Nurturing Diverse Learning Approaches for Supportive Growth

by Angie Petrie

Imagery surrounds us, shaping the ways we learn, connect, and remember. Whether you’re a counsellor, educator, or lifelong learner, the one thing we all share is the desire to communicate ideas in ways that truly resonate. Let’s explore how visual tools and learning styles influence our daily experiences and how understanding these can foster more inclusive learning environments. 

Exploring Learning Styles: What Makes Us Tick?

 We all absorb information differently, don’t we? The main learning styles include: 

• Visual: Learners thrive on images, diagrams, and colours—anything that appeals to the eye.
• Auditory: These individuals prefer to listen, whether through spoken instructions, songs, or discussions.
• Kinaesthetic: Hands-on experiences and movement help these learners grasp concepts best.
• Others: Some people blend styles or have unique preferences, including verbal, reading/writing or social learning.

 Recent UK-based research (2024) found that around 65% of learners favour visual methods, while 30% lean towards auditory approaches. 

Why Imagery Matters

 Using visual tools can enhance and develop our ability and skill in imagination, thus enabling development and ability to connect emotionally. Using what we see to aid our expression encourages us to think ‘outside the box’, informing and enhancing our work in a creative way. 

Consider everyday examples: images on washing labels cut through language barriers, offering universal understanding. Not forgetting every day images like road signs or emojis, these visuals help us remember processes and communicate with ease. 

Counsellors and Learning Styles: The Key to Connection

 For counsellors, recognising both your own and your clients’ learning preferences is invaluable. 

Why? Because it enables you to tailor your approach, making sessions more engaging and effective. Are you someone who needs an image to support memory of a process? Are your clients more responsive to spoken word or creative activity? Reflecting on these questions can deepen empathy and foster trust. Understanding learning styles also helps reduce frustration and confidence grows allowing barriers to diminish. 

Creating Supportive Learning Environments

• Use a mix of images, sounds, and hands-on activities when planning sessions.
• Encourage feedback: ask clients and learners what helps them most.
• Keep spaces flexible—have visual aids available or offer time for discussion and movement.
• Model openness to different styles, showing that all approaches are valued.

Reflective Prompts

• How do you prefer to learn new information—by seeing, hearing, or doing?
• Can you recall a time when a visual, sound, or movement helped something “click” for you?
• In what ways might your learning style influence the way you support others?
• Are there universal images in your environment that help you understand or remember important things?

 Why not jot down your thoughts or share them with a colleague? 

Mini Quiz: What's Your Learning Style?

 When learning a new skill, do you: 

1      Look for pictures or diagrams? (Visual)

2     Prefer to listen to instructions or stories? (Auditory)

3     Jump straight in and try it yourself? 

 If you forget how to do something, are you most likely to: 

1     Remember an image or sequence of steps?

2     Recall a conversation or explanation?

3     Remember how it felt to do it?

 In a group setting, do you: 

1     Sketch ideas or create mind maps?

2     Join discussions and listen closely?

3     Get involved in activities or role-play?

 Tally your answers: 

Mostly ‘1’ — you’re a visual learner. 

Mostly ‘2’ — you thrive on sound. 

Mostly ‘3’ — movement and practical experience are key for you! 

These are three main styles of learning but there are others, why not have a search for learning style quizzes to learn more about yourself.

Embracing the Power of Imagery and Diverse Learning Styles

Imagery and learning styles are more than tools, they’re bridges to deeper understanding and expression. By embracing our differences, we create spaces where everyone can flourish. As you move through your day, pause to notice the images and patterns around you, and consider how you and those you support learn best. 

Let’s celebrate the richness that comes from thinking and seeing outside the box.