What Kind of Learner are You?

So, the first step is to find out what kind of learner you are!

There are 3 categories;

• Visual

• Auditory

• Kinaesthetic

Of course, most people are a combination of the three, however there is usually one prevailling category for each person.

Deciding What Kind of Learner You Are

This simple 3-question survey will help you decide which learning type your body prefers.

1. When trying to remember the spelling of a word do you:

V – picture the spelling of the word in your head

A – say the word to yourself

K – write the word down on a peice of paper

2. When trying to describe a certain place or object, which would you say has the most prominence to you?

V – describing what it looks like

A – describing what it sounds like

K – describing what it feels like or how it makes you feel

3. When reading a book, which of these best describes what you do?

V – you paint an image of the scene being described in your head

A – you hear the goings-on in a dialogue scene and hear the changes of tone and voice in different characters

K – you prefer reading action scenes, where the plot moves fast, or do not like reading at all.

Hopefully you have now realised which of the three most suits you. Knowing what kind of learner you are can help you develop your own personal learning strategy.

Using The V-A-K

To get maximum concentration and understanding, each paticular learner should, if they can, utilise methods which benefits their learner-type (V A or K).

Ideally, the Visual learner should;

1. Learn from reading books, watching videos and analysing diagrams
2. Colour-code notes, important words/phrases and highlight key points
3. Draw pictures/diagrams wherever possible to aid in understanding
4. Use flash or cue cards with short, succint notes to learn key points.

The Auditory learner should;

1. Discuss points of a lecture/class with other students
2. Use audio-tapes to listen and learn (possibly taping classes too)
3. Say the question or problem to themselves several times to ensure complete understanding before attempting the question itself
4. Be practice-tested by fellow students prior to exams (orally, not written).

A Kinaesthetic learner should;

1. Try hands-on puzzles to engage their mind before they begin studying/revising.
2. Always write down their notes, even if there is an existing set (as you write, your muscles will move and your body becomes more focused on what you are writing rather than if you were reading the notes.)
3. Take part in study groups, field trips, and roleplay activities
4. Take frequent breaks from studying and prefferably change study locations after every break.

These simple steps should help in the understanding and learning throughout school and university. Hopefully this will help an individual make a unique study plan that suits them personally and in doing so gain those top grades!