Three common types of learning styles are visual, kinetic and auditory. Some students will learn best when using one style while others may use a combination of learning styles.
Discover Your Learning Style
If you do not know your particular learning style use the Learning Styles Assessment. Once you identify your learning style, use the chart below to determine what kinds of things you should do while attending class, studying or during a tutoring session.
Learning Styles & Tips
| Auditory Learners | Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners | Visual Learners |
|---|---|---|
| Explain the material to the tutor or study buddy. | Pick up the book as you are reading or talking. | Take notes during the tutoring session. |
| Read explanations out loud. | Write while the tutor is reading or talking. | Have the tutor use a blackboard or notepaper for both of you to write questions and answers. |
| Make up a song using the subject material. The ‘crazier’ the better. | Walk around the room for appropriate books and other resources. | Use color-coded highlighting. |
| Review audio tapes while you drive. | Sit near the front of the classroom and to take notes. This will keep you focused. | Use graph paper to help create charts and diagrams that demonstrate key points. |
| When you are learning new information, state the problem out loud. Reason through solutions out loud. | Spend extra time in any labs offered. | Mnemonics, acronyms, visual chains, and mind maps. |
| Say words in syllables. | Use the computer to reinforce learning using your sense of touch. | Use the computer to organize materials and to create graphs, tables, charts, and spreadsheets. |
| Make up and repeat rhymes to remember facts, dates, names, etc. | Write with your fingers. | Organize the material. |
| Join or create a study group, or to get a study partner. | Write lists repeatedly. | Use visual analogies. Use photographs. |
| To learn a sequence of steps, write them out in sentence form, then read them out loud. | Exaggerate lip movements in front of a mirror. | Use visual metaphors. |
| Use mnemonics and word links. | Use rhythm (beats) to memorize or explain something. | Writing the explanation down. |
| Get involved in a discussion of the material. | Point to the subject matter in the book, on the board, etc., while reading it out loud. | Make flashcards, then use them during the session/s. |
| Make sure you go over all important facts aloud. | Use gestures when giving explanations. | Visualize the scene, formula, words, charts, etc. |
| Make models that demonstrate the key concept. (The purpose here is the act of making the model.) | Use the Book’s or other computer software. | |
| Use hands-on experience when possible. | Use illustrations. | |
| Make flashcards for each step in the procedure. Put the cards in order until the sequence becomes automatic. |