We’re all different learners and have our own unique learning styles. Have you ever tried to learn something that seems simple, yet it was so hard to grasp the key ideas? It could be due to a clash of learning styles. Our brains receive and process information In a different way than someone else. In fact, most of us have a dominant learning style that directs the way we remember and absorb information. When you know your own learning style, you can take steps to ensure you’re able to maximize how quickly you learn and how much you retain. Let’s dive into each of the three different learning styles.
3 Main Learning Styles—Which is Yours?
Visual
Do you learn best by seeing?
Visual learners tend to learn best when information is presented in a written format or another visual format such as diagrams or pictures. Here are other common traits of a visual learner:
- Colors are important to you and can trigger your memories
- You love drawing, scribbling and note taking
- You use visual language such as ‘I see what you mean’ and ‘How does this look to you?’
- You have a photographic memory
Auditory
Do you learn best by hearing?
Auditory learners typically learn best when information is presented in an auditory format. Here are some ways to find out if you’re an auditory learner:
- Does listening to audio tapes help you learn better?
- Do you tend to read aloud or talk things out to gain a better understanding?
- You like to work with music or some type of background noise
- You rarely take notes (if ever) and are good at listening to what others say
- You are highly likely to play an instrument or sing
- You have a remarkable ability to remember songs
- You often are humming or tapping to a beat
- You use aural language like “Do you hear what I’m saying?” and “That sounds right”
Kinesthetic
Do you learn best by doing? Are you a hands-on learner?
If you’re a kinesthetic learner, you learn best in hands-on learning settings where you can physically manipulate something to learn from it. Other traits of a kinesthetic learner include:
- You find it easy to think when exercising
- You’re very active and enjoy sports
- You find it hard to learn sitting still
- You often walk around while talking on the phone
- You may use large hand gestures
- When you’re learning a new skill you like to get physically involved
- You use kinesthetic language such as “Let’s get moving” and “This feels right to me”.
Becoming a lifelong learner can benefit you both as an individual and as a professional as you can acquire new skills. There are many benefits to continuing to learn which include:
- It keeps you up-to-date and current on the latest industry trends and products
- It can motivate you and make you more productive in your career
- Attending seminars or other continuing education courses can help you to grow your network
When you know how you learn best, you can take steps to retain what you learn and stay motivated and successful in your career.
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References: https://simplelifestrategies.com/sls-learningstyle/, https://www.thoughtco.com/three-different-learning-styles-3212040, http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0073513474/student_view0/identifying_your_learning_style.html, https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2011/08/preferred-learning-style/
