Learning Styles Checklist
Questions to Answer
1. Is there one best way to study?
2. What is a “learning style”?
3. What will I gain by knowing my learning style?
To Do
1. Discover my individual learning style.
2. Discover strategies based on the way I learn so that I can:
a. Get the most out of class
b. Maximize study time results
c. Increase chances for success with difficult classes and instructors
3. Write down my ” A+ attitude”.
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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HOW DO YOU LEARN BEST?
LEARNING STYLES TEST
Here are 12 incomplete sentences and three choices for completing the sentences.
For EACH question,
circle 1 for the choice most like you
circle 2 for your second choice
circle 3 the choice that is least like you
**Remember this is a voyage of self discovery…There are no right or wrong
answers.
1. When I want to learn something new, I usually…
a.
b.
c.
want someone to explain it to me.. 1 2 3
want to read about in a book or magazine.. 1 2 3
want to immediately try it out, take notes or make a model of it..
1 2 3
2. At a party most of the time I like to…
a. listen and talk to two or three new people at once. 1 2 3
b. see how everyone looks and watch people. 1 2 3
c. dance, play games or take part in some activity. 1 2 3
3. If I were helping with a musical show, I would most likely…
a.
b.
c.
write the music, sing the songs or play the instruments. 1 2 3
design the costumes, paint the scenery, or work on the lighting. 1 2 3
make the costumes, build the sets or take an acting role. 1 2 3
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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4. When I am angry, my first reaction is to…
a. tell people off, laugh, joke, or talk it over with someone. 1 2 3
b. blame myself, blame someone else, daydream about taking revenge,
or keep it inside. 1 2 3
c. make a fist, tense up, hit or throw something. 1 2 3
5. A happy event I would like to have is
a.
hearing thunderous applause for my speech or music. 1 2 3
b.
photographing a prize winning picture of an exciting news story.
c. achieving fame for first place in a physical activity like dancing,
acting, surfing or sports. 1 2 3
1 2 3
6. I prefer a teacher to…
a. lecture, with good explanations and class discussions. 1 2 3
b. use a chalkboard, power points or overheads, use visual aids and
assigned readings. 1 2 3
c. require posters, internships, projects or class activity. 1 2 3
7. I know that I talk with…
a. different tones of voice. 1 2 3
b. my eyes and facial expressions. 1 2 3
c. my hands and gestures. 1 2 3
8. If I had to remember an event so that I could record it later I would choose to
a. tell it out loud to someone, or listen to an audiotape or song about it.
1 2 3
b. see a picture of it or read a description. 1 2 3
c. replay it in rehearsal, with movements like dance, play acting or
practice. 1 2 3
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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9. When I cook something new I like to…
a. have someone tell me the directions, a friend or TV show 1 2 3
b. read the recipe and judge by how it looks 1 2 3
c. use a lot of pots and dishes stir often and taste-test. 1 2 3
10.People can tell what I am feeling by my…
a. tone of voice. 1 2 3
b. facial expressions. 1 2 3
c. general body expression or posture. 1 2 3
11.When I am driving, I…
a. turn on the radio as soon as I enter the car. 1 2 3
b. like quiet so I can concentrate or enjoy the peace. 1 2 3
c. shift my body frequently to avoid getting tired or cramped. 1 2 3
12.In my free time, I like to
a. listen to music, talk on the phone or go to concerts. 1 2 3
b. go to the movies, watch TV, read magazines or books. 1 2 3
c. get some exercise, take a walk or make things. 1 2 3
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SCORE SHEET
SCORING
Add up all the points for the “a’s”,
the “b’s”, then all the “c’s”
Total points for “a’s” ____
Total points for “b’s” ____
Total points for “c’s” ____
INTERPRETATION
If “a” has the highest score, that indicates that your main learning style preference
is AUDITORY
If “b” has the highest score, that indicates that your main learning style preference
is VISUAL
If “c” has the highest score, that indicates that your main learning style preference
is TACTILE also called KINESTHETIC
If all scores are about equal, that indicates that your learning style is MIXED
NOW WHAT?
