Learning Styles

If your style is Visual

You may…

  • Learn by seeing
  • Like color and art
  • Like written instruction
  • Like e-mailing and texting
  • Like reading
  • Struggle with spoken instruction
  • Dislike lecture method of instruction
  • Remember what was written where
  • Be among 55% of the population.

And study best by…

  • Using highlighting, underlining, and color-coding
  • Reading and writing
  • Flashcards and taking notes
  • Repeating reading for memory
  • Pictures, diagrams, charts, etc.
  • Visualization to remember things
  • Answering written questions
  • Quiet study environment
  • Mapping and loci study methods

If your style is Auditory

You may…

  • Learn by hearing
  • Like spoken instruction and discussion groups
  • Like lecture method of instruction
  • Like audiobooks
  • Like talking on the phone and listening to music
  • May appear to ask questions that were already answered or obvious
  • Dislike extensive reading, writing, or PowerPoints
  • Remember who said what
  • Be among 20% of the population

And study best by…

  • Reading aloud
  • Tape-recording lectures and listening again (with instructor permission)
  • Using screenreaders
  • Repeating things back for memory
  • Light background noise when studying
  • Asking instructor to repeat things if you did not hear it
  • Participating in discussion groups
  • Having questions asked aloud or others quiz you

If your style is Kinesthetic

You may…

  • Learn by doing
  • Like physical activity
  • Like active learning and demonstrations
  • Like activities, putting things together, puzzles
  • Like labs, group work, and discussion methods of instruction
  • Dislike lecture method of instruction
  • Dislike sitting still
  • Remember who did what
  • Be among 25% of the population

And study best by…

  • Flashcards or making it a game
  • Mnemonics
  • Participatory learning like role playing, building models, etc.
  • Tracing key words/definitions or following with finger
  • Repeating practice for memory
  • Studying while exercising or moving hands/feet
  • Doodling while listening
  • Case studies
  • Taking frequent study breaks to do something active for 15 minutes