Do You Know Your Learning Style?

Last week, we talked about the ways studying in academic courses can raise your ACT and SAT test scores. Whether you’re studying for academic courses or the SAT or ACT, you need to know your learning style.

There are three major learning styles: Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic.

Most people have some mixture of all three, but one typically dominates the others. Knowing how you learn can give you an edge in your studies and help you make the most of your time. If you aren’t sure, take this self assessment.

Once you know which style fits you best, you need to know how to study effectively.

Auditory Learning Style

If your style is auditory, you learn best when information is presented out loud. Auditory learners can most easily be identified as talkers with excellent verbal skills, but they are also great listeners. Reading out loud and discussing content is very helpful for retention. Recording your class notes and listening to them can be an effective way to study for a test. It’s also important for you to study in an environment that is free of distracting background noise.

Visual Learning Style

If your style is visual, you learn by reading and seeing material. Books that have a lot of pictures or diagrams are best for your style. When taking notes in class, try doodling or drawing an image to help present ideas. Color-coding your study materials can keep you organized. Having a tidy, aesthetically pleasing workspace provides a sense of calm and enhances learning. Clutter causes distractions.

Kinesthetic Learning Style

If your style is kinesthetic, you are a hands-on learner. Touching, building, and taking things apart are what engage your learning. Tactile learners have excellent fine motor skills. You may find yourself fidgeting, standing, or moving around when you study. Building models, creating posters, using modeling clay, and finger tracing math problems or spelling words is helpful to you.