- Dec 20, 2019
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Everyone learns differently and adopts specific strategies to retain and absorb information. One popular theory outlines four main learning styles including Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, and Reading/ Writing (VARK Model). We have taken this theory and connected it to studying the Bible. These tools can help personalize Bible study and provide tactics tailored to individual learning styles. Proverbs 1:5 says, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” This encourages us to be in pursuit of wisdom and knowledge as we go about studying the word. What is your personal learning style and how can you connect that to studying the Bible?
Think back to when you were in school- was there a specific way you enjoyed learning or found more engaging? Could you simply listen to a presentation and retain what you needed? Or were you the person that felt clueless after an hour-long lecture, preferring instead to read straight from the textbook? Maybe you thrived in a group activity full of experiments and interaction. Here, we will dive into the explanation of each style and how we can use it as a resource in our faith journey.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Studying the word is so important for our daily walk as we strive to live out our faith!
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
The first learning style is visual learning. If this is you, you work best when presented with visual aids and representations. This concept of “seeing” can take on many forms including spatial awareness, photographic memory, use of color, brightness, contrast, and more. Some strengths of visual learners include being highly organized, imaginative, balanced, detail-oriented, and discerning.
How to study the Bible as a visual learner can take on a whole new meaning when focusing on utilizing visual tools. Some helpful ideas include:
To go even deeper, you could use your timeline and read the word chronologically. Try color coding to create a key for highlighting (e.g., When Jesus is speaking, anything speaking about WHO God is, prophesies, cross references, etc). Also, create doodles in the margins of your Bible to encourage and inspire your studying. Finally, you could create flashcards with verses or passages for a fresh perspective.
Tools to motivate visual learners: highlighters and colored pens, doodling, a visual study Bible, studying in solitude to better recall visuals without distraction, and creating themed to-read lists for a visual structure.
John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
The second learning style is auditory learning. If this is you, you thrive through hearing and listening. You likely find it easier to follow spoken instructions rather than written ones, and you retain information best by how it sounds. Some strengths of auditory learners include being a good listener, analyzing spoken information effectively, expressing yourself clearly, having strong storytelling skills, and enjoying conversation and discussion.
How to study the Bible as an auditory learner can include a variety of sound-based tools and experiences. Ideas include:
To go even deeper, you could use voice memos to record your own voice reciting scripture to then play back to yourself while driving, walking, or working. Another idea is to try playing the Bible audio in the background as you read along during your study times. Next, watch sermons while following along with the scripture in your physical Bible. Finally, you could create flashcards for scripture memory. Have someone test you or test yourself by reading out loud!
Tools to motivate auditory learners: Voice memos, sermons while following along with scripture, attending live events, using songs to memorize scripture, flashcards, worship, and repetition.
James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
The third learning style is kinesthetic learning. If this is you, you would choose to physically be involved in the learning process rather than passively listening or watching. Generally, you enjoy gaining information by being hands-on or interacting with your environment. Kinesthetic learners are doers- they learn best through movement, experience, and touch. Strengths include having a passion for trying new things, strong social interaction, effective problem-solving skills, and keen observation.
How to study the Bible as a kinesthetic learner can involve movement and interaction. Some ideas include:
To go even deeper, try to apply what you are reading to your own life. Further, put yourself into the story and ask God what he is showing you through his word. Another idea is to hold Bible studies or coffee dates where you can share real-life examples of how God is working in your life and in the lives of others. Share in your faith journey together!
Tools to motivate kinesthetic learners: Journal reflection, personal application, holding Bible studies or coffee dates, Bible coloring books, guides with fill in the box answers, and clay modeling.
Psalm 45:1 says, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.”
The fourth learning style is reading/ writing learning. If this is you, you likely enjoy being presented with material to understand information. You gravitate towards textbooks, notes, articles, and manuals to absorb content. Strengths include attention to detail, strong writing skills, grammar proficiency, and a preference for writing over speaking.
How to study the Bible if you are a reading/ writing learner could include a variety of word-based practices. Ideas include:
To go even deeper, you could read verses word for word. In doing this, when you place the emphasis on different words throughout the text, your perspective switches. Another idea is to try journaling alphabetically. Start by organizing your notes by each letter. Begin with A and write out characteristics of God that start with A. Next, move on to B, and so on! Finally, you could switch up your daily reading by exploring different translations of the Bible. Compare them to your preferred version and study how word differences deepen your understanding!
Tools to motivate reading/ writing learners: Journals, different translations of the word, scripture memory, closed captions when watching sermons, and taking notes.
Here’s your challenge: discover your learning style and apply that to your Bible study. Further, use resources to motivate you and encourage more thorough studying. Next, challenge yourself to go further and explore other learning styles and study methods. Step outside of your comfort zone and push your limits to draw your heart closer to the Lord.
Once you’ve done that, talk to others about their learning styles and how they apply them to Bible study. A few key questions to ask are:
These questions help create a healthy habit of maintaining your focus and purpose while reading. Remember, there is no single “right” way to study the Bible. It can be a blend of different approaches- and that’s okay! This is just a start for those who are curious about how to approach studying scripture or for those looking for ways to grow deeper in their study sessions.
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Have a heart of thankfulness as you study the living word!
The post How to Study the Bible by Your Learning Style appeared first on Focus on the Family.
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Think back to when you were in school- was there a specific way you enjoyed learning or found more engaging? Could you simply listen to a presentation and retain what you needed? Or were you the person that felt clueless after an hour-long lecture, preferring instead to read straight from the textbook? Maybe you thrived in a group activity full of experiments and interaction. Here, we will dive into the explanation of each style and how we can use it as a resource in our faith journey.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Studying the word is so important for our daily walk as we strive to live out our faith!
