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Identifying Your Learning Styles
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 There are a number of different learning styles and learning preferences. The most common include Visual Learning Style (the most common), Auditory Learning Style and Tactile (Kinesthetic) Learning Style. Additional learning styles and preferences include Logical (mathematical), Social (interpersonal) and Solitary (intrapersonal). There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Visual Learning Style
Individuals that learn best when ideas or subjects are presented in a visual format, whether that is written language, pictures, diagrams or videos are visual learners. Visual learners usually learn best when the teacher provides written study notes, writes on the chalkboard and uses an overhead projector to explain concepts. Visual learners frequently take detailed notes in class, when studying from a textbook or listening to lectures. They also create diagrams and use pictures to understand and remember concepts and ideas. If this sounds like you then you are probably a visual learner – many people are.
Auditory Learning Style
If you learn best by participating in class discussion, by listening to your teacher lecture, listening to audio tapes or by listening to other language formats then you are probably an Auditory Learner. Auditory Learners, unlike Visual Learners, are able to learn, understand and retain information better when they hear it rather than see it.
Tactile Learning Style
Tactile Learners, also commonly referred to as Kinesthetic Learners, are hand-on learners. They learn best when they are able to physically participate directly in what they are required to learn or understand. Tactile learners usually excel when they are able to handle something in order to learn about it. Tactile learners may do especially well in classes where lab work is required. Unlike Visual Learners that learn by seeing and Auditory Learners that learn by hearing, Tactile Learners learn by touching and feeling.
So why is identifying and understanding your learning style so critical to your study preparation? By knowing how you learn best you can select those classes, teachers, subjects, majors and ultimate careers that appeal to your unique way of learning things.
Logical Style
If you find that you like using your brain for logical and mathematical reasoning you probably prefer the logical learning style. Logical learners can recognize patterns easily and are good at making logical connections between what would appear to most people to be meaningless content. If you're a logical learner you'll learn better if you classify and group information to help you learn and understand it better.
Social Style
If social learning is your style, you'll communicate well will others, both verbally and non-verbally. You're good listeners and are able to understand other's views. People listen to you and come to for advice. Social learners prefer learning in groups or classes and typically like to spend one-on-one time with a teacher or an instructor.
Solitary Style
If you have a solitary style of learning you tend to be private, introspective and/or independent. You're able to concentrate and focus on a specific subject, topic or concept without outside help. You are very self aware and able to analyze the different ways you think and feel. Solitary learners prefer to work on problems by retreating to somewhere quiet and working through possible solutions by themselves. However, solitary learners need to be careful as they may spend too much time trying to solve a problem that they could more easily solve by talking to someone or working with a group.
Identifying the learning style and preferences that best suits you is an important part of developing effective studying.
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