How do I learn?

(source Collet, S 2001, The Strategic Learner, Academic Skills Centre, Trent University, UK).


Place a check beside all items that describe you. The category with the most checks
marks your preferred learning modality.

Auditory Learner
would rather listen to lecture than read
enjoys talking to others
follows verbal directions better then written
uses musical jingles or rhymes to learn
understands better when reads aloud
would rather listen to music than look at art
prefers radio to newspaper
likes to tell stories, jokes, use verbal analogy to make points
dislikes reading from computer screen
requires explanation of diagrams, graphs, maps


Visual Learner
takes written instructions better than oral
understands and follows maps
takes notes to review later
uses mental pictures or images to remember
good at visual arts
likes flip charts, overheads
write things down draws pictures to remember
makes good graphs, charts
watches facial expression, body language


Kinaesthetic Learner
likes to be involved rather than watch
prefers to stand when working
likes to explore the environment
always in motion, fidgets, taps, etc
mechanically inclined; takes things apart
good at sports
reaches out to touch things
enjoys working with hands and making things
talks fast, uses hands to communicate
may be considered hyperactive, or high energy



Making your learning modality work for you

Once you have identified which modality you prefer, you can use specific strategies to
complement your style of learning. Keep in mind though, for all learners, regardless of
learning style, comprehension may be improved by involving as many modalities or
sensory channels as possible. If you hear it, see it and do something with it, you may just
improve your overall retention and comprehension.

Auditory Learning
Participate in class discussions
Whenever possible do oral presentations
Use a tape recorder in lectures (ask your teacher for permission first)
Use Mnemonics (rhymes or rhythms, acronyms, etc) to help memorize
Use stories, verbal analogies to demonstrate a point
Read tests and study out loud


Visual learning
Use visual aids: pictures, charts, graphs
Use colour to highlight important points
Take notes or ask for handouts
Have a clear view of lecturer and read facial expressions and body language
Visualise information to memorise
Use idea maps or flow charts to organise essays or to study


Kinaesthetic Learning
Take frequent study breaks
Whenever possible do something with your materials explain it to someone else,
create experiments, manipulate real objects, etc
Skim through readings first, then read for detail
Work at a standing position or while in motion (e.g. read on a exercise bike)