Children's learning styles (pedagogy) are different from adult learning styles (andragogy). For children, educators and parents decide what needs to be learned. Children absorb everything being taught without needing further explanation and they anticipate that the new information will be useful later on; it doesn't need life applications right now. Children also have little life experience to draw on for making sense of the new knowledge. Adult learners, on the other hand, choose for themselves what needs to be learned, filter the new information through past life experiences and anticipate being able to the use the information right away. Adults, because of their life experience, may have formed fixed views in some areas, that will lead to rejection of some information.
Adults may be visual learners, meaning they learn best through visual stimuli such as photos, films or illustrations and diagrams. Visual learners use phrases such as "show me" and "I see what you're saying." They see things in their brains with colors and shapes and sizes. Visual learners like to see the general idea of what's being taught before getting into the nitty-gritty, and love it when instructors pass around handouts, or use the chalkboard or white board and any other classroom visual aids (maps, charts, overhead projector).
Adults who are auditory learners need sound to give meaning to what's being taught. They say things like "tell me" and "that sounds about right." They love discussions, listen attentively to lectures and ask lots of questions. Auditory learners love facts and detailed descriptions. They associate the pitch, speed and nuances of the speaker or instructor's voice with the importance of the information being presented. Speakers generally put more energy and enthusiasm into presenting more important facts. Auditory learners also frequently associate certain pieces of music with certain subjects.
Adults who are kinesthetic, or tactile, learners like to get in there and get their hands dirty. They say things like "let me do it" and "that doesn't feel right." Tactile learners need to try things out for themselves, to build or experiment with their own two hands and to actively explore their environment. They like volunteering to help the instructor with presentations, and quizzes or handouts with fill-in-the-blanks are seen as interactive puzzles. Kinesthetic learners need to practice what's being taught.