Lets talk about using your style to learn and study smarter…
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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Common Characteristics of Learning Styles
Visual
 Learns best by seeing information
 Easily recalls printed information in the
forms of numbers, words, phrases, or
sentences
 Likes to read (visual verbal), usually a
good speller
 Easily recalls information presented in
pictures, charts, graphs (visual nonverbal)
 Has strong visualization skills and can
look up (often to the left) and “see
information”
 Pays close attention and learns to
interpret body language (facial
expression, stance, eyes)
 Has strong awareness of aesthetics “how
things look”, neat in appearance
 Mind strays during verbal
activities like lectures and
discussions
 Finds verbal instructions difficult
 Quiet by nature, notices detail
 Likes to observe rather that act or
talk
 Not easily distracted by noise
Auditory
 Learns best by hearing information
 Can accurately remember details of
conversations and lectures
 Has strong language skills, can develop
large vocabularies and appreciates words
 Has strong oral communication skills,
articulate and great conversationalist,
likes to listen but inpatient to talk
 Hears tones, rhythms and notes of music
and is often talented in music
 Hums or sings
 Enjoys listening activities, likes being
read to
 May learn foreign languages
relatively easy
 Can understand accents
 Talks to self out loud
 Distracted by noises
 Outgoing nature
 Has difficulty with written
directions, would rather be told
 May forget faces but remembers
names and what has been talked
about
Tactile/Kinesthetic
 Learns best by using their hands (“hands
on learning”)
 Learns best by doing
 Learns well in activities that require
performing (athletes, actors, dancers)
 May have a talent for repairing things,
sculpture or working with tools
 Good coordination, may be athletic
 Often taps their feet, moves their legs
 Often were labeled “hyperactive”
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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 Poor speller, doesn’t care much for
reading
 Outgoing by nature
 Will try new things
 In motion most of the time
 Can assemble things without
directions
 Learns best when physical
Activity involved.
LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR
IN CLASS
 Sit close to the teacher so that you can see facial expressions and gestures
 Take notes, make pictures, graphs, charts.
 Keep a note pad with you at all times. Write out everything for quick visual
review.
 Imagine pictures of information that the instructor wants you to remember.
 As the teacher lectures, pay attention to any visual aids such as books, power
points, overhead transparencies, charts.
STUDY TIPS
 You tend to benefit from textbooks, handouts and material that you can read.
 You tend to like studying by yourself in a quiet place. Study groups may not be
that helpful to you.
 Make flash cards. Highlight key details. Make lists.
 When organizing notes or making outlines, use lots of white space, underlining
or flow charts. Replace words with symbols or abbreviations.
 Recall the “picture” of the page.
 Read silently.
 Use the computer to type-out notes. Use the print out.
 Color code to organize notes, folders and possessions.
 Visualize spelling of words or facts to be memorized.
PREPARING FOR A TEST
 Make “stick it” notes with key concepts and put the notes in highly visible
places like your mirror, dashboard, notebook, family members’ foreheads.
 Write exam answers.
 Prepare outline for test reviews.
 Essay tests—make a quick outline on scratch paper or in margins of the test
before writing your answer.
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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BEST CHOICES IN INSTRUCTORS AND CLASSES
 Choose classes and instructors who use lots of visual aids, power point lectures,
writing on the board.
 Choose instructors who give written directions to assignments.
 May do well with independent study course that requires reading.
 May have trouble with classes that are strictly lecture based.
WHEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH A CLASS: WHAT KIND OF HELP TO
ASK FOR…
 Visual learners may have trouble with instructors who don’t use handouts, or
visual aids, rely heavily on class discussion and don’t write much on the board.
 The answer is to:
1. Ask the instructor for articles, books or websites that let you read
information you need to understand better.
2. If you are confused about a point, ask the instructor to tell you again and
write down what you hear.
3. Ask instructor if outline of the lecture is available.
4. Take good notes, after class fill in sentences and compare notes with other
students.
 Ask for written directions.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
 Work at listening and remembering what the instructor says.
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR
Tactile/Kinesthetic learners learn through moving, doing, touching, the “hands-on
approach”, actively exploring the world around you. Sitting for long periods of
time may bore you. You may learn best with activity, exploration, and trial and
error.
IN CLASS
 Sit as close to the teacher as possible, or sit in the center of the room by quiet
students.
 Where appropriate, use every opportunity to get up and get a closer look or
participate in class activities. Don’t miss field trips.
STUDY TIPS
 Keep your study desk or area free from clutter; turn off lively music and TV;
listen only to soft music if you have to have sound. Use earplugs, if you have to
study around a lot of people or noise.
 Try chewing gum while studying (this sounds nutty but it will keep you
physically occupied while you are studying).
 Don’t skip breakfast. Eat lunch and nutritious snacks.
 Use real objects, models and materials that can be touched. For example learn
geography by handling the globe, learn the names of bones and muscles by
touching the model skeleton as you memorize; repeat applications.
 Divide your study time into 20-minute intervals. After twenty minutes take a
short break; give yourself a reward like a short walk; listen to one song, candy
or a cookie.
