Why Many People with Dyslexia Prefer Audio, Visual, or Hands-On Learning

 

People with Dyslexia often have strong abilities in creative thinking, problem solving, and visual understanding. However, learning through large amounts of written text can sometimes be more challenging.

This is because reading requires several processes at the same time, including:

• recognising words

• tracking lines of text

• decoding spelling patterns

• understanding meaning

• remembering information

When a learner has to work harder to decode written words, it can use a lot of mental effort or cognitive energy. As a result, there may be less mental capacity available to remember the information that was just read.

Because of this, many people with dyslexia find it easier to learn through other types of information.

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Audio Learning

Listening to information can reduce the pressure of reading.

Many learners benefit from:

• audiobooks

• recorded lectures

• text-to-speech software

• podcasts or spoken explanations

Hearing information allows learners to focus on understanding the topic, rather than decoding the written text.

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Visual Learning

Visual information can help learners understand ideas more quickly.

Examples include:

• diagrams

• pictures

• charts

• timelines

• mind maps

• symbols

Visual supports help learners see how information is connected, which can make it easier to remember.

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Hands-On Learning

Many people with dyslexia also learn well through practical activities.

Examples include:

• demonstrations

• experiments

• role-play activities

• group discussions

• practical tasks

These approaches allow learners to experience and apply knowledge, rather than only reading about it.

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Combining Different Learning Methods

Using a combination of learning approaches can help make education more accessible.

For example, a lesson might include:

• a short piece of text

• a diagram or image

• a spoken explanation

• a practical activity

This allows learners to engage with the topic in multiple ways, which supports understanding and memory.

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A Key Message for Educators

Accessible learning is not about lowering standards.

It is about presenting information in ways that allow different learners to understand and engage with it.

When teachers include audio, visual, and practical learning methods, they create environments where all learners — including those with dyslexia — can succeed and show their abilities.