All learning styles can be classified by the way individuals acquire sensory information. Based on this qualification, it is possible to distinguish visual, verbal and other learning styles and corresponding teaching styles. People with a visual learning style prefer information to be presented visually -- in pictures, diagrams, time lines, films, flow charts and demonstrations. Individuals with verbal styles prefer spoken or written explanations. Students with the third learning style receive information most effectively through touching, tasting or smelling. For example, you need to provide visualization of ideas and study material to students with a visual learning style while putting more emphasis on content for students with preferences for verbal instructions.
The mental processes by which perceived information can be converted into knowledge can be grouped into two distinctive learning styles: active experimentation and reflective observation. Students with an active learning style need to do something in the external world to get new knowledge -- for example, they may need to discuss, explain or test the newly acquired information in some way. Passive learners, on the other hand, prefer to reflect upon the information they receive. You can help students who fit into the first category by allowing them to do hands-on experiments while accommodating the second group of learners by providing them greater time to "think over" the information they receive.
Learners with a sequential learning style acquire understanding of material in small connected chunks while global learners can get new information that appears to be unconnected and abstract. You can help sequential learners by making the material more structured, while global learners do not need any particular teaching style.
Most learners, however, typically do not have a clear-cut learning style. For example, a person that prefers visual representation can equally well absorb written or spoken instructions. To maximize the effect of teaching, though, you can use as many teaching styles as possible, particularly if students in your classroom have different learning styles.