Visual learning is a primary mode of learning that involves using visual aids and stimuli to understand and retain information. It is acquiring knowledge, skills, and understanding through visual perception, observation, and interpretation. For visual learners, seeing data in images, diagrams, charts, graphs, videos, and other graphic representations dramatically enhances their comprehension and retention. This is significant when you start learning something new, like learning how to ride a bicycle.
“It’s like riding a bike!” We often hear this phrase regarding the ease of learning and retaining a skill. But ask any child who has struggled to master the art of riding a bike on two wheels, and they might strongly disagree. Learning how to ride a bike is a challenge that requires patience, practice, and an understanding of individual learning styles.
When it comes to cycling, understanding and mastering the skill involves more than just pedalling and balancing on a bike. It requires a deep connection with the visual aspects that shape the experience, from the correct body positioning to the intricacies of pedalling techniques and navigating diverse terrains. Visual learning is an important foundation for understanding and appreciating the various elements of cycling, including proper technique, bicycle handling skills, road safety awareness, and race strategies. Through visual observation and analysis, cyclists can gain understanding of the mechanics and nuances that underlie the process of learning to ride a bicycle.
Learning Through Experience: When recalling our experiences of riding a bicycle, we often start with training wheels or a tricycle before transitioning to two wheels. In the student’s case, the coach plays a significant role in teaching you how to ride. The process resembled any current approach to acquiring new skills. The coach will initially guide you by holding the handlebars a few times, allowing you to understand how it works. Gradually, they will let you go, and you will be pedalling independently. You may fall a few times, but the coach’s support will encourage you to get back up and try again each time.
Understanding Learning Styles: Reflecting on this learning experience, we realised three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners absorb information best through visual aids, while auditory learners thrive in lectures and discussions. Finally, kinesthetic learners, like myself, learn best through hands-on experiences and active participation. Discovering our preferred learning style can significantly enhance our ability to grasp and retain new information.
Applying Your Learning Style: Just as the coach adapted his teaching method to suit your learning style, we should also consider our learning preferences when attending training, webinars, or classes. Whether you are a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, aligning your approach with your learning style is essential to maximise comprehension and retention.
To better understand, there are 3 types of learning styles:
- Visual Learning: As mentioned above, visual learning is a basic mode for learning to cycle. Learners can benefit significantly from observing demonstrations, watching instructional videos, studying diagrams or infographics, and analysing videos of themselves cycling. Visual cues help cyclists visualise the correct form, posture, and movements, allowing them to imitate and incorporate these skills into their cycling practice.
- Kinesthetic Learning: Kinesthetic learning involves physical learning through hands-on experience and movement. Kinesthetic learning is vital in learning to cycleas it allows learners to develop muscle memory and proprioception. By physically engaging in cycling activities, such as pedalling, balancing, braking, and shifting gears, learners can develop a deep understanding of their body’s movements and how to control the bike effectively.
- Auditory Learning: Auditory learning involves learning through listening and hearing. While less prominent than visual and kinesthetic learning in cycling, auditory learning can still play a role. Students learning to cycle can benefit from listening to coaches or instructors who provide verbal cues, instructions, and feedback. Additionally, auditory learners may find it helpful to listen to podcasts, interviews, or discussions related to cycling, as these can provide valuable insights and knowledge.
Understanding and embracing the diverse learning preferences of learners are crucial in cycling. While visual learning is a primary mode for cyclists, it’s essential to recognise and respect other preferred learning modes, such as kinesthetic and auditory learning. A compassionate and practical approach to coaching and training should integrate a well-rounded combination of these primary learning modes, ensuring that every cyclist can learn and grow in a way that resonates with them.
A coach plays a crucial role in a cyclist’s progress by providing expert guidance, skill development, motivation, mental conditioning, safety awareness, performance analysis, and mentorship. Their influence and support contribute significantly to the confidence of one who is learning to cycle, helping them achieve their goals and maximise their potential during lessons.
The journey of learning how to ride a bicycle teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of understanding our learning styles. As we each have unique ways of mastering new skills, it is crucial to recognise and embrace our preferred learning styles to enhance our educational experiences. By adapting our approach to match our learning style, we can maximise training sessions, webinars, and classes, ensuring a deeper understanding and tremendous success in our educational endeavours.
Ready to unlock your cycling potential with the power of visual learning and expert coaching? Join Cycle School Singapore today and experience a transformative journey on two wheels.
Embrace the benefits of visual learning, personalised guidance, skill development, and mental conditioning to elevate your cycling skills. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your performance, safety, and overall enjoyment of cycling. Take the first step towards greatness – enrol now at Cycle School Singapore by sending us a Whatsapp enquiry, and let us propel you towards cycling excellence!