 When possible, draw pictures, type, take notes, role- play, construct a model, do
lab work, learn by being active.
 Use bright colors when you highlight reading material.
 Skim through reading material or read chapter summaries first to get a rough
idea before reading in detail.
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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 Create manipulative (study tools that you can move around with your hands).
For example, flash cards work well. Flash cards can be shuffled, spread out
sorted or stacked as a way to categorize information.
 Type or use a word processor. Muscles hold memory and it should be easier for
you to remember info that you have typed or entered into a computer.
 Cut charts and diagrams apart; reassemble them in the right order.
 Work at a chalkboard, with a flip chart or on large poster paper to create study
tools. List, draw, or write info while you stand up and work on a larger surface.
PREPARING FOR A TEST
 Take practice test, write practice answers.
 Role-play the exam situation when you are alone. You want to experience the
exam so that you can understand it.
BEST CHOICES IN INSTRUCTORS AND CLASSES
 Choose instructors and classes with lots of class activities.
 Choose classes with labs, co-ops, externships, practicums, demonstrations and
field trips.
 You may do well with classes that deal with practical knowledge and hard facts
and evidence as opposed to classes that rely heavily on theory.
 You may also excel in classes that allow you to express abilities through
athletics, dance or drama.
WHEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH A CLASS: WHAT KIND OF HELP TO
ASK FOR…
 Ask instructors and tutors for concrete examples of hard to understand
concepts.
 Ask for diagrams, models, and case studies where appropriate.
 See if practice tests, practice problems or extra lab time is available.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
 Put plenty of examples into your note summaries.
 Use case studies and applications to help with abstract concepts.
 Try to expand your understanding of the theoretical, the abstract. Everything
may not be reducible to “black and white”, “good and bad”.
 Try to minimize judgment of materials you are learning.
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR
IN CLASS




Attend lectures. Get involved in class discussions.
Attend tutorials
Take notes, but back up your notes with a tape recorder (ask instructor first).
Don’t waste valuable study time by listening to the entire lecture again. Use the
tapes to clear up missed or confusing parts of the lecture.
STUDY TIPS
 Work with a “study buddy” or a good study group.
 Recite frequently while you study. Speak out loud in complete sentences.
 When reciting your notes, flashcards or information from your textbooks, turn
on the tape recorder. Tapes made in your own voice are invaluable.
 Read out loud (reading out loud increases understanding and clarifies confusing
material)
 Use a straight edged ruler or marker to help you keep your place when you are
reading books and handouts.
 Explain out loud what you are studying to friends, family, pets, imaginary
people. You may get strange looks but it works.
 Create rhymes, jingles, or raps to help you remember specific facts.
 Use computerized technology (electronic spell checkers, calculators with a
“voice” speech synthesizer on computers) to help with the learning process.
Access CD-ROM programs and multi-media software to provide auditory and
visual stimuli for learning.
PREPARING FOR A TEST
 Do not miss any review sessions given by instructors and your study group.
 Make test review tapes to review important info (rules, definitions, formulas,
lists of information, dates or other facts) before the test.
HCCS Learning module/ DeShaunta L. Stewart
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BEST CHOICES IN INSTRUCTORS AND CLASSES
 You will probably do well with instructors who say everything to learn and do.
 When possible, choose instructors and classes that involve mostly lectures,
class discussions, guest lecturers, tapes, television, oral presentations or oral
questions and answers. If choosing an independent study class, try and choose
one where the classes are televised or videotaped.
WHEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH A CLASS: WHAT KIND OF HELP TO
ASK FOR…
 Schedule an appointment with your instructor immediately. One of the great
advantages of attending a community college is the availability of the
instructors.
 Use the sessions to clear up hard to understand information and directions on
assignments.
 Ask for a tutor.
 You may have a few challenges when dealing with a visually oriented
instructor, who hands out written statements about what to do to pass the course
without discussing it and assigns outside reading that is never discussed in
class. In this case, the solution is to:
1. Find classmates who will tell you what they learned from the textbook
reading; this can even be done over the phone.
2. Dictate main points from readings and assignments and handouts on the
tapes and listen to the tapes.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
1. Make a conscious effort to improve reading skills and ability to acquire
information visually.
2. See if your college can provide professional help through a learning or
reading center or the office of disabilities.
3. Writing and Spelling may be a challenge; don’t forget spell checks. Try
working on writing and spelling by saying sentences out loud before you
write them. Listen to the spelling of a word and when you write it, try to
“hear” it in your mind.
4. Read more in your spare time. (What spare time?) Surf the net.
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