What's Your Learning Style?

The Learning Styles

If you are an auditory learner, you learn by hearing and listening. You understand and remember things
you have heard. You store information by the way it sounds, and you have an easier time understanding
spoken instructions than written ones. You often learn by reading out loud because you have to hear it or
speak it in order to know it.

As an auditory learner, you probably hum or talk to yourself or others if you become bored. People may
think you are not paying attention, even though you may be hearing and understanding everything being
said.

Here are some things that auditory learners like you can do to learn better.

 Sit where you can hear.

 Have your hearing checked on a regular basis.
 Use flashcards to learn new words; read them out loud.
 Read stories, assignments, or directions out loud.
 Record yourself spelling words and then listen to the recording.
 Have test questions read to you out loud.
 Study new material by reading it out loud.
Remember that you need to hear things, not just see things, in order to learn well.

If you are a visual learner, you learn by reading or seeing pictures. You understand and remember things
by sight. You can picture what you are learning in your head, and you learn best by using methods that
are primarily visual. You like to see what you are learning.

As a visual learner, you are usually neat and clean. You often close your eyes to visualize or remember
something, and you will find something to watch if you become bored. You may have difficulty with
spoken directions and may be easily distracted by sounds. You are attracted to color and to spoken
language (like stories) that is rich in imagery.

Here are some things that visual learners like you can do to learn better:

 Sit near the front of the classroom. (It won't mean you're the teacher's pet!)
 Have your eyesight checked on a regular basis.
 Use flashcards to learn new words.
 Try to visualize things that you hear or things that are read to you.
 Write down key words, ideas, or instructions.
 Draw pictures to help explain new concepts and then explain the pictures.
 Color code things.
 Avoid distractions during study times.
Remember that you need to see things, not just hear things, to learn well.

If you are a tactile learner, you learn by touching and doing. You understand and remember things
through physical movement. You are a "hands-on" learner who prefers to touch, move, build, or draw
what you learn, and you tend to learn better when some type of physical activity is involved. You need to
be active and take frequent breaks, you often speak with your hands and with gestures, and you may
have difficulty sitting still.
As a tactile learner, you like to take things apart and put things together, and you tend to find reasons to
tinker or move around when you become bored. You may be very well coordinated and have good
athletic ability. You can easily remember things that were done but may have difficulty remembering what
you saw or heard in the process. You often communicate by touching, and you appreciate physically
expressed forms of encouragement, such as a pat on the back.

Here are some things that tactile learners like you can do to learn better:

 Participate in activities that involve touching, building, moving, or drawing.

 Do lots of hands-on activities like completing art projects, taking walks, or acting out stories.
 It's OK to chew gum, walk around, or rock in a chair while reading or studying.
 Use flashcards and arrange them in groups to show relationships between ideas.
 Trace words with your finger to learn spelling (finger spelling).
 Take frequent breaks during reading or studying periods (frequent, but not long).
 It's OK to tap a pencil, shake your foot, or hold on to something while learning.
 Use a computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch.
Remember that you learn best by doing, not just by reading, seeing, or hearing.
General Resources: Learning Style Inventory Self-Assessment

As a Peak Performer and lifelong learner, you need to discover how you learn best.
There are various learning style inventories that can help you. You may want to visit
the career center or learning skills center on your campus and explore various
learning style inventories. The following Learning Style Inventory will help you
discover your learning style.

Determine your learning style preference. Complete each sentence by checking A,

B, or C. No answer is correct or better than another. Check the one you prefer.

