Learning Style Assessment

Read each statement and select the appropriate number response as it applies to you.

Often (3) Sometimes (2) Seldom Never (1)

Visual Modality
____ I remember information better if I write it down.
____ Looking at the person helps keep me focused
____ I need a quiet place to get my work done.
____ When I take a test, I can see the textbook page in my head.
____ I need to write down directions, not just take them verbally.
____ Music or background noise distracts my attention from the task at hand.
____ I don’t always get the meaning of a joke.
____ I doodle and draw pictures on the margin of my notebook page.
____ I have trouble following lectures.
____ I react very strongly to colors.
____ Total

Auditory Modality
____ My papers and notebooks always seem messy.
____ When I read, I need to use my index finger to track my place on the line.
____ I do not follow written directions well.
____ If I hear something, I will remember it.
____ Writing has always been difficult for me.
____ I often misread words from the text- (i.e. “them” for “then”).
____ I would rather listen and learn than read and learn.
____ I’m not very good at interpreting an individual’s body language.
____ Pages with small print or poor quality copies are difficult for me to read.
____ My eyes tire quickly, even though my vision check-up is always fine.
____ Total

Kinesthetic/Tactile Modality
____ I start a project before reading the directions.
____ I hate to sit at a desk for long periods of time.
____ I prefer first to see something done and then to do it myself.
____ I use the trial and error approach to problem-solve.
____ I like to read my textbook while riding an exercise bike.
____ I take frequent study breaks.
____ I have a difficult time giving step-by-step instructions.
____ I enjoy sports and do well at several types of sports.
____ I use my hands when describing things.
____