook.

And that, I think, is what adult learning is really about — rediscovering the joy of learning, on your own terms.

FAQ

Q1: What are the types of learning styles for adults?

There are four main types: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learning styles.

Q2: Why do adults learn differently than children?

Adults learn based on experience, context, and purpose, while children learn through repetition and memorization.

Q3: How can adults assess their learning styles?

Tools like the VARK model or reflective journaling can help identify how you best absorb information.

Q4: What is the best teaching style for adult learners?

Facilitative teaching — guiding instead of dictating — works best for adult learners.