Learning Styles
Step 1: Take VARK Questionnaire
Take the VARK Questionaire to determine your learning style or styles. Print your scores.
Step 2: Identify Your Learning Style
Visual Learners prefer the use of visuals such as images, maps, graphs, etc. to understand new information.
Characteristics
- 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
SWOT (Study Without Tears) Strategies
- Turn notes into pictures, charts, or maps
- Replace words with symbols or initials
- 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 or highlight parts of new concepts in your notes
- Use flash cards when trying to study vocabulary
Works Cited
Giles, Emily, Sarah Pitre, and Sara Womack. "Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles." Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology. University of Georgia, 2003. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Multiple_Intelligences_and_Learning_Styles>.
"Three Learning Styles." Bepko Learning Center. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/3-learning-styles>.
Aural (or Auditory) Learners prefer to use listening and speaking such as lectures or group discussions to understand new infromation.
Characteristics
- 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
SWOT (Study Without Tears) Strategies
- Attend lectures and tutorials
- 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
- Put summarized notes on tape and listen to them
Works Cited
Giles, Emily, Sarah Pitre, and Sara Womack. "Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles." Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology. University of Georgia, 2003. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Multiple_Intelligences_and_Learning_Styles>.
"Three Learning Styles." Bepko Learning Center. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/3-learning-styles>.
Read/Write Learners prefer to use words through note taking and reading to understand information.
Characteristics
- Likes to read about the information
- Many academics have a prefernce to reading/writing style
SWOT (Study Without Tears) Strategies
- Write out important information again and again
- Read your notes silently
- Organize any diagrams into statements
- Rewrite the ideas and principles in other words
- Make flashcards of words and concepts that need to be memorized
Works Cited
Giles, Emily, Sarah Pitre, and Sara Womack. "Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles." Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology. University of Georgia, 2003. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Multiple_Intelligences_and_Learning_Styles>.
Kinesthetic Learners prefer to use tactile methods through hands-on learning to understand new information.
Characteristics
- 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
SWOT (Study Without Tears) Strategies
- Sit near the instructor in classroom situations
- Take study breaks often
- Learn new material while doing something active (e.g., read a textbook while on a treadmill)
- Copy key points onto large writing surfaces (i.e. chalkboard or easel board) or using word processing software
- Chew gum while studying
- Put real life examples into your notes
- Work while standing
- Try to take classes with instructors who encourage demonstrations and fieldwork
Works Cited
Giles, Emily, Sarah Pitre, and Sara Womack. "Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles." Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology. University of Georgia, 2003. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Multiple_Intelligences_and_Learning_Styles>.
"Three Learning Styles." Bepko Learning Center. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, n.d. Web. 2 Sept. 2014. <http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/academic-enrichment/study-skills/learning-styles/3-learning-styles>.
Please include attribution to OnlineCollege.org with this graphic.
Select a tab above to learn more about your learning style. Print the results.
Step 3: Find Resources
Research your learning style or a suggested learning strategy. Identify a few keywords and click the Research Your Learning Style tab at the top of the page.