Video:How to Determine Your Learning Style

Transcript:How to Determine Your Learning Style

Hi, I'm Nick, and today for About.com, I'm going to teach you about the three learning styles and give you tips on how to use your own particular style to your advantage.

Different Learning Styles

Human beings absorb information in a number of different ways and for most people, one particular method of learning may be more efficient than the rest. These are known as 'learning styles' and are divided into three different segments: visual, auditory and kinesthetic (also known as tactile.) Knowing which learning style you are can help maximize your ability to process information.

Visual Learning Style

Visual learners process the most information using their eyes. They absorb what they see, making them excel in anything that has visual information, such as graphs and charts. Visual learners display traits such as:

• Good spelling ability
• Understanding of sign language
• Requirement of quiet study time
• Enjoyment when using charts
• Colorful dreams
• A good taste in fashion
• Time to think before absorbing information

If you are a visual learner, you can make the most of your particular style by making your notes as colorful and interesting as possible. Use highlighters on key passages and flashcards to help you memorize information – you could even divide information up into list form!

Auditory Learning Style

Auditory learners absorb the most information through their ears. Auditory learners display traits such as:

• Confidence to speak out loud in public
• Ability to explain information clearly
• Noticing sound effects in movies
• Greater success at remembering names
• Slow reading
• Inability to keep quiet
• Fondness of music

Auditory learners should listen to as much information as they can, so audiotapes and videos are a fantastic method to make the most of your style!

Kinesthetic Learning Style

Kinesthetic learners tend to excel through experience. Kinesthetic learners:

• Can't keep still for long periods of time
• Have untidy handwriting
• Study with loud music playing
• Enjoy roleplaying
• Take regular breaks
• Engage in sporting activities
• Have difficulty with spelling

Kinesthetic learners sould keep on the move while studying and learn using interactive content such as quizzes and games.

Example of Learning Styles in Action

A good example of the different learning styles comes when learning to play the piano. Visual learners may prefer to read sheet music carefully, while auditory learners will want to listen to a lesson beforehand in order to repeat it. Kinesthetic learners, of course, will dive straight in, learning through doing! The important thing to remember is to try and maximize your particular style in order to get the most out of your learning experience!

Don't forget, you can always visit education.about.com for more information!