Learning Style:
Introduction Auditory
Visual Kinesthetic Sequential Summary
Auditory Learners
Auditory processors learn by hearing. They like to read, write, and tell stories and are exceptional at memorizing names, places, dates and trivia. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances. They find it easy to express themselves and like playing on the meaning or sound of words, such as in tongue twisters, rhymes, and limericks.
The auditory learning style is more common in male than female athletes because female auditory learners are more likely to pursue other extracurricular activities like chorus or drama clubs than athletic endeavors.
Common phrases used are:
- Tell me word for word …
- Let me spell it out for you
- In other words, …
Common actions used are:
- Talk about uncommon trivia fact with accuracy
- Singing the latest song consistently during practice
Coaching auditory learners:
Although auditory learning athletes are a minority, incorporating this style of learning into your coaching methodology requires a minimal amount of effort. Use short explanatory sentences. Before our team develops a new skill, I call for a water break. Unlike many teams where a water break is social time, I use this period to allow the players to replenish their fluids, cool down, and prepare for the next activity. For example, "gentlemen, hustle in, grab your water bottles, and bring them with you to first base. We are going to work on primary and secondary leads and base stealing." They key messages here are: 1) what to do – bring your water bottles to first base, and 2) what is the next activity – practicing base running.
Auditory dominant learners learn by hearing and, just as importantly, speaking back what they have assimilated. Continuing with the base running example above, I will define and articulate what I mean by primary and secondary lead.
"The primary lead is a lead runner on first base takes when the pitcher has the ball and is in contact with the pitching plate (aka "rubber"). A primary lead from first base should be a body length plus one step. The reason you are a body length plus one step is if the pitcher throws to first, you can quickly pivot, take one step, and dive back touching the backside of first base before the ball is caught by the first basemen and tags you."
"A secondary lead is the lead the runner takes when the pitcher commits to throwing the ball to home and is typically two or three steps. The purpose of a secondary lead is to get the runner in motion before for the batter makes contact with the ball."
While the above description helps all the players with defining vocabulary, auditory learners have almost completed the learning process. All they need to do is recite the instruction back. Ask the verbal learner to tell you what you just said. [1] Do not expect the response to be word for word, but listen for verification of definition (primary lead is when the pitcher has the ball on the rubber) and desired action (the lead is a body length plus one step). If the definition and action are correct, I then ask them to demonstrate, which leads into the visual dominant learning process.
Next is visual learning style.
[1] This technique is also very effective with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and slow developmental learners. Asking them to speak back the instructions forces them to process the information three more times. One time to think through what they are going to say, second time to say it, and a third time to verify they heard what they said correctly.
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