What Kind of Learner Are You?
Everyone has a slightly different learning style. Some people can learn by watching, others by reading, and some just plain have to try it out for themselves. But how can you figure out what your learning style is, and adjust your study habits to best absorb the information?
Below is just one sample question from the most popular learning style tests, called VARK(Visual, Auditory, Read and Write, Kinesthetic). This test is used by teachers and students everywhere to determine the best ways to teach, study, and process information. Feel free to pick more than one option, if applicable:
Do you prefer a teacher or a presenter who uses:
A) diagrams, charts or graphs.
B) question and answer, talk, group discussion, or guest speakers.
C) handouts, books, or readings.
D) demonstrations, models or practical sessions.
If you answered A to the above question, you are possibly a Visual learner, B for Auditory learners, C for Read and Writer learners, and D for Kinesthetic learners. If you picked more than one, you may be multimodal, or have more than one learning style. According to the VARK model, created by Doctor Neil Fleming, there are four main categories of learners:
1) Visual – You learn best when they see things such as demonstrations, videos, graphs, diagrams, etc.
2) Auditory – You are able to absorb more information when it is explained with words rather than images or hand gestures.
3) Read and Write – Reading textbooks and taking notes are the best way for information to stick in your brain.
4) Kinesthetic – Your motto is “learn by doing”.
More than half of the population is multimodal, combining two or more of the learning styles. If you had a hard time choosing just one answer to the above question, don’t worry. You are normal. In the full VARK test, you are asked a series of 16 multiple-choice questions based on different real-life situations. For each question, you are allowed to choose none of the options or all four if you so desire. The test then tallies the number of responses for each category and determines which learning styles you tend towards.
Understanding the way we were learn is essential to being successful during our school years, as well as when we enter the workforce. However, simply knowing how your mind stores information won’t help you unless you do something about it. By putting into practice different study methods, you will be able to optimize your ability to retain information based on your learning styles.
Say you are studying for a math test. Visual learners know that seeing examples and images works best. You should make sure to always review slides, diagrams and example problems while you study. Auditory learners can play back recordings of class lectures, while following along in their books. Read and Write learners should try writing out the individual steps to solve different equations as well as reread the notes they took in class. Kinesthetic learners can have a bit more difficulty with math. Try using math games on the computer to review, or attempt to apply some kind of practical situation to the problem at hand.
No matter your style of learning, there are ways to adjust your study habits to benefit both your grades and your overall learning experience. Most teachers are already aware that no two students are alike and thus vary their teaching methods accordingly. Also, with technology flooding our schools, any learning style can be accommodated with the right computer software. Take the time to learn what kind of learner you are, and then actually apply it to your life. You may be surprised at the results.
Source: Vark Learn
About the Author
Natalie Clive is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them search for online degrees that can help them reach their goals.
