Student Q & A
Your Learning Style
Current education theories identify three types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic. Below are descriptions of each and some tips on making using your particular style to best advantage.
Visual learners learn best through seeing. They often think in pictures and learn best from visual displays. During a lecture, visual learners might take detailed notes to absorb the information.
Auditory learners learn best through listening and talking things through. Written information is preferred read aloud.
Tactile/kinesthetic learners learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods.
Once you know your preferred learning style, you can employ strategies to improve your learning. Here are some practical suggestions:
Visual Learner Tips:
- Seek out supporting visual materials such as pictures, charts, maps, graphs, etc.
- Use color to highlight important points in text
- Take notes and sketch key concepts
- Study in a quiet places
Auditory Learner Tips:
- Study with other auditory learners using the telephone or VOIP
- Listen to recorded lectures (Pod-casts)
- Read text out aloud
- Create musical jingles to aid memorization
- Use verbal analogies to demonstrate points
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner Tips:
- Take frequent study breaks
- Create models from clay and objects
- Go on field trips
- Role play situations and concepts
Neil Fleming has created the VARK website, a guide to four learning styles. There you can complete a questionnaire to help determine your preferred style, and help sheets provide tips for success.