Learning StylesEveryone 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-learning-styles

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 54Total:Auditory:

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

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

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

Highest Score = Preferred learning style Lowest Score = Weakest or least developed modality Scores > 10 = Frequently used modalityScores < 10 = Less frequently used modality