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While we all "learn" and take in information in a variety of ways, most of us have modes or modalities of learning and processing information that we favor. There are many reasons a student may have a preferred method of taking in new information; it could be that a learning disability has limited one method of learning for a student, so the student has adapted and excelled at another learning mode. Or it could be that a student has simply been exposed to one mode of instruction for long periods of time, so they've developed a skill in learning via that mode. And that's a key point - practice makes a difference! So if you feel like you only learn best in a certain way, that may be true right now, but it doesn't mean you can't work at getting better at learning though other modalities. And that's where study skills come in. Study skills can reinforce your preferred method of learning and help you learn in that way, but practicing different study skills can help you get better at learning through different modes. No college program focuses on a single mode of learning, so being a successful college student requires that we develop skills to work both in our comfort zone and outside our comfort zone, in terms of learning modes. So, what are these modes?
There are different models of learning styles, but they all have similarities. We're going to focus on the VARK system of learning styles. VARK stands for "Visual (or Spatial) Learners", "Auditory (or Spoken) Learners, "Read/Write Learners" and "Kinesthetic (Tactile or Hands-on) Learners.
First, let's learn a bit about VARK learning styles/learning modalities. Then, let's do an online questionnaire to identify what your preferred learning style (or styles) are. You'll also be able to learn about study strategies you can use to help develop and improve your learning through the other learning styles.
< Step 1: Watch the Types of Learners Video and/or read about the VARK Learning Styles/Modes
< Step 1: Watch the Types of Learners Video and/or read about the VARK Learning Styles/Modes
Based on the information provided in the video, what type of learning style or learning modality do you think fits you best? Do you have multiple styles or modalities? Or, perhaps you'd prefer to read about the different learning styles/learning modalities:
Visual learners learn best by seeing. Graphic displays such as charts, diagrams, illustrations, handouts, and videos are all helpful learning tools for visual learners. If you think you might be a visual learner, answer the following questions:
Do you have to see information in order to remember it?
Do you pay close attention to body language?
Are art, beauty, and aesthetics important to you?
Does visualizing information in your mind help you remember it better?
If you can answer yes to most of these questions, chances are good that you have a visual learning style.
Aural (or auditory) learners learn best by hearing information. They tend to get a great deal out of lectures and are good at remembering things they are told.
Are you an auditory learner? Consider the following questions:
Do you prefer to listen to class lectures rather than reading from the textbook?
Does reading out loud help you remember information better?
Would you prefer to listen to a recording of your class lectures or a podcast rather than going over your class notes?
Do you create songs to help remember information?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you are probably an auditory learner.
Reading and writing learners prefer to take in information displayed as words and text. Could you be a reading and writing learner? Read through the following questions and think about whether they might apply to you.
Do you find reading your textbook to be a great way to learn new information?
Do you take a lot of notes during class and while reading textbooks?
Do you enjoy making lists, reading definitions, and creating presentations?
Do you prefer it when teachers make use of overheads and handouts?
If you answered yes to these questions, it is likely that you have a strong preference for the reading and writing style of learning.
Kinesthetic (or tactile) learners learn best by touching and doing. Hands-on experience is important to kinesthetic learners.
Not sure if you're a kinesthetic learner? Answer these questions to find out:
Do you enjoy performing tasks that involve directly manipulating objects and materials?
Is it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time?
Are you good at applied activities such as painting, cooking, mechanics, sports, and woodworking?
Do you have to actually practice doing something in order to learn it?
If you responded yes to these questions, then you are most likely a kinesthetic learner.
< Step 2: Next, try taking the VARK Online Questionnaire
< Step 2: Next, try taking the VARK Online Questionnaire
Note the instructions: for each question, if more than one response works for you, select all responses that seem to fit you. Once you've reached the end, click the blue "OK" button and your results will come up. You DON'T have to register or pay for anything, just copy your results and come back here to explore study strategies that fit your results.
< Step 3: What were your VARK results?
< Step 3: What were your VARK results?
To the left is an example of someone's VARK results. This result suggests that the student is fairly well balanced or "multimodal" in their learning process, but probably has the most difficulty learning in a class where the instructor only presents material in "lecture" style.
< Step 4: What study & learning strategies work best for you, based on your VARK questionnaire results?
< Step 4: What study & learning strategies work best for you, based on your VARK questionnaire results?
Explore study and learning strategies that best fit your learning style or learning modalities. If you're bi-modal or multi-modal, explore them all!
Visual Learning/Study Strategies
Visual Learning/Study Strategies
Aural or Listening Learning/Study Strategies
Aural or Listening Learning/Study Strategies
Read/Write Learning/Study Strategies
Read/Write Learning/Study Strategies
Kinesthetic or Tactile Learning/Study Strategies
Kinesthetic or Tactile Learning/Study Strategies
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