Visual learning styles are one of three broad categories of learning styles, the other two being auditory and kinesthetic learning. Visual learners process information better when they can see it, whether words on a page, data displayed in charts and graphs, or drawings created on the board. In terms of science, visual learning means that students should focus on these aspects of science information when they interact with textual materials. How the information looks when plotted on a graph, what chemical processes look like when drawn out on a piece of paper--these are important ideas for visual learners to consider. In addition, visual learners will do better on tests if they base their information recall on remembering what the words on textbook and notebook pages look like in their minds.
Incontrast to visual learners, auditory learners absorb information best when they hear it. This may present a problem for some students who take science classes, since science information is often presented in the form of charts, graphs and drawings. However, auditory learners have many tools at their disposal when studying science-related topics. Since most classes involve some form of verbal instruction from a teacher, auditory learners can focus on how information is presented in lecture. Auditory learners might also benefit from discussion with other students, whether in or outside of the classroom. When preparing for tests, auditory learners will want to focus on reading and memorizing notes out loud, since auditory recall will be more effective on the test day.
Kinesthetic learners are "doers," learning best through their sense of touch, and through activities that require movement of their hands, feet, and limbs. What this means in terms of science education is that instruction should be focused as much as possible on activities that involve physical action. Taking notes, for example, is an important part of the cognitive process for kinesthetic learners, since it requires hand motion. Experiments where students set up and conduct the experiment are important for kinesthetic learning. For tests, kinesthetic learners will benefit from re-copying notes into a second notebook.