Each one of us is a unique individual with our own interests, skills, and abilities. On the field, each player has a certain position that he excels at whether it is quarter back, running back, safety, or kicker. Each day you spend time crafting and perfecting your position to the best of your ability. Similarly, as a student, each of you has a certain learning style that works best for you in the classroom. Below is some information designed to help you assess your own learning style and also provide you with tips to help you succeed to the best of your academic ability. After all, your success in the classroom is just as important as your success on the field!
Your personal learning style helps you learn new tasks or solve problems efficiently and effectively. Therefore, it is important to know and understand your personal learning style and how it works. The chart below includes the three primary learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Take a moment to read the word in the first column and then answer the questions in the successive three columns to see how you best respond to each situation. Your answers may fall into all three columns, but one will likely contain most of your "yes" responses. This indicates your dominant learning style.
If you are a visual learner, you tend to learn best by seeing things. Reading, looking at pictures, charts, and diagrams are very helpful to you when learning new information. Study strategies such as outlining and charting also work well. Many visual learners also prefer to read the textbook material prior to the teacher's lecture in class. When taking an exam, many visual learners will close their eyes in order to "see" the correct answer.
Auditory learners need to hear the information. It helps them to listen to the lecture in class before reading the textbook. Many find that it is easier to understand a difficult text passage if they read it out loud to themselves. Auditory learners also use techniques such as discussing the material with a classmate or study group or reciting the questions and answers to themselves. During an exam, many will "hear" a specific part of the lecture that will allow them to answer the question.
Finally, kinesthetic learners find it best to actually do things. They prefer hands on tasks rather than reading about how to do them. When studying, kinesthetic learners might create a diagram or chart, flash cards, or their own study sheets in order to remember important information. They may even try to replicate a task that they would have to perform on a task before hand.
As you can see, each learning style has its own distinct qualities. If you can determine what style you prefer, you will be able to develop study strategies that allow you to learn and process new information effectively. Remember, not every one has a style that is especially dominant. Some people may learn best both visually and kinesthetically depending on the situation. It is up to you to determine which style(s) work best for you and to speak to your teachers. They can then assist you with techniques that will help you achieve academic success.
Adapted from: Van Blerkom, D.L. (1999). Orientation to College Learning.
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