Learning Styles

Everyone processes and learns new information in different

ways. There are three main cognitive learning styles: visual,
auditory, and kinesthetic.
The common characteristics of each learning style listed below
can help you understand how you learn and what methods of
learning best fits you.
Understanding how you learn can help maximize time you spend
studying by incorporating different techniques to custom fit
various subjects, concepts, and learning objectives. Each
preferred learning style has methods that fit the different ways
an individual may learn best.

Visual
Uses visual objects such as graphs, charts,
pictures, and seeing information
Can read body language well and has a good
perception of aesthetics
Able to memorize and recall various
information
Tends to remember things that are written
down
Learns better in lectures by watching them

Auditory
Retains information through hearing and
speaking
Often prefers to be told how to do things and
then summarizes the main points out loud to
help with memorization
Notices different aspects of speaking
Often has talents in music and may
concentrate better with soft music playing in
the background

Kinesthetic
Likes to use the hands-on approach to
learn new material
Is generally good in math and science
Would rather demonstrate how to do
something rather than verbally explain it
Usually prefers group work more than
others

Helpful Tips
http://blc.new.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/3-learningstyles

Visual
Turn notes into pictures, charts, or maps
Avoid distractions (windows, doorways, etc.)
Learn the big picture first and then focus on
the details
Make mind and concept maps instead of
outlines
Color code parts of new concepts in your
notes
Use flash cards when trying to study
vocabulary

Auditory
Record lectures and then listen to
them
Repeat material out loud and in your
own words
Discuss materials in your study groups
Read textbooks aloud
Listen to wordless background music
while studying

Kinesthetic
Take study breaks often
Learn new material while doing
something active (e.g., read a textbook
while on a treadmill)
Chew gum while studying
Work while standing
Try to take classes with instructors who
encourage demonstrations and fieldwork

Learning Style Inventory

This informal survey helps to identify
your learning style preference. Please
read each statement very carefully.
Select "yes" if the statement relates to
you all or most of the time. Check "no"
if the statement seldom or never
relates to you. Your first reaction to the
question is usually your best response.

1. I like to listen and discuss work with

partners.
2. I learn by hearing my own voice on
tape.

3. I prefer to learn something new by

reading it.
4. I often write down the directions
someone has given me so that I dont
forget them.

5. I enjoy physical sports or exercise.

6. I learn best when I can see new
information in picture form.

7. I am able to visualize easily.

8. I usually write things down so that I
can look back at them later.

9. If someone says a long word, I can

count the syllables that I hear.
10. I have a good memory for old
songs or music.

11. I like to discuss in small groups.

12. I often remember the size, shape,
and color of objects.

13. I often repeat out loud the

directions someone has given me.
14. I enjoy working with my hands.

15. I can remember faces of actors,

settings, and other visual details of a
movie seen in the past.
16. I often use my hands and body
movement when Im explaining
something.

17. I prefer to practice redrawing

diagrams on a chalkboard rather than
on paper.
18. I seem to learn better if I get up
and move around while I study.

19. If I wanted to assemble a bike, I

would need pictures or diagrams to
help with each step.
20. I remember objects better when I
have touched them or worked with
them.

21. I learn best by watching someone

else first.
22. I tap my fingers or my hands a lot
while I am seated.

23. I speak a foreign language.

24. I enjoy building things.

25. I can follow the plot of a story on

the radio.
26. I enjoy repairing things at home.

27. I can understand a lecture when I

hear it on tape.
28. I am good at using machines or
tools.

29. I find sitting still for very long

difficult.
30. I enjoy acting or doing
pantomimes.

31. I can easily see patterns in

designs.
32. I like to recite or write poetry.

33. I can usually understand people

with different accents.
34. I can hear many different pitches
or melodies in music.

35. I like to dance and create new

movements or steps.
36. I participate in activities that
require physical coordination.

37. I follow written directions better

than oral ones.
38. I can easily recognize differences
between similar sounds.

39. I like to create or use

jingles/rhymes to learn.
40. I prefer classes with hands-on
experiences.

41. I can quickly tell if two geometric

shapes are identical.
42. The things I remember best are the
things I have seen in print or pictures.

43. I follow oral directions better than

written ones.
44. I can learn the names of 15
medical instruments more easily if I
can touch and examine them.

45. I remember details better when I

say them aloud.
46. I can look at a shape and copy it
correctly on paper.

47. I can usually read a map without

difficulty.
48. I can "hear" a person's exact words
and tone of voice days after he or she
has spoken to me.

49. I remember directions best when

given landmarks, such as specific
buildings and trees.
50. I have a good eye for colors and
color combinations.

51. I like to paint, draw, sculpt, or be

creative with my hands.
52. I can vividly picture the details of a
meaningful past experience.

Scoring Your Profile

1. Ignore the "no" answers. Work only with
the questions that have a "yes" answer.
2. For every "yes" answer, look at the
question number. Find the number in the
following chart and circle it.
3. When you finish, not all the numbers
below will be circled.
4. Count the circles for the visual box and
write that total below. Do the same for
auditory and kinesthetic.

Visual:
3 4 6 7 9 13 16 20 22 32 39 43 44 48 49 51 52
54

Total:

Auditory:
1 2 8 10 11 12 14 24 26 28 34 35 36 40 41 45
47 50

Total:

Kinesthetic:
Total:
5 15 17 18 19 21 23 25 27 29 30 31 33 37 38
42 46 53

Highest Score =
Preferred learning style

Lowest Score =
Weakest or least developed
modality

Scores > 10 =
Frequently used modality

Scores < 10 =
Less frequently used modality

http://blc.new.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/learningstyle-inventory