1. Visual learners

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 The visual learners comprehend information by visualizing information and ideas. This information is associated with images.  For example, maps, diagrams and even presentations work well for visual learners. The visual learner needs to see what they are expected to understand. In addition, visual learners need quiet time to themselves to study. They may speak fast and they may prefer to work alone rather than in groups. When presented with new information the visual learner likes to talk about how to proceed, what the steps are and why it should be done in this order.

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You may be a visual learner if …

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• Your notes are covered with doodles

• You are good with remembering faces but not names

• You can spell well

• You’d rather read a story than listen to it

• You’re good with maps and diagrams

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Study tips for visual learners:

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• Sit in the front of the classroom so you can take notes off the board

• Translate your notes into charts and lists

• Use color coding to your advantage

• Study for tests with flashcards

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2. Auditory learners

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Auditory learners are great listeners. They tend to prefer listening to information rather than reading it or seeing it visually displayed. Many tend to use listening and repeating skills to decipher through information for understanding. They tend to be linear thinkers. Most auditory learners enjoy music. The auditory learner also prefers lecture and discussion over reading material. Lastly, many auditory learners may speak and read slowly and need extended time to do so. 

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You may be an auditory learner if …

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• You are easily distracted by noises

• You have difficulty working quietly for long periods of time

• You are a good listener

• You easily remember what others say

• You like to talk

• Prefer verbal praise

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Study tips for auditory learners:

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• Read aloud when possible

• Join a study group in order to discuss ideas with other students

• When using flashcards, give responses out loud

• Utilize videos for listening

• Record lectures for reviewing notes

• Paraphrase directions

• Use rhymes to help memorize information

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3. Kinesthetic learners

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Kinesthetic learners are the most hands-on learning type. They learn best by doing and may need to take many breaks if forced to sit for long periods of time. These types of learners do best when they can try things out. The kinesthetic learner enjoys problems solving in a hands-on manner. They tend to have good coordination and best remember what they do, they have excellent "physical" memory. Body tension is a good indication of their emotions. 

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You may be an kinesthetic learner if …

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• You excel at sports, art or drama

• You enjoy building, making or creating

• You have trouble sitting still

• You lose interest quickly in what you are doing

• You like to solve problems by physically working though them

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Study tips for kinesthetic learners:

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• Study in blocks of time with frequent breaks

• Walk around while reviewing your notes

• Use flashcards, games or activities to study

• Toss a tennis ball around while you’re thinking

• Combine an activity with studying

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4. Reading & writing learners

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Reading and writing learners are extremely comfortable with the written text. They prefer to correlate information by reading texts and can retain information by summarizing and rephrasing it. The traditional lecture and note-taking environment works well for  these learners.

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You may be a reading/writing learner if …

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• You love taking notes and making lists

• You enjoy transcribing concepts and ideas

• You enjoy reading and writing

• You prefer to have written directions

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Study tips for reading/writing learners:

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• Review your class notes afterwards

• Read supplementary information on the topic you are studying

• Make a list to organize your thoughts 

• Use printouts of presentations to follow along

• Paraphrase ideas in your own words

• Translate visual information into statements

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Now you know …

If you’ve ever struggled with facilitator teaching style or grappled your way through class presentations and discussions, it might be because the classroom wasn’t conducive to your learning style. Now that you have learned some strategies and study tips, there’s nothing holding you back but your own conviction, fortitude and determination. Once you know and understand your learning profile you are then able to learn with more ease.

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