A guide to learning styles

[kimberlyaz]

I just read another thread where someone mentioned downloading audio-only study materials from iTunes. There was a brief discussion about learning styles.

For the benefit of everyone I thought I'd post a few links that may help you determine your preferred learning style. This can help you decide on the best strategy for learning new subjects and test prep.

VARK is a questionnaire that can help adults determine their preferred learning style. It is most accurate in those age 19 and older.

V = Visual (learners who prefer this style tend to learn best when they can see charts, graphs, maps, flowcharts, symbols)

A = Auditory/Aural (learners who prefer this style tend to learn best when they can hear and/or say the material)

R = Read/Write (learners who prefer this style tend to learn best using the written word)

K = Kinesthetic (learners who prefer this style learn best through demonstrations, simulations, videos and movies, case studies, and practice)

Many adults are multi-modal, which means that they have a preference for more than one learning style. A truly effective training/education program will address all learning styles to give all participants the opportunity to learn. (I've trained adult learners in a workplace environment for about 15 years.)

You can take the 16-question VARK questionnaire found on VARK -- A Guide to Learning Styles to determine your preferred learning style.

Once you determine your preference, there are some helpsheets available that give tips on some of the most successful study methods for your preferred learning style. http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=helpsheets

For example, I'm an Auditory/Aural learner. When I am preparing for a CLEP or DANTES exam, I talk with my husband about the subject matter that I have studied to help solidify my understanding. Thank goodness he's patient. When preparing for an essay exam I will practice by stating the question and then "talking out" my response (normally when I'm behind the wheel in my car). While test-taking, I take the time to "hear" each answer in my head to help me determine the correct one. I'm the person in your classroom that asks questions very often, even though I already know the answers. I just need to hear it and say it to commit it to memory.

Understanding your preferred learning style can definitely help while you are preparing for your exams -- knowing whether you need a companion book, iTunes, YouTube, written notes, etc.

But.. if you do enroll in any internet-based or on-campus classes.. knowing your preferred learning style can also empower you to tell your instructor what you need to get the most out of the class!

I hope this helps!

Kimberly

[barbara2bba]

Awesome site! Thanks so much. I found out I have a strong preference for reading/writing. One of the suggestions was taking practice multiple choice questions tests which is one of the ways I have found that really helps me a lot!

When I take notes, (which isn't often), I tend to do better as well. Since I am scrambling for educational psych and HG & Development for Monday and only gave myself 3 days, this info was very needed. THANKS!!!!