1.) I learn best when I

A. ____see information.

B. ____hear information.

C. ____have hands-on experience.

2.) I like

A. ____pictures and illustrations.

B. ____tapes and listening to stories.

C. ____working with people and going on field trips.

3.) For pleasure and relaxation, I love to

A. ____read.

B. ____listen to music and tapes.

C. ____garden or play sports.

4.) I tend to be

A. ____contemplative.

B. ____talkative.

C. ____a doer.
5.) To remember a Zip Code, I like to

A. ____write it down several times.

B. ____say it out loud several times.

C. ____doodle and draw it on any available paper.

6.) In a classroom, I learn best when

A. ____I have a good textbook, visual aides, and written information.

B. ____the instructor is interesting and clear.

C. ____I am involved in doing activities.

7.) When I study for a test

A. ____I read my notes and write a summary.

B. ____I review my notes aloud and talk to others.

C. ____I like to study in a group and use models and charts.

8.) I have

A. ____a strong fashion sense and pay attention to visual details.

B. ____fun telling stories and jokes.

C. ____a great time building things and being active.

9.) I plan the upcoming week by

A. ____making a list and keeping a detailed calendar.

B. ____talking it through with someone.

C. ____creating a computer calendar or using a project board.

10.) When preparing for a math test, I like to

A. ____write formulas on note cards or use pictures.

B. ____memorize formulas or talk aloud.

C. ____use marbles, Legos or three-dimensional models.

11.) I often

A. ____remember faces, but not names.

B. ____remember names, but not faces.

C. ____remember events, but not names or faces.

12.) I remember best

A. ____when I read instructions and use visual images.

B. ____when I listen to instructions and use rhyming words.

C. ____with hands-on activities and trial and error.

13.) When I give directions, I might say,

A. ____"Turn right at the yellow house and left when you see the
large oak tree. Do you see what I mean?"

B. ____"Turn right, go three blocks, and left at Buttermilk Lane. OK?

Got that? Do you hear what I’m saying?"

C. ____"Follow me," after giving directions by using gestures.

14.) When driving in a new city, I prefer

A. ____to get a map and find my own way.

B. ____to stop and get directions from someone.

C. ____to drive around and figure it out by myself.

Total A choices

Total B choices

Total C choices

The highest total indicates your predominant learning style.

If most of your answers were "A," you are a visual learner. If you answered "B" most
of the time, you are an auditory learner. "C"s indicate a kinesthetic learner.

You will find good information about learning styles and links to information about
other learning styles
athttp://adulted.about.com/education/adulted/library/weekly/aa110799.htm
 Learning Styles Test Unlock Your Learning Potential!
This test is to find out something about your preferred learning method. Research
on the left/right brain differences and also on learning personality differences suggest
that each person has a preferred way to receive and communicate information. Choose
the answer that best explains your preference and mark the letter (V, R, A, or K). If
only a single answer does not match your perception, please indicate the second or
third choices.

1. You are about to give directions to a person. She is staying in a hotel in town
and wants to visit your house. She has a rental car. Would you:
V. draw a map on paper?
R. write down the directions (without a map?
A. tell her the directions?
K. collect her from the hotel in your car?

2. You are staying in a hotel and have a rental car. You would like to visit a
friend whose address/location you do not know. Would you like them to:
V. draw you a map?
R. write down the directions (without a map)?
A. tell you directions?
K. collect you from the hotel in their car?

3. You have just received a copy of your intinerary for a world trip. This is of
interest to your friend. Would you:
A. call her immediately and tell her about it?
R. Send her a copy of the printed intinerary?
V. show her a map of the world?

4. You are going to cook a dessert as a special treat for your family. Do you:
K. cook something familiar without the need for instructions?
V. thumb through a cookbook looking for ideas from the pictures?
R. refer to a specific cookbook where there is a good recipe?
A. ask for advise from others?

5. A group of tourists has been assigned to you to find out about national
parks. Would you:
K.drive them to a national park?
V. show them slides and photographs?
R. give them a book on national parks?
A. give them a talk on national parks?

6. You are about to purchase a new stereo. Other than the price, what would
most influence your decision?
A. a friend talking about it?
K. listening to it?
R. reading the details about it?
V. its distinctive, upscale appearance?

7. Recall a time in your life when you learned how to do something like playing
a new board game. Try to avoid choosing a very physical skill, i.e. riding a bike.
How did you learn best? By:
V. visual clues-pictures, diagrams, charts?
R. written instructions?
A. listening to somebody explain it?
K. doing it?

8. Which of these games do you prefer?

A. Pictionary? R. Scrabble? K.
Charades?

9. You are about to learn how to use a new program on a computer. Would
you:
K. ask a friend to show you?
R. read the manual which comes with the program?
A. telephone a friend and ask questions about it?

10. You are not sure whether a word should be spelled "dependent" or
"dependant". Do you:
R. look it up in a dictionary?
V. see the word in your mind and choose the best way it looks?
A. sound it out?
K. write both versions down?

11. Apart from price, what would most influence your decision to buy a
particular textbook?
K. using a friends copy?
R. skimming parts of it?
A. a friend talking about it?
V. it looks OK?

12. A new movie has arrived in town. What would most influence your decision
to go or not go?
A. friends talking about it?
R. you read a review about it?
V. You saw a preview of it?

13. Do you prefer a lecturer/teacher who likes to use:

R. handouts and/or a textbook?
V. flow diagrams, charts, slides?
K. field trips. labs, practical sessions?
A. discussion, guest speakers?

