Tuesday's Tip #77: What's Your Learning Style?

Do you know your Learning Style?

There are 3 main learning styles.

1. Auditory - by listening
2. Visual - by seeing
3. Tactile/Kinesthetic - by doing

Most of us are a combination of these but understanding HOW you learn best can help you choose the best way to learn. Learning your make up will help you learn to choose the best way to learn and the primary focus.

The best classes take ALL these into account but as a learner, this will help you know where to focus and to ensure your primary learning style has been addressed. For example, if you are primarily a tactile/kinesthetic learner, you want to make sure there is hands on component to your learning plan.

Use these links or find other ways to assess your learning style. Here are 2 quizzes you can take that are pretty accurate and only take a few minutes and may help give you some insight into your learning style. I have no association with these so use caution in case these links have changed. You are not required to share any personal information to take these quizzes.

http://www.learningstylequiz.com/start/

http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml 

Auditory

Auditory learners do best learning by listening. They do better hearing information being read, rather than reading.  When trying to commit information to memory, they often recite information verbally.

Tips

• Make sure you can hear well.
• Read summary or key components out loud to yourself.
• Read new material out loud.

Visual

Visual learners do their best learning by seeing information. This can mean watching presentations or screen sharing but it could also mean reading and analyzing graphs or diagrams. When trying to remember and retain information, they should use flashcards.

Tips

• Be sure you can see the screen, presentation or visual aids well.
• Write down a summary and key learning ideas following a training session.
• Avoid visual distractions.

Tactile/Kinesthetic

Tactile/kinesthetic learners are hands-on learners. They learn best by doing. They tend to be very active. This could mean practicing, participating in activities or drawing things out. It can be hard for these learners to sit still so accommodating this is important.

Tips

• Background music can help engage users.
• Take short breaks.
• Write out summaries and draw sketches of the material you're learning.  
• Try chewing gum or using a fidget tool.

Learning Styles and Virtual Learning

With virtual learning being the main learning venue for many of us when it comes to learning apps, what can you do to make the best of virtual learning.

1. Take part in LIVE, VIRTUAL classes when possible. Having streaming videos and shared screens are especially important for visual learners.
2. Be sure you have headphones or good speakers so you can clearly hear the content. This is especially important for auditory learners. If sound is bad, these learners will check out.
3. Be sure to take part in classes where there are hands-on activities when possible. This could be exercises or step-by-step procedures to follow.
4. After your course, take a few minutes to summarize what you learned and the key points. If your course has a manual that accompanies it, you could use this to write in during the class and also to highlight and use as a kinesthetic and visual aid.
5. When possible participate in chats or Q&A during and/or after the course.
6. Practice what you learned.