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IDENTIFYING LEARNING STYLES
PASS 0900
How Would You Do It?
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Cooking a new dish for dinner…
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Read a recipe (from a cookbook or
online).
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Watch and listen to someone (in person or
on TV).
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Just get in the kitchen and get to it!
Learning Styles
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A learning style is the way someone takes in,
remembers, and gives information in a learning
context.
 Visual
= Seeing
 Auditory = Hearing
 Kinesthetic = Doing
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There is no one right way to learn!
Almost everyone uses each of the different ways,
but most people have a strong preference for one
or two!
What Is Your Learning Style…?
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There are several different instruments out there because
psychologists and educators have been studying learning styles
for years
VARK is a 16-question survey that provides users with a profile
of their learning preferences (the way they want to take in and
give out information)
 Visual = Seeing something
 Auditory= Hearing something
 Read/Write = Reading/Writing something
 Kinesthetic = Doing something
 Multi-Modal = A combination of two or more of the
above
Approximately 15,000 people take VARK every month
Ask VARK!
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Go to…http://www.vark-learn.com
On the website, click “Questionnaire.”
Or go to the Learning Styles Inventory Link in
Your PASS 0900 D2L Course
Once you have completed the questionnaire, copy and
save your results to a word file and submit it in the drop
box. Then continue with the power point.
Visual Learners
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Characteristics:
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Sense of sight is primary way
of learning
Like to read directions or
watch someone do something
before trying it
Like pictures and illustrations
Attracted to bright, colorful
things
Remember things by making
visual connections
College Success Tips:
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Sit near the front of the
classroom so you can see the
teacher and the board /
projector
Pay close attention to visual aids
(charts, illustrations, etc.)
Create your own visual aids like
flow charts and sample problems
Use flash cards to review things
you need to memorize
Visualize information = see it in
your mind’s eye
Aural / Auditory Learners
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Characteristics:
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Sense of hearing is
primary way of learning
Like to talk
Like to read aloud
Find repetition helpful
College Success Tips:
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Sit near the middle of the
classroom so you can hear
everything (lecture, questions,
discussion, etc.)
Ask questions
Organize a study group
Tape record lectures to listen to
again later
Try audio books (but be careful
of movie versions)
Reading/Writing (R&W) Learners
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Characteristics:
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Learn by reading/writing
Like lists, headings,
glossaries, manuals
Often try to take notes
verbatim
Often re-write notes
College Success Tips:
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Sit near the front of the
classroom so you can see the
board/projector clearly
Re-write and re-read lecture
notes
Turn visual aids (charts,
diagrams, etc.) into words
and statements
Kinesthetic Learners
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Characteristics:
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Prefer hands-on learning
Learn best by doing
Like to just jump right in and
try new things
Concentrate more easily when
doodling or fidgeting
Associate info to be
memorized with physical
activity
Like to take frequent breaks
when studying to move around
College Success Tips:
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Sit in the middle of the classroom so
you can be involved in everything
Ask questions and discuss
Participate as much as possible (ex.
assist in labs or go to the board to
solve a problem)
Make charts or models to bring the
content to life
Work with classmates in learning
teams or study groups
Use interactive computer software if
available
Read while exercising (treadmill or
stationary bike)
Multi-Modal Learners
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Characteristics:
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Have multiple
preferences
College Success Tips:
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Review Study Strategies for
each (V, A, R, and/or K) to see
what works best for you
Conclusion
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Remember, there is no right way to learn!
Different styles work for different people at
different times.
Try changing your study methods based on the
VARK preferences you learned about today!
Use the suggested success tips and study strategies.
Talk and share ideas with other students who have
the same learning style.
Questions/Discussions
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References
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Austin Peay State University First-Year Planning
Committee. “Understanding the Way You Learn.”
Your First-Year Experience. 2nd ed. Dubuque, IA:
Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 2006.
Fleming, Neil. VARK. 2008. 27 January 2009
<http://www.vark-learn.com/english>.