Now go back and count how many V's, A's, R's, and K's you circled. Whichever
letter you have circled most indicates your preferred learning style. If you have a "tie"
or two letters are about equal you probably have more than one preferred learning
style. Click on the letter that you circled most to find out what you should do in class,
when you're studying and during exams to complement your learning style.

V's than click here

You have been identified as a Visual Learner. Follow these simple tips to assist you in
learning more efficiently.

In Class You Should:

 Underline
 use different colors
 use symbols, charts, arrangements on a page

When Studying You Should:

 use the "In Class" method

 reconstruct images in different ways
 redraw pages from memory
 replace words with symbols and initials

During Exams You Should:

 recall the pictures of the pages

  draw, use diagrams where appropriate
 practice turning visuals back into words

A's than click here

You have been identified as an Aural Learner. Follow these simple tips to assist you
in learning more efficiently.

In Class You Should:

 attend lectures and tutorials

 discuss topics with students
 explain new ideas to other people
 use a tape recorder
 describe overheads, pictures, and visuals to somebody that was not there.
 leave space in notes for later recall

When Studying You Should:

 understand you may take poor notes because you prefer to listen
 expand your notes
 put summarized notes on tape and listen
 read summarized notes out load
 explain notes to another Aural person

During Exams You Should:

 listen to your voices and write them down

 speak your answers
 practice writing answers to old exam questions.
R's than click here

You have been identified as an Aural Learner. Follow these simple tips to assist you
in learning more efficiently.

In Class You Should:

 attend lectures and tutorials

 discuss topics with students
 explain new ideas to other people
 use a tape recorder
 describe overheads, pictures, and visuals to somebody that was not there.
 leave space in notes for later recall

When Studying You Should:

 understand you may take poor notes because you prefer to listen
 expand your notes
 put summarized notes on tape and listen
 read summarized notes out load
 explain notes to another Aural person

During Exams You Should:

 listen to your voices and write them down

 speak your answers
 practice writing answers to old exam questions.

K's than click here

You have been identified as a Kinesthetic Learner. Follow these simple tips to assist
you in learning more efficiently.

In Class You Should:

 use all of your senses

 go to lab, take field trips
 use trial and error methods
  listen to real life examples
 use hands-on approach

When Studying You Should:

 understand you may take notes poorly due to topics not seeming relevant
 put examples in note summaries
 use pictures and photos to illustrate
 talk about notes with another Kinesthetic person

During Exams You Should:

 write practice answers

 role-play the exam situation in your room
VAK learning styles test

vak - visual, auditory, kinesthetic - learning

styles model and free self-test
The VAK learning styles model and related VAK learning styles tests offer a
relatively simple methodology. Therefore it is important to remember that
these concepts and tools are aids to understanding overall personality,
preferences and strengths - which is always a mixture in each individual
person.
As with any methodology or tool, use VAK and other learning styles ideas with
care and interpretation according to the needs of the situation. They are
guide as to the mixture of preferences, strengths and learning styles in an
individual, not a basis for deciding on one exclusive preference or approach to
the exclusion of everything else.
On this point, the Kolb Learning Styles page offers additional notes on the use
of Learning Styles in young people's education.
In addition to the VAK materials and tests below, further VAK (and VARK and
VACT) explanation is on the page dealing with Multiple Intelligences and VAK.

vak learning styles

The Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic learning styles model or 'inventory',

usually abbreviated to VAK, provides a simple way to explain and understand
your own learning style (and learning styles of others).
'Learning style' should be interpreted to mean an individual mixture
of styles. Everyone has a mixture of strengths and preferences. No-one has
exclusively one single style or preference. Please bear this in mind when using
these ideas.
Alternatively the model is referred to as Visual-Auditory-Physical, or Visual-
Auditory-Tactile/Kinesthetic (or Kinaesthetic). The model is also extended by
some people to VARK (Visual-Auditory-Reading-Kinesthetic) or VACT (Visual-
Auditory-Kinesthetic-Tactile), and you can decide yourself about the
usefulness of such adaptations.
The original VAK concepts were first developed by psychologists and teaching
(of children) specialists such as Fernald, Keller, Orton, Gillingham, Stillman
and Montessori, starting in the 1920's. VAK theory is now a favourite of the
accelerated learning community because its principles and benefits extend to
all types of learning and development, far beyond its early applications. See
also Kolb's learning styles model, and Gardner's Multiple Intelligences model,
in which section you'll find more information about VAK, VARK and VACT
learning styles theories. Katherine Benziger's methodology is also useful and
relevant, as is the various material on the Personality Styles section. These
models provide additional perspectives of the way we each think and relate to
the world, and where are natural strengths lie. The Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic
learning styles model does not overlay Gardner's multiple intelligences,
or Kolb's theory, rather the VAK model provides a different perspective for
understanding and explaining a person's preferred or dominant thinking and
learning style, and strengths. Gardner's theory is one way of looking at
thinking styles; Kolb is another way; VAK is another. The more perspectives
you have, the better you see and understand your own personality and
learning styles, and the learning styles of employees, colleagues and staff.
vak learning styles
learning style description

