The Different Types of Learners in Museums

Almost everyone recognizes there are different types of learners. For example, you can be a 1.) visual learner, 2.) auditory learner 3.) reading learner, 4.) writing learner or 5.) kinesthetic learners. In an ideal world, museums would offer each type of learner a way to interact with and learn from the objects they have on display.

Museums can help visual learners by offering diagrams, color-coding the material they want visitors to learn by category and by allowing the visitors the ability to look very closely at the objects from all angles.

Museums can help auditory learners by offering tours, having "press me!" buttons and even having theatrical or song-driven shows.

Reading learners are perhaps the easiest type of learners for museums to accommodate. Text panels, labels, books and coffee-table books from the gift shop all offer reading learners the chance to interact with and learn from the objects on display at the museum,

Writing learners can be accommodated in museums via worksheets, seek and find activities, booklets and self guides.

Kinesthetic learners learn by having hands-on experiences. Museums can offer tactile diagrams, allow visitors to touch and hold various items or even draw or color in diagrams and images.

On a separate note, and apart from this list, I think it is also important to denote the different types of spaces that visitors thrive in best. Some visitors to museums come in groups while others come as individuals. Some prefer crowded spaces with multiple interactives while others prefer a a quiet and calm space.

Museums face several challenges when it comes to facilitating the best learner environments for such a diverse range of audiences.