Both types prefer spoken messages, but the way in which they process this information best is distinct from each other. It has been indicated that auditory learners prefer to listen and to speak. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all auditory learners prefer to speak, and that some benefit more from listening and mentally processing information than from also reproducing by speech of their own. This group of auditory learners are generally referred to as "listeners."
In a classroom situation, the auditory-verbal processor -- the learner who needs to speak aloud about the information -- has been somewhat misunderstood in the past. They were generally perceived to be disruptive and disobedient. The current understanding of auditory-verbal processing has however brought a new understanding to this group of students, and also a revolution in teaching method. The implementation of group work and interactive teaching has for example benefited these students.
In optimizing the conditions for auditory learners, it is therefore important to recognize the differences between the two types of auditory processing. Listeners tend to be more individualized in their learning style. They tend to think carefully about information that they had heard, and process it by thinking rather than speaking about it. Verbal processors will benefit from engaging in group work before attempting to study on an individual basis.
Learning Suggestions for Auditory Learners
Verbal Processors
Verbal processors benefit from group work, and form both hearing and speaking about the information they receive. In a group situation, each learner can for example be given a piece of information to explain to the others. This is a very good way to both process and understand information.
New information and problems should be spoken aloud. When faced with a learning project or new information, the verbal processor will benefit from verbalizing the problem aloud and reasoning through the information...
It is also verbal processes who tend to talk or hum to themselves. When studying, it is also a good idea for these learners to read important information and key facts aloud.
Listeners
Listeners tend to prefer individual study. These learners benefit from strategies such as using tape recorders to record lessons. They also like to be read to. Parents can help them by either recording the study material or reading it to the learner in person. Many educational facilities offer audio tapes of learning materials to help these learners. Mnemonics or word links are another good way to retain and process information for a learner.
Conclusion
Determining a student's learning style can help both teachers and parents to optimize the learning conditions for the learners they work with. Although most classroom setups make it difficult to cater to all learning styles at all times, an awareness of learning styles at least help teachers to cultivate an understanding of how learners learn, and how to help them process information in a more effective way.
References
Eide F. & Eide B. (2005, Feb 25). Neurolearning Blog: What about auditory learners? http://www2.yk.psu.edu/learncenter/acskills/auditory.html
Hutton, Shannon (2009). Helping Auditory Learners Succeed. http://www.education.com/magazine/article/auditory_learners/
LdPride.net (2009). Learning Styles. http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Learning%20Styles%20Explained
Learnativity.com (2002, Feb 20). Learning Theory: Learning Styles. http://www.learnativity.com/learningstyles.html
Pengiran-Jadid, PR (2003, Summer). Learning-style perceptual preferences of Bruneian students. Academic Exchange Quarterly. Database: FindArticles.com. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3325/is_2_7/ai_n29025447/pg_5/?tag=content;col1
Penn State York (2000, Jan 12). Auditory Learners. http://www2.yk.psu.edu/learncenter/acskills/auditory.html
