How to Design Your Lessons Around Multiple Learning Styles

18 September 2025

Ever noticed how some students thrive when they listen, while others need to see or do to truly grasp a concept? That’s because not everyone learns the same way! As teachers, it's our job to make sure every student gets a fair shot at understanding the material. But how do we do that when our classrooms are filled with students who learn in totally different ways?

The answer lies in designing lessons around multiple learning styles. Instead of sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach, we can tailor our lessons to engage students in the way that works best for them. Let’s dive into how you can do just that!

Understanding Multiple Learning Styles

Before we jump into lesson design, we need to first understand what learning styles are and why they matter. The concept of learning styles suggests that people absorb and retain information differently. While no one learns in only one way, most students have a preference for a particular learning style.

The most widely recognized learning styles are based on the VARK model, which stands for:

- Visual Learners – Learn best through images, charts, and written words.
- Auditory Learners – Absorb information best through listening and speaking.
- Reading/Writing Learners – Prefer to process information through reading and note-taking.
- Kinesthetic Learners – Understand concepts best through hands-on activities and movement.

By incorporating lessons that cater to all these styles, we create a more inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed.

Steps to Design Lessons Around Multiple Learning Styles

1. Start with Learning Objectives

Before creating a lesson, ask yourself: What do I want my students to learn? Clearly defining objectives helps you structure your lesson in a way that meets different learning needs. Instead of designing a lesson and then trying to fit learning styles into it, build your lesson with diverse learning preferences in mind from the start.

2. Incorporate Visual Elements for Visual Learners

If you’re only using spoken words to explain a topic, you’re likely leaving out students who rely on visuals. Visual learners benefit from:

- Diagrams and Charts – Whether it’s a mind map, a timeline, or a labeled diagram, adding a visual element makes concepts easier to understand.
- Videos and Infographics – A short, well-designed video can make abstract ideas more concrete.
- Color-Coded Notes – Encourage students to use different colors for different types of information to help with retention.
- Slideshows or PowerPoint Presentations – Enhance your lectures with images and minimal text to reinforce key points.

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? For visual learners, it can be the difference between confusion and clarity.

3. Engage Auditory Learners Through Sound

If a student learns best by listening, give them plenty of opportunities to hear and discuss the material. Here’s how:

- Class Discussions and Debates – Let students talk about concepts to reinforce understanding.
- Podcasts and Audiobooks – Provide alternative ways for students to engage with the material outside of traditional reading.
- Lecture Recordings – Some students benefit from re-listening to a lesson, so recording your lectures can be a game-changer.
- Rhymes, Songs, and Mnemonics – Turning information into a song or rhythmic chant can make it easier to remember.

Want students to truly grasp a concept? Let them hear it, repeat it, and discuss it.

4. Encourage Reading & Writing for Word-Oriented Learners

For students who process information best through reading and writing, traditional learning methods work well—but you can make it even better:

- Provide Detailed Handouts – Well-structured notes can help these learners absorb information more effectively.
- Journaling and Summaries – Ask students to summarize what they’ve learned in their own words.
- Written Reflections – Encourage students to reflect on what they learned and how it applies to real life.
- Encourage Reading – Recommend relevant books, articles, or essays to deepen understanding.

Words are their playground—so let them write, rewrite, and reflect!

5. Get Hands-On for Kinesthetic Learners

Some students just can’t sit still—and that’s okay! Kinesthetic learners need movement and hands-on activities to process information effectively. Try incorporating:

- Experiments and Demonstrations – Science teachers, this one’s for you! Show rather than tell.
- Role-Playing and Simulations – Bring historical events or real-world situations to life.
- Interactive Notebooks – Let students create foldables, charts, or other hands-on projects.
- Classroom Movement – Simple activities like walking discussions or standing presentations can help kinesthetic learners stay engaged.

For these learners, learning is an active experience—so let them do, not just see or hear!

6. Use a Blended Approach to Include Everyone

Why choose just one method when you can blend multiple styles into one lesson? For example, if you’re teaching about the solar system, you could:

- Show a video with visuals and narration (Visual + Auditory)
- Let students read an article and take notes (Reading/Writing)
- Have them model the planets using clay or act out planetary movements (Kinesthetic)

By mixing things up, you ensure that every student has a chance to engage with the lesson in a way that makes sense to them.

The Power of Differentiated Instruction

No two students are alike, and effective teaching means recognizing these differences. Differentiated instruction is all about providing multiple pathways for students to grasp a concept. This approach not only benefits students with varied learning styles but also creates a more engaging and dynamic classroom.

Instead of thinking about learning styles as a challenge, think of them as a toolkit. When you have multiple tools at your disposal, you can tackle teaching from different angles—making sure no student is left behind.

Final Thoughts

Teaching isn’t about delivering information; it’s about making sure students understand it. When we tailor our lessons to meet different learning styles, we create an inclusive and engaging environment where every student has a chance to succeed.

So, the next time you plan a lesson, ask yourself: Am I reaching all my students? If not, tweak your approach, add variety, and watch your students thrive.

After all, learning isn’t just about what we teach—it’s about how students learn.