Visual seeing and reading

Auditory listening and speaking

Kinesthetic touching and doing

N.B. Kinesthetic style is also referred to as 'Physical', or 'Tactile', or 'Touchy-

Feely'.

According to the VAK model, most people possess a dominant or preferred

learning style, however some people have a mixed and evenly balanced blend
of the three styles.
As already mentioned, it is also helpful to look at Kolb's learning styles
model and Gardner's Multiple Intelligences model.

visual-auditory-kinesthetic learning styles

The VAK learning styles model provides a very easy and quick reference
inventory by which to assess people's preferred learning styles, and then most
importantly, to design learning methods and experiences that match
people's preferences:
Visual learning style involves the use of seen or observed things, including
pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, handouts, films, flip-chart, etc.
Auditory learning style involves the transfer of information through listening:
to the spoken word, of self or others, of sounds and noises.
Kinesthetic learning involves physical experience - touching, feeling,
holding, doing, practical hands-on experiences.
The word 'kinesthetic' describes the sense of using muscular movement -
physical sense in other words. Kinesthesia and kinesthesis are root words,
derived from the Greek kineo, meaning move, and aisthesis, meaning
sensation. Kinesthetic therefore describes a learning style which involves the
stimulation of nerves in the body's muscles, joints and tendons. This relates to
the colloquial expression 'touchy-feely' ('kineo-aisthesis' = 'move-
sensation').
The VAK Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic model and the free test below provides a
free quick easy way to assess your own or other people's preferred learning
styles. Please note the test below is a simple indicator of preferred learning
styles - it's bloody good for free, but it's not meant for rigorous scientific
research. This VAK assessment tool is a good basic guide to personal learning
styles, but it's is not a scientifically validated instrument - otherwise it would
probably not be free.
vak (visual-auditory-kinesthetic) learning style indicators and free self-
test

Here is a free VAK learning style indicator, which can be used as a

questionnaire or 'test' to assess your own preferred learning style or styles, or
the VAK learning styles of your people. Score each statement and then add
the totals for each column to indicate learning style dominance and mix. Your
learning style is also a reflection of the type of person you are - how you
perceive things and the way that you relate to the world. This questionnaire
helps you to improve your understanding of yourself and your
strengths. There are no right or wrong answers. (See also the free quick
VAK test - short version)
You can use various scoring systems to suit your purposes:
Method 1 - Simplest and quickest - select one from each line and add the
total selections for each column. The totals will indicate your relative learning
style preference and mix.
Method 2 - More subtle measurement - takes longer, but probably worth it -
score each option either 1, 2 or 3 points. Clearer indication will be produced if
no options in a single line are scored the same, but it's up to you. You get out
what you put in. Decide whether to allow equal scores or not, and most
importantly then apply the rule for the whole of the questionnaire.
Method 3 - Re-structure the matrix into a multiple choice-style questionnaire
- takes longer, but is more likely to avoid 'leading' or influencing the person
being assessed because the format is less transparent. Each of the 30
questions would be structured as per this example, and could either ask for a
single selection or to score each option 1, 2, or 3:
Q1 When operating new equipment for the first time I prefer to..
a) read the instructions
b) listen or ask for an explanation
c) have a go and learn by 'trial and error'
(A scoring grid would need to be created so as to enable calculation of totals
for all a's b's and c's.)
Free VAK learning styles test - multiple-choice questionnaire (MSWord doc)
Free VAK learning styles test - multiple-choice questionnaire (PDF)
Method 4 - As method 3, but mix up the order of the options within each
question, so as to reduce the transparency of the options and which style
they relate to - this takes even longer and is a pain in the backside to score
because 'a, b, c' would no longer correlate to 'V, A, K', so you'd need quite a
clever scoring grid to achieve this, and a reasonably serious project to justify
the effort.

vak learning style indicators (free self-test questionnaire)

visual auditory kinesthetic/physical

when
operating
new listen to or ask
read the have a go and learn
1 equipment for an
instructions by 'trial and error'
for the first explanation
time I prefer
to

when seeking follow my nose or

look at a ask for spoken
2 travel maybe use a
map directions
directions I.. compass

when
follow a call a friend for follow my instinct,
3 cooking a
recipe explanation tasting as I cook
new dish I..

to teach
write demonstrate and let
4 someone explain verbally
instructions them have a go
something I..

