What's Your Learning Style?

Everyone has a specific learning style that effects how they take in information, study, and perform during a test. Knowing your learning style will be extremely helpful to you as a student because you'll understand how you personally process information. Then, you can alter your study habits to fit your learning style, which will help you become a better student.

There are three basic styles of learning styles: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic.

Characteristics of the Visual Learner:

• Is good at remembering faces but forgets names.
• Needs quiet study time.
• Has to think awhile before understanding lecture.
• Is good at spelling.
• Likes colors & fashion.
• Understands/likes charts.
• Usually detail oriented.
• Needs to be able to see the instructors face/body movement to learn.

Suggestions for the Visual Learner:

• Make lists like crazy.
• Take notes in class.
• Watch videos on YoutTube to further understand a subject.
• Color code words in your notes or textbook.
• Re-write your notes.
• Flashcards are your friends – take time to make them.
• Use highlighters, circle words, underline.
• Sit near the front of the class – you may dread this, but it will help you.

Characteristics of the Auditory Learner:

• Likes to read/speak to self out loud.
• Is not afraid to speak in class.
• Is good at explaining things.
• Remembers names.
• Enjoys discussions/debates.
• Easily remembers lines/quotes from movies.
• Is good at grammar and foreign language.
• Reads slowly.
• Follows spoken directions well.
• Can't keep quiet for long periods.

Suggestions for the Auditory Learner:

• Use word association to remember facts and lines.
• Record lectures.
• Describe aloud what is to be remembered.
• Participate in group discussions.
• Use audiotapes for language practice.
• Ask questions.
• Avoid auditory distractions – don’t study with music on.

Characteristics of the Kinesthetic Learners:

• Likes and is good at sports.
• May talk fast and use hand to communicate.
• Can't sit still for long.
• Is not great at spelling.
• Good internal compass for finding their way around.
• Does not have great handwriting.
• Studies with music on.
• Takes breaks when studying.
• Is fidgety during lectures.
• Studies effectively laying on floor or bed, fidgeting, tapping fingers or touching objects.

Suggestions for the Kinesthetic Learner:

• Study in short blocks.
• Study with others.
• Use memory games.
• Use flash cards to memorize.
• Engage in hands-on activities.
• And it’s actually ok to tap your foot or finger while in class, just try not to distract others too much.

Try to figure out what type of learner you might be and then alter your study habits to fit your learning style. It may really help you in the long run. J