Name: ___________________________
Date: _____________
Block: ____________
LEARNING STYLES INVENTORY
(adapted from Learning Styles at www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm)
PART 1
Instructions: Place an X in the blank next to the question to which you would answer “YES” if doing the activity described
in the shaded heading.
When you spell...
_____ a. Do you try to see the word?
_____ b. Do you sound out the word or use a phonetic approach?
_____ c. Do you write the word down to find out if it feels right?
When you talk...
_____ a. Do you dislike listening for too long?
Do you use words like see, picture, & imagine?
_____ b. Do you enjoy listening but are impatient to talk?
Do you use words such as hear, tune, and think?
_____ c. Do you gesture and use expressive movements?
Do you use words such as feel, touch, and hold?
When you concentrate...
_____ a. Do you become distracted by untidiness or movement?
_____ b. Do you become distracted by sounds or noises?
_____ c. Do you become distracted by activity around you?
When you meet someone again...
_____ a. Do you forget names but remember faces or remember where you met?
_____ b. Do you forget faces but remember names or remember what you talked about?
_____ c. Do you remember best what you did together?
When you contact people...
_____ a. Do you prefer direct, face-to-face, personal meetings?
_____ b. Do you prefer the telephone?
_____ c. Do you talk with them while walking or participating in an activity?
When you read...
_____ a. Do you like descriptive scenes or pause to imagine the actions?
_____ b. Do you enjoy dialogue and conversation or hear the characters talk?
_____ c. Do you prefer action stories or are not a keen reader?
When you do something new...
_____ a. Do you like to see demonstrations, diagrams, slides, or posters?
_____ b. Do you prefer verbal instructions or talking about it with someone else?
_____ c. Do you prefer to jump right in and try it?
Name: ___________________________
Date: _____________
Block: ____________
When you put something together...
_____ a. Do you look at the directions and the pictures?
_____ b. Do you need to hear directions?
_____ c. Do you ignore the directions and figure it out as you go?
When you need help on a computer...
_____ a. Do you seek out pictures or diagrams?
_____ b. Do you call the help desk, ask a neighbor, or growl at the computer?
_____ c. Do you keep trying to do it or try it on another computer?
Totals:
Number of a’s: _________________
Visual Learner
Number of b’s: _________________
Auditory Learner
Number of c’s: _________________
Kinesthetic Learner
PART 2
Instructions: Read each statement and put the appropriate number in the blank.
Often (3)
Sometimes (2)
Seldom/Never (1)
Learner # 1
_____ I remember information better if I write it down.
_____ Looking at the person helps keep me focused.
_____ I need a quiet place to get my work done.
_____ When I take a test, I can see the textbook page in my head.
_____ I need to write down directions, not just take them verbally.
_____ Music or background noise distracts my attention from the task at hand.
_____ I don’t always get the meaning of a joke.
_____ I doodle and draw pictures on the margins of my notebook pages.
_____ I have trouble following lectures that don’t involve PowerPoint or overhead notes.
_____ I react very strongly to colors.
_____ TOTAL
Learner #2
_____ My papers and notebooks always seem messy.
_____ When I read, I need to use my index finger to track my place on the line.
_____ I do not follow written directions well.
_____ If I hear something, I will remember it.
_____ Writing has always been difficult for me.
_____ I often misread words from the text. (i.e. “them” for “then”)
_____ I would rather listen and learn than read and learn.
_____ I’m not very good at interpreting an individual’s body language.
_____ Pages with small print or poor quality copies are difficult for me to read.
_____ My eyes tire quickly, even though my vision check-up is always fine.
_____ TOTAL
Name: ___________________________
Date: _____________
Block: ____________
Learner #3
_____ I start a project before reading the directions.
_____ I hate to sit at a desk for long periods of time.
_____ I prefer first to see something done and then to do it myself.
_____ I use the trial and error approach to problem solving.
_____ I like to read my textbook while riding an exercise bike.
_____ I take frequent study breaks.
_____ I have a difficult time giving step-by-step instructions.
_____ I enjoy sports and do well at several different types of sports.
_____ I use my hands when describing things.
_____ I have to rewrite or type my class notes to reinforce the material.
_____ TOTAL
Totals:
Learner #1: ______________________
Visual Learner
Learner #2: ______________________
Auditory Learner
Learner #3: ______________________
Kinesthetic Learner
Does your result from Part 1 match your result from Part 2?
