Learning styles Inventory and Suggestions for different learning styles for students
Learning Style Assessment Instrument
Learning Channel Preference:
We Can Help You Discover How You Learn Best!
As learners, each of us has a unique combination of strengths and preferences. We can be more successful in school – and everywhere else – once we know how we learn and then work on improving our preferences for learning style.
There are at least three styles of learners. We all use the one or two methods that work best for us. We learn better when we know the method or methods that work best for us. Here is a short description of each method:
Visual Learner: This is the student who learns well from reading words in books, on the chalkboard, charts or workbooks. When hearing words, the student may even write them down to learn by seeing them. When information is read, this student remembers and is able to use it better. Also, a person with this learning style may draw maps or pictures to represent problems.
Auditory Learner: This is the student who learns from hearing words spoken. They may hear vocalize or move lips or throat moving while reading, particularly when striving to understand new material. For this person, understanding and remembering words or facts is much easier when heard, versus seen.
Kinesthetic Learner: This is the student who learns by doing – manipulating, experiencing, and becoming totally involved in what is to be learned. This student usually needs a combination of stimuli, so may use all the methods of the above plus touching, moving materials. Sometimes writing out new material or a symbolic wiggling of the finger helps this student learn.
Instructions: Read each sentence on the next page carefully and consider whether it applies to you. Don’t think too hard! Write down your first impression. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer.
On the line at the left of each sentence, write:
3 if often applies
2 if sometimes applies
1 if never or almost never applies
Preferred Channel: VISUAL
____1. I enjoy doodling and even my notes have lots of pictures, arrows, etc. in them.
____2. I remember something better if I write it down.
____3. When trying to remember a telephone number, or something new like that, it helps me to get a picture of it in my head.
____4. When taking a test, I can "see" the textbook page and the correct answer on it.
____5. Unless I write down directions, I am likely to get lost and arrive late.
____6. It helps me to LOOK at a person speaking. It keeps me focused.
____7. I can clearly picture things in my head.
____8. It's hard for me to understand what a person is saying when there is background noise.
____9. It's difficult for me to understand a joke when I hear it.
___10. It's easier for me to get work done in a quiet place.
Visual Total ______
Preferred Channel: AUDITORY
____1. When reading, I listen to the words in my head or read aloud.
____2. To memorize something it helps me to say it over and over to myself.
____3. I need to discuss things to understand them.
____4. I don't need to take notes in class.
____5. I remember what people have said better than what they were wearing.
____6. I like to record things and listen to the tapes.
____7. 'd rather hear a lecture on something than have to read it in a textbook.
____8. I can easily follow a speaker even though my head is down on the desk or I'm staring out the window.
____9. I talk to myself when I'm problem solving or writing.
____10. I prefer to have someone tell me how to do something rather than have to read the directions myself.
Auditory Total_____
Preferred Channel: KINESTHETIC
____1. I don't like to read or listen to directions; I'd rather just start doing.
____2. I learn best when I am shown how to do something and then have the
opportunity to do it.
____3. I can study better when music is playing.
____4. I solve problems more often with a trial and error, than a step-by-step approach.
____5. My desk and/or locker looks disorganized.
____6. I need frequent breaks while studying.
____7. I take notes but never go back and read them.
____8. I do not become easily lost, even in strange surroundings.
____9. I think better when I have the freedom to move around; studying at a desk is not for me
____10. When I can't think of a specific word, I'll use my hands a lot and call something a "what-cha-ma-call-it" or a "thing-a-ma-jig."
Kinesthetic Total ______
Instructions: Total the score in each category. The highest of the three scores is your most preferred learning style;
the lowest of the three score is your least preferred learning style.
* A score of 10-15 suggests it is difficult for you to learn when material is presented in this way.
* 15-20 is an average score.
* 20-25 is a strong score.
* A score of 25-30 suggests it is easy for you to learn when material is presented in this way.
Permission to reprint for classroom use. Copyright Lynn O’Brien
Specific Diagnostic Studies, Inc., Rockville, MD
Suggestions for Visual Learners
You will learn better when you read or see the information. Learning from a lecture may not be
easy. Try some of these suggestions and create some more that will work for you.
