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This test could change the way you learn

Updated: Apr 9

Do you like doodling in your notebook during a lesson? Maybe you talk to yourself when you study vocabulary words. Are interactive activities your favorite part of class? Your answers to these questions can reveal a lot about how you learn best. 


Everyone learns a bit differently. A person’s learning style is the way in which they absorb, understand, and retain information. In fact, there are three main types of learners: visual learners, who learn by seeing; auditory learners, who learn by hearing; and tactile learners, who learn by moving and doing. 


You may have some overlaps in your learning style, but most people fall into at least one of the three main types. Knowing your style can help you determine your strengths. It can also help you determine your optimum study techniques for achieving success. Before reading more, take this Learning Styles Test to determine your unique learning style. 


Visual Learners

Visual learners like to see and observe concepts through diagrams, videos, maps, charts, and pictures. They learn better when their teachers present information in a visual way. For example, they might understand concepts better when their teachers demonstrate them rather than speak them aloud. Visual learners may like to doodle, make lists, and take notes. Here are some study tips, broken down by subject, that can help these students improve:

  • Math: Color code notes and flashcards with important terms, formulas, drawings, and graphs. 

  • Science: Study charts and graphics in your textbook, or print out graphics and label them yourself.

  • English Language Arts (ELA): Use flashcards to memorize words or doodle something to remind you of a word's meaning.

  • Social Studies: Highlight major actions or events in your textbook or watch videos on the topic you're learning about.




Auditory Learners

Auditory learners understand and remember information better when they hear it. When studying, they might like to listen to a lesson rather than read their notes. These learners may also read aloud to themselves to reinforce concepts. They are good at verbally explaining ideas and might like to speak up during class. The following study tips can give auditory learners an academic boost: 

  • Math: Study with soft instrumental music, such as classical or jazz music, while reading the question or problem out loud.

  • Science: Record yourself saying important terms and concepts and listen back to the recordings.

  • ELA: Listen to audiobooks of stories you need to read for class. 

  • Social Studies: Listen to videos or audio recordings of the specific era or time period that you're learning about.




Tactile Learners

Tactile learners, or kinesthetic learners, learn through physical movement and touch. They might like to act out events, or build and draw as they learn. These learners may struggle to sit still and need breaks when studying. However, they are often very coordinated and are gifted in physical activities, including sports and dancing. Tactile learners can achieve success by following these study tips: 

  • Math: Take notes and rewrite your notes to understand them better. 

  • Science: Study with classmates or friends through a video chat app like Zoom or Skype.

  • ELA: Study with a partner by reading a book together and then discussing it.

  • Social Studies: Go to a museum, art gallery, or historic site that relates to what you're learning in class.


It’s important to note that not everyone falls into these three categories. Other learning styles include analytical, social, and solitary learners. Analytical learners prefer learning through a series of steps that follow one another. They often have a good eye for detail. Social learners, or interpersonal learners, love socializing and communicating with other people. These learners listen well and connect easily with others. Solitary learners, or intrapersonal learners, are more independent and private. They study best when they can focus on their thoughts without distractions.


Now that you know your learning style(s), you can use these tips to help improve the way you gain, review, and retain information. Employing these study tips can make preparing for assessments more interesting and effective and can lead to your academic excellence.


Share this article so that others can know more about how they can improve the way they learn and some of the best strategies to improve academically using their learning style.


Contributors:


Rebecca Wilkin is a dedicated member of the Solomon Tutoring Writing Team. She is an editorial assistant at Newsela, an education technology company, and enjoys reading, painting, and hiking in her free time.


Tunisia Solomon, Executive Director of Solomon Tutoring, enjoys sharing educational tips to help students reach academic excellence. She believes that with access to the right information, a growth mindset, belief in oneself, and "smart" work, anyone can achieve their dreams.

 
 
 

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