The Main Four Learning Styles:
1. How to Study the Bible Visually
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
The first learning style is visual learning. If this is you, you work best when presented with visual aids and representations. This concept of “seeing” can take on many forms including spatial awareness, photographic memory, use of color, brightness, contrast, and more. Some strengths of visual learners include being highly organized, imaginative, balanced, detail-oriented, and discerning.
How to study the Bible as a visual learner can take on a whole new meaning when focusing on utilizing visual tools. Some helpful ideas include:
- Sketching scenes or concepts from scripture
- Creating charts to organize characters, events, or themes
- Color coding verses by topic or theme
- Designing bible timelines
- Journaling with diagrams or pictures
- Visualizing passages by mentally creating “movies” of the scene you are reading
To go even deeper, you could use your timeline and read the word chronologically. Try color coding to create a key for highlighting (e.g., When Jesus is speaking, anything speaking about WHO God is, prophesies, cross references, etc). Also, create doodles in the margins of your Bible to encourage and inspire your studying. Finally, you could create flashcards with verses or passages for a fresh perspective.
Tools to motivate visual learners: highlighters and colored pens, doodling, a visual study Bible, studying in solitude to better recall visuals without distraction, and creating themed to-read lists for a visual structure.
2. How to Study the Bible Audibly
John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
The second learning style is auditory learning. If this is you, you thrive through hearing and listening. You likely find it easier to follow spoken instructions rather than written ones, and you retain information best by how it sounds. Some strengths of auditory learners include being a good listener, analyzing spoken information effectively, expressing yourself clearly, having strong storytelling skills, and enjoying conversation and discussion.
How to study the Bible as an auditory learner can include a variety of sound-based tools and experiences. Ideas include:
- Listening to sermons, podcasts, or the audio Bible
- Reading the Bible out loud to yourself
- Watching videos that teach scripture
- Recording voice memos of scripture or your personal reflections
- Participating in group readings or Bible discussions
To go even deeper, you could use voice memos to record your own voice reciting scripture to then play back to yourself while driving, walking, or working. Another idea is to try playing the Bible audio in the background as you read along during your study times. Next, watch sermons while following along with the scripture in your physical Bible. Finally, you could create flashcards for scripture memory. Have someone test you or test yourself by reading out loud!
Tools to motivate auditory learners: Voice memos, sermons while following along with scripture, attending live events, using songs to memorize scripture, flashcards, worship, and repetition.
3. How to Study the Bible Kinesthetically
James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
The third learning style is kinesthetic learning. If this is you, you would choose to physically be involved in the learning process rather than passively listening or watching. Generally, you enjoy gaining information by being hands-on or interacting with your environment. Kinesthetic learners are doers- they learn best through movement, experience, and touch. Strengths include having a passion for trying new things, strong social interaction, effective problem-solving skills, and keen observation.
How to study the Bible as a kinesthetic learner can involve movement and interaction. Some ideas include:
- Pacing, going for a light walk, or taking your Bible to the gym
- Acting out Bible stories
- Journaling your study thoughts
- Active application of scripture to daily life
- Coloring while reflecting on scripture
- Hands on activities like clay modeling
- Study guides with fill-in-the-blank sections
To go even deeper, try to apply what you are reading to your own life. Further, put yourself into the story and ask God what he is showing you through his word. Another idea is to hold Bible studies or coffee dates where you can share real-life examples of how God is working in your life and in the lives of others. Share in your faith journey together!
Tools to motivate kinesthetic learners: Journal reflection, personal application, holding Bible studies or coffee dates, Bible coloring books, guides with fill in the box answers, and clay modeling.
4. How to Study the Bible by Reading/ Writing
Psalm 45:1 says, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.”
The fourth learning style is reading/ writing learning. If this is you, you likely enjoy being presented with material to understand information. You gravitate towards textbooks, notes, articles, and manuals to absorb content. Strengths include attention to detail, strong writing skills, grammar proficiency, and a preference for writing over speaking.
How to study the Bible if you are a reading/ writing learner could include a variety of word-based practices. Ideas include:
- Writing down scripture
- Copying out books of the Bible by hand
- Journaling your reflections and prayers
- Reading in new formats or with study tools
- Meditating on the specific words and phrasing in the text
To go even deeper, you could read verses word for word. In doing this, when you place the emphasis on different words throughout the text, your perspective switches. Another idea is to try journaling alphabetically. Start by organizing your notes by each letter. Begin with A and write out characteristics of God that start with A. Next, move on to B, and so on! Finally, you could switch up your daily reading by exploring different translations of the Bible. Compare them to your preferred version and study how word differences deepen your understanding!
Tools to motivate reading/ writing learners: Journals, different translations of the word, scripture memory, closed captions when watching sermons, and taking notes.
Challenge Yourself:
Here’s your challenge: discover your learning style and apply that to your Bible study. Further, use resources to motivate you and encourage more thorough studying. Next, challenge yourself to go further and explore other learning styles and study methods. Step outside of your comfort zone and push your limits to draw your heart closer to the Lord.
Once you’ve done that, talk to others about their learning styles and how they apply them to Bible study. A few key questions to ask are:
- How does what you are reading apply to you?
- What does it show you about God?
- What does it show you about people?
These questions help create a healthy habit of maintaining your focus and purpose while reading. Remember, there is no single “right” way to study the Bible. It can be a blend of different approaches- and that’s okay! This is just a start for those who are curious about how to approach studying scripture or for those looking for ways to grow deeper in their study sessions.
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Have a heart of thankfulness as you study the living word!
The post How to Study the Bible by Your Learning Style appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