* Write things down because you remember them better that way (quotes, lists, dates, etc.).
* Look at the person while they are talking. It will help you to stay focused.
* It's usually better to work in a quiet place. However, many visual learners do math with music
playing in the background.
* Ask a teacher to explain something again when you don't understand a point being made.
Simply say, "Would you please repeat that?"
* Most visual learners study better by themselves.
* Take lots of notes. Leave extra space if some details were missed. Borrow a dependable
student's or teacher's notes.
* Copy over your notes. Re-writing helps recall.
* Use color to highlight main ideas in your notes, textbooks, handouts, etc.
* Before reading an assignment, set a specific study goal and write it down. Post it in front of
you. Example, "From 7:00 to 7:30 I will read the first chapter."
* Preview a chapter before reading by first looking at all the pictures, section headings, etc.
* Select a seat furthest from the door and window and toward the front of the class, if possible.
* Write vocabulary words in color on index cards with short definitions on the back. Look
through them frequently, write out the definitions again, and check yourself.
Suggestions for Auditory Learners
You will learn better when information comes through your ears. You need to hear it. Lecture
situations will probably work well for you. You may not learn as well just reading from a book.
Try some of these suggestions and create some more that will work for you.
* Try studying with a buddy so you can talk out loud and hear the information.
* Recite out loud the thing you want to remember (quotes, lists, dates, etc.)
* Ask your teachers if you can turn in a tape or give an oral report instead of written work.
* Make tape cassettes of classroom lectures, or read class notes onto a tape. Summarizing is
especially good. Try to listen to the tape three times in preparing for a test.
* Before reading a chapter, look at all the pictures, headings, and talk out loud and tell what you
think this chapter will be about.
* Write vocabulary words in color on index cards with short definitions on the back. Review
them frequently by reading the words aloud and saying the definition. Check the back to see
if you were right.
* Before beginning an assignment, set the specific study goal and say it out loud. Example,
"First, I will read my history chapter."
* Read aloud whenever possible. In a quiet library, try "hearing the words in your head" as you
read. Your brain needs to hear the words as your eyes read them.
* When doing complicated math problems, use graph paper (or use regular lined paper sideways)
to help with alignment. Use color and graphic symbols to highlight main ideas in your notes,
textbooks, handouts, etc.
Suggestions for Haptic Learners
You will learn best by doing, moving, or hands-on experiences. Getting information from a
textbook (visually) or a lecture (auditory) is just not as easy. Try some of these suggestions and
create some more that will work for you.
* To memorize, pace or walk around while reciting to yourself or looking at a list or index card.
* When reading a textbook chapter, first look at the pictures, then read the summary or
end-of-chapter questions, then look over the section headings and bold-faced words. Get a
"feel" for the whole chapter by reading the end selections first, and then work your way to
the front of the chapter. This is working whole-to-part.
* If you need to fidget when in class, cross your legs and bounce or jiggle the foot that is off the
floor. Experiment with other ways of moving; just be sure you're not making noise or
disturbing others. Try squeezing a tennis or nerf ball.
* You may not study best at a desk, so when you're at home, try studying while lying on your
stomach or back. Also try studying with music in the background.
* If you have a stationary bicycle, try reading while pedaling. Some bicycle shops sell reading
racks that will attach to the handle bars and hold your book.
* Use a bright piece of construction paper in your favorite color as a desk blotter. This is called
color grounding. It will help you focus your attention. Also, try reading through a colored
transparency. Experiment with different colors and different ways of using color.
* When studying, take breaks as frequently as you need. Just be sure to get right back to the
task. A reasonable schedule is 20-30 minutes of study and 5 minutes of break. (TV watching
and telephone talking should not be done during break time!)
* When trying to memorize information, try closing your eyes and writing the information in the
air or on a desk or carpet with your finger. Picture the words in your head as you do this. If
possible, hear them too. Later, when trying to recall this information, close your eyes and
see it with your "mind's eye" and "hear" it in your head.
