Everyone Learns Differently. Here’s Why it Matters.
Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. According to the popular VARK model, there are four common ways people absorb information: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Washington Technology Institute
Visual learners flourish with images, charts, graphs, and diagrams. They find it easier to grasp complex ideas when they can see them laid out visually. Washington Technology Institute+1
Auditory learners respond best to lectures, discussions, and spoken explanations. Listening and conversation help anchor new ideas for them. Washington Technology Institute+1
Reading/writing learners learn most effectively by reading texts or writing notes themselves. Written words—textbooks, essays, outlines—are powerful tools for them. Washington Technology Institute+1
Kinesthetic learners thrive when they can move, interact, and learn by doing. Hands-on experiences, experiments, role play, or physical activities help these learners lock in understanding. Washington Technology Institute+1
Because each learner brings different strengths and preferences, focusing on just one mode risks leaving some students disengaged or at a disadvantage. That’s why adopting a multisensory, multimodal approach can make such a difference. By offering a mix of visuals, spoken explanation, reading/writing tasks, and hands-on engagement, educators can reach more students, giving everyone the opportunity to connect with the material in a way that resonates for them.
This is at the heart of what makes Waldorf Education’s approach so compelling. In a Waldorf-inspired classroom, every lesson is built with multiple entry points, meaning the teacher doesn’t lean solely on one method. Instead, they weave together different modalities. So whether a student learns best by seeing, listening, writing, or doing, there’s something for them.
The result? A learning environment where engagement, retention, and resilience are possible for every student, even when topics get challenging. When students feel seen, accommodated, and supported in the way they learn, they’re more likely to stay motivated, confident, and curious.
Because at the end of the day: learning isn’t just about absorbing information, it’s about reaching every mind in a way that works.