Learning Styles
What do we mean when we use the term “learning style?” Research has proven that not
everyone learns the same way. While we all process information in a unique manner,
there are major categories that help identify how we learn best. If a student and his or
her parents are aware of how they learn, it can be very helpful.
Learning styles fall into three major categories:
1. Do you learn by watching or “seeing”? If so you may be a VISUAL learner.
2. Is your best method of learning “hearing”? You may be an AUDIO learner.
3. Is it easier to learn concepts by “doing” or using your hands? If so you may be a
TACTICLE or KINESTHETIC learner.
Below is a chart to help you understand these terms.
This chart helps you determine your learning style; read the word in the left column and
then answer the questions in the successive three columns to see how you respond to
each situation. Your answers may fall into all three columns, but one column will likely
contain the most answers. The dominant column indicates your primary learning style.
When you..
Spell
Talk
Concentrate
Visual
Read
Kinesthetic & Tactile
Do you try to see the
word?
Do you sound out the Do you write the word
word or use a
down to find if it feels
phonetic approach? right?
Do you sparingly but
dislike listening for too
long? Do you favor
words such as see,
picture, and imagine?
Do you enjoy
listening but are
impatient to talk? Do
you use words such
as hear, tune, and
think?
Do you become
distracted by untidiness
or movement?
Do you become
Do you become
distracted by sounds distracted by activity
or noises?
around you?
Do you forget names but
Meet someone remember faces or
again
remember where you
met?
Contact
people on
business
Auditory
Do you gesture and
use expressive
movements? Do you
use words such as
feel, touch, and hold?
Do you forget faces Do you remember
but remember names best what you did
or remember what
together?
you talked about?
Do you prefer direct,
face-to-face, personal
meetings?
Do you prefer the
telephone?
Do you talk with them
while walking or
participating in an
activity?
Do you like descriptive
scenes or pause to
imagine the actions?
Do you enjoy dialog
and conversation or
hear the characters
talk?
Do you prefer action
stories or are not a
keen reader?
Do you like to see
Do something demonstrations,
new at work diagrams, slides, or
posters?
Do you prefer verbal Do you prefer to jump
instructions or talking right in and try it?
about it with
someone else?
Adapted from Colin Rose (1987). Accelerated Learning. Last modified: March 28, 1998
Do you look at the
Put something directions and the
together
picture?
Do you ignore the
directions and figure
it out as you go
along?
Do you seek out pictures Do you call the help Do you keep trying to
Need help with
or diagrams?
desk, ask a neighbor, do it or try it on
a computer
or growl at the
another computer?
application
computer?
What does this information mean to you and how can you make it work?
Here are suggestions for notetaking and in-class learning:
Visual Learners
You will be aware of the teacher’s body language, facial expressions,
and movements. This awareness heightens your learning experience.
If possible, to enhance your learning type you may want to sit in the
front of the room so that you can see fully. You will respond to graphic
descriptions and illustrations, overhead or Power Point presentations
and hand-outs. Typically, you like respond to detailed lecture notes or
explanations and use visual aids to learn or review new information.
Auditory Learners
Discussions, lectures, group meetings and talking about topics
strengthens and supports your learning style. As an auditory learner,
you discern underlying meanings in speech and are aware of the tone,
pitch, and speed of speakers. Typically, written text is not the best
vehicle for you to learn. You may benefit greatly from reading aloud or
listening to text read to you via a compact disc, etc.
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
As a tactile / kinesthetic learner you need to get physically involved in
your learning – you like “hands on” instruction and tend to work best in
this realm. You like to be active, and as such you may find it hard to sit
for long periods. You may also be easily distracted as you want to
explore! It is important that you share this with your teacher so they
may understand and accommodate your need to move and to learn by
doing. You will be able to use your abilities to control how you handle
your learning environment with your teacher’s help. Your sense or
balance and eye-hand coordination is good, and when you incorporate
your body in learning, you remember well.
In studying or preparing for examinations, you may have to incorporate movement or
your body in your studying. For example, by quietly tapping your foot, you may be able
to remember facts in a rhythmic manner.
Knowing how you learn will help you to develop positive, appropriate behaviors and
enable you to take advantage of your strengths and modify any weaknesses. Again, it is
important to know yourself and to be willing to ask for help when needed.
Adapted from Colin Rose (1987). Accelerated Learning. Last modified: March 28, 1998