Learning Styles, Intelligence, & Skills
People learn in different ways. It is important to understand how you learn in order
to play to your strengths and study in a way that is most effective and efficient for you.
There are three learning styles described below:
Visual Learners
Visual learners do best by sitting at the front of the classroom, taking detailed notes, seeing the teacher’s body language and facial expressions during lectures to understand a lesson. They may learn best from diagrams, illustrated textbooks, videos, and other visual displays.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, and by reading text books aloud. They like to talk things through, listen, interpret the underlying meanings of speech by listening to a speaker’s tone of voice, speed, and pitch, etc.
Kinesthetic/ Tactile Learners
Tactile persons learn best through a hands-on approach, activities, and by actively exploring the physical world that surrounds them.
Identify Your Learning Style
Below are traits for each of these learning styles. Which of these apply to you?
The column with the most traits that apply to you likely identifies your learning style.
VISUAL LEARNER
I remember things better if I write them down.
I can visualize pictures in my head.
I take notes on what I read and hear.
It helps me understand when I can look at the person who is speaking.
It’s hard for me to understand what a person is saying when there’s background noise.
It’s easier for me to work in a quiet place.
It’s easy for me to understand maps, charts and graphs.
When I am concentrating on reading or writing, music bothers me.
When taking a test, I can “see” the textbook page and the answer.
When I get an idea, I must write it down right away.
AUDITORY LEARNER
When reading, I listen to the words in my head or I read aloud.
I need to discuss things to understand them better.
I like having someone tell me how to do something rather than reading directions.
I prefer hearing a teacher to reading a textbook.
I remember what people say better than what they look like.
I can easily follow a speaker, even if I’m not looking at him or her.
I remember things better if I study aloud with someone.
It’s hard for me to picture things in my head.
I talk myself through homework assignments.
KINESTHETIC LEARNER
When learning something new, I don’t like to read directions or listen to them. I just start right in.
I can study better when music is playing.
I need frequent breaks when studying.
I don’t like sitting at a desk. I like to move around.
I take notes, but I never go back and re-read them.
When I start a book, I like to look at the ending.
My notebook and desk may look messy, but I know where things are.
I use my fingers to count and move my lips when I read.
I daydream in class.
I’d rather do a project than write a report.
Learning Tips
IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER...
Write things down because you’ll remember them better that way (quotes, lists, dates, etc.).
Look at the person who is talking to you. It will help you remain focused.
It is usually better to work in a quiet place and to work by yourself.
Ask a teacher to explain something again if you don’t understand what you’ve heard.
Take lots of notes. Leave extra space to fill in later if you miss some details.
Copy over your notes. Rewriting may help you recall the information later.
Use color to highlight main ideas in your notes and handouts.
Before starting homework, set specific study goals and write them down.
Preview a chapter before reading by first looking at all the pictures, section headings, etc.
Select a seat far away from the door and windows 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, and then write out the definitions again to check yourself.
IF YOU ARE AN AUDITORY LEARNER...
Try studying with a friend so that you can talk out loud and hear the information.
Read aloud any facts that you want to remember (quotes, lists, dates, etc.).
Record classroom lectures, or read class notes onto a tape. Try to listen to your recorded notes three times.
Before reading a chapter, look at all the headings and picture captions and read them aloud.
Write vocabulary words in color on index cards with short definitions on the back of each card. Review them frequently by reading the words and saying the definitions aloud.
Before beginning an assignment, set a specific study goal and say it aloud.
Read aloud whenever possible. In a quiet place, try hearing the words in your head as you read silently. Your brain needs to “hear” the words as your eyes read them.
Use color and graphic symbols to highlight main ideas in your notes, textbooks, handouts, etc.
IF YOU ARE A KINESTHETIC LEARNER...
To memorize, 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 first, then working your way towards the front of the chapter. This is called working “whole-to-part.”
If you need to fidget when in class, experiment with ways of moving that don’t disturb others.
You may not study best at a desk, so when you’re at home, try studying on your bed or while walking around. Also, try studying with music playing in the background.
If you have a stationary bicycle, try reading while pedaling.
Use a bright color on your desk. This is called “color grounding” and will help focus your attention. You might want to try reading through a color transparency. Experiment with different colors and different ways of using color.
While studying, take breaks as frequently as you need to. Just be sure to get right back on task.
When trying to memorize information, try closing your eyes and writing 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 the information, close your eyes and remember your actions.
Multiple Intelligence
Skills
Research has shown that a combination of three skill sets seems to be the key to academic and social success. These three skill sets are Learning Skills, Social Skills, and Self-management Skills.
Learning Skills
Know Your Learning Style (see Learning Style section)
Goal Setting & Planning
Progress Monitoring
Cognitive/Memory Skills
Test Taking Skills
Social SKILLS
Social Problem Solving
Listening/Attending
Character Education
Making and Keeping Friends
Peer Mentoring
Encouragement
Self-Management Skills
Positive Self Talk
Stress Management for Performing Under Pressure & Test Anxiety
Basic Coping & Problem Solving Skills
Anger Management Skills
Motivation & Focusing
Adapted from Albuquerque Public Schools Student & Family Guide