Audio Learners

On Monday, I have an eye examination. The doctor dilated my eyes; I had to wear sunglasses for hours. I wasn't able to do anything on the computer, not even play Spider. So I listened to the television instead. Guessing the questions on Jeopardy is harder than I thought when I could only hear the question and not see the question. I am a very visual learner; I actually find pictures and sounds distracting when I am trying to read and concentrate. A nice quiet library or sunny reading spot in my house is the perfect place for me to do my classroom reading and writing.
This experience of trying to be an audio participant made me think of the different ways or mediums in which people learn. When I helped with the high school marching band, I met some terrific audio learners. They could remember speeches, lectures, and all kinds of music. After hearing just a few notes of music, they could identify what piece of music it was from. Amazing! They could recite parts of famous speeches they had heard. Some of them were involved with theatre productions, so this talent came in handy.
When I am teaching, I am aware of these two kinds of learners. I try to write out clear instructions, but I also read aloud or discuss the instructions. If I had an instructor who only gave directions orally, I would definitely miss parts of the directions. I know some of the band students would not read directions, so they need to hear the directions. [I posted signs and instructions on putting away their uniforms which were not often read!]
Though audio and visual learners are not the only types of learners, I think they are the primary types for our present school system, especially at the four-year college level. I think it is prudent to remember these types of learners as we instructors write syllabi and assignment sheets. It is not enough to just give the sheets of paper. Discussing our expectations is important, too. Of course, that thought leads to how does an instructor discuss in an online classroom. More later.