Auditory Learning Style
March 1, 2024
A Breakdown of the Auditory Learning Style
One of the pillars of a Crawford International education is a personalised learning journey. Part of that journey involves Crawford’s understanding that students learn in different ways and that quality teaching is most effective when different learning styles are applied in a lesson, to appeal to the different learning styles of the students.
There are four different styles of learning: visual (seeing); kinaesthetic (touching); reading and writing; and auditory (listening). Therefore, lessons that incorporate writing, practical applications (biology dissections), high graphics (colour and flow charts), videos, and music will reach the greatest number of students in a diverse learning class.
In this blog, we will be discussing the auditory style of learning.
What is auditory learning?
Auditory learning involves the process of absorbing and retaining information through audio cues – listening. It refers to the ability to learn by hearing information, understanding that information, and being able to recall that information in a detailed and meaningful way. For instance, a student may remember everything said in a lesson, but won’t be able to remember what was written on a board or in a textbook. That is auditory learning.
Is my child an auditory learner?
Statistics show that more than 30% of the world’s population have an auditory learning style. How do you know if your child is an auditory learner? Here are a few key auditory characteristics that will help you identify an auditory learner:
- Does your child know every word to every song? Or can they recall every word in a movie?
- Can your child tell a great joke? Or are they a good story teller?
- When sharing ideas, is your child able to explain their thoughts well and with meaning?
- Is your child able to communicate well with their peers?
- Are they more popular and often given leadership roles?
- Does your child need music to study or do they like to have the TV on when they are doing a project? Do they struggle with silence?
- Does your child learn by reading their subject content out loud so that they can hear it?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to more than four of the above, your child is most probably an auditory learner.
Advantages and disadvantages of auditory learning
Advantages include:
- Multi-tasking: They learn while listening and doing other activities, such as riding a bike or cooking or doing homework.
- Increased information retention: Auditory learning has a better information retention rate than other learning styles.
- Availability: Technology offers a lot of auditory learning content including videos, podcasts, and audiobooks.
Disadvantages include:
- Distractions: Some say auditory learners can get easily distracted by noises and talking in the classroom environment. What they don’t hear, they won’t learn.
- Disruptive to other learners: An auditory learner who talks out loud to memorise work can be disruptive to other kids in the classroom environment.
- Limited: most schoolwork material is written, so while there are lots of options online for auditory learners, classwork is still deeply rooted in written material, worksheets, and textbooks.
How to learn better as an auditory learner
Understanding your child’s learning style and embracing all the characteristics and advantages of that style, will facilitate a better quality of studying and therefore better overall marks.
Tips to learn better as an auditory learner
- Make sure you can hear every word well in class
- Read all your school work out loud to yourself so you can hear it as well as read it (focus on doing this at home or when you are alone)
- Record yourself learning or reading coursework and then play it back to yourself.
- Find YouTube videos and podcast lessons instead of trolling through written online articles or books
Great extra murals or hobbies for an auditory learner
- Public speaking
- Music – for example marimba band, choir, guitar or piano lessons and even being a DJ
- Drama
- Leadership projects
- Sales-driven activities such as Debs and Squires (selling your products)
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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