I tend to "I see what "I hear what you "I know how you
5
say.. you mean" are saying" feel"
 I tend to
6 "show me" "tell me" "let me try"
say..

I tend to "watch how "listen to me

7 "you have a go"
say.. I do it" explain"

complaining go back to the

about faulty write a store, or send the
8 phone
goods I tend letter faulty item to the
to.. head office

I prefer these
museums or music or physical activities
9 leisure
galleries conversation or making things
activities

when
shopping look and discuss with shop try on, handle or
10
generally I decide staff test
tend to..

choosing a read the listen to imagine the

11
holiday I.. brochures recommendations experience

choosing a read the discuss with test-drive what you

12
new car I.. reviews friends fancy

I talk through
I watch
with the teacher I like to give it a try
learning a what the
13 exactly what I and work it out as I
new skill teacher is
am supposed to go along by doing it
doing
do

14 choosing
I imagine I talk through I imagine what the
from a
 restaurant what the the options in my food will taste like
menu.. food will head
look like

I sing along
when I listen to the
to the lyrics I move in time with
15 listening to a lyrics and the
(in my head the music
band beats
or out loud!)

focus on the discuss the move around a lot,

when
words or problem and fiddle with pens and
16 concentrating
pictures in possible solutions pencils and touch
I..
front of me in my head unrelated things

writing saying them

doing and practising
I remember notes or aloud or
the activity, or
17 things best keeping repeating words
imagining it being
by.. printed and key points in
done
details my head

my first looking at
18 being spoken to doing something
memory is of something

visualise the talk over in my can't sit still, fiddle

when
19 worst-case head what and move around
anxious, I..
scenarios worries me most constantly

I feel
especially
how they what they say to how they make me
20 connected to
look me feel
others
because of
 write lots
I talk over my imagine making the
when I revise of revision
notes, to myself movement or
21 for an exam, notes (using
or to other creating the
I.. lots of
people formula
colours!)

when explain to them encourage them to

explaining
show them in different ways try and talk them
22 something to
what I mean until they through the idea as
someone, I
tend to.. understand they try

photography listening to music

physical/sports
or watching or listening to
my main activities or fine
23 films or the radio or
interests are wines, fine foods or
people- talking to
dancing
watching friends

most of my doing physical

watching talking to
24 free time is activity or making
television friends
spent.. things

when I first I arrange a I try to get

I talk to them on
25 contact a face to face together to share
the telephone
new person.. meeting an activity

I first notice look and

26 sound and speak stand and move
how people.. dress

I keep I shout lots and I stomp about, slam

if I am very replaying in
27 tell people how I doors and throw
angry..
my mind feel things
what it is
 that has
upset me

I find it
28 easiest to faces names things I have done
remember

I think I can they avoid

tell someone their voice the vibes I get from
29 looking at
is lying changes them
because.. you

When I'm I say "it's I say "it's great

meeting with I give them a hug or
30 great to see to hear your
an old a handshake
friend.. you!" voice!"

totals visual auditory kinesthetic/physical

However you calculate the totals, ensure you use the chosen method
consistently throughout the questionnaire. The total scores for each style
indicate your relative preferred learning style or styles. There are no right or
wrong answers. Some people have very strong preferences, even to the
extent that they have little or no preference in one or two of the styles. Other
people have more evenly balanced preferences, with no particularly strong
style. The point is simply to try to understand as much as you can about
yourself and your strengths (your preferred style or styles), and then make
best use of learning methods which suit your strengths (your preferred style
or styles).
©VAK learning styles self-test: Victoria Chislett MSc and Alan Chapman 2005. Not to be sold or
published. Sole risk with user. This learning styles self-assessment tool is a rough guide to individual
learning styles only - it is not a scientifically validated instrument. With thanks also to Anita Mountain and
Chris Davidson for their advice in creating this tool.