Visual Learning Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Use graphics to reinforce learning: films, slides, illustrations, diagrams, and doodles.
Color code to organize notes and possessions.
Ask for written directions.
Use flow charts and diagrams for note taking.
Visualize the spelling of words or facts to be memorized.
Write things that you want to remember down; you will remember them better that way.
Look at the person who is speaking to you; it will help you focus.
Try to work in a quiet place. Wear earmuffs or earplugs if necessary. Some visual learners do, however, like soft
music in the background.
Most visual learners learn best alone.
When studying, take many notes and write down lots of details.
When trying to learn material by writing out notes, cover your notes then re-write. Re-writing will help you
remember better.
Use color to highlight main ideas.
Before reading a chapter or a book, preview it first by scanning the pictures, headings and so on.
Try to put your desk away from the door and windows and close to the front of the class.
Write your own flashcards. Look at them often and write out the main points, then check.
Where possible, use charts, maps, posters, films, videos, and computer software to study from and to present
your work (where appropriate).
Name: ___________________________
Date: _____________
Block: ____________
Auditory Learning Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Use tapes for reading and for class and lecture notes.
Learn by interviewing or by participating in discussions.
Study with a friend so you can talk about the information and HEAR it, too.
Recite out loud the information you want to remember several times.
Ask your teacher if you can submit some work (if appropriate) as an oral presentation, or on audiotape.
Make your own tapes of important points you want to remember and listen to it repeatedly. This is especially
useful for learning material for tests.
7. When reading, skim through and look at the pictures, chapter titles, and other clues and say out loud what you
think this book could be about.
8. Make flashcards for various material that you want to learn and use them repeatedly, reading them out loud.
Use different colors to aid your memory.
9. Read out loud when possible. You need to HEAR the words as you read them to understand them well.
10. When doing math calculations, use grid paper to help you set your sums out correctly and in their correct
columns.
Kinesthetic Learning Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
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6.
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8.
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17.
Engage in experiential learning (making models, doing lab work, and role playing).
Take frequent breaks in study periods.
Trace letters and words to learn spelling and remember facts.
Use computer to reinforce learning through sense of touch.
Memorize or drill while walking or exercising.
Express abilities through dance, drama, or gymnastics.
To memorize, pace or walk around while reciting to yourself or using flashcards or notes.
When reading a short story or chapter in a book, try a whole-to-part approach. This means you should first scan
the pictures, then read headings, then read the first and last paragraphs and try to get a feel for the book. You
could also try skim reading the chapter or short story backwards, paragraph-by-paragraph.
If you need to fidget, try doing so in a way that will not disturb others or endanger yourself or others. Try jiggling
your legs or feet, try hand/finger exercises, or handle a koosh ball, tennis ball or something similar.
You might not study best while at a desk. Try lying on your stomach or back. Try studying while sitting in a
comfortable lounge chair or on cushions or a beanbag.
Studying with music in the background might suit you.
Use colored construction paper to cover your desk or even decorate your area. Choose your favorite color as this
will help you focus. This technique is called color grounding.
Try reading through colored transparencies to help focus your attention. Try a variety of colors to see which
colors work best.
While studying, take frequent breaks, but be sure to settle back down to work quickly. A reasonable schedule
would be 15-25 minutes of study, 3-5 minutes of break time.
When trying to memorize information, try closing your eyes and writing the information in the air or on a surface
with your finger. Try to picture the words in your head as you are doing this. Try to hear the words in your head,
too.
Later, when you try to remember this information, close your eyes and try to see it with your mind's eye and to
hear it in your head.
When learning new information, make task cards, flashcards, card games, floor games, etc. This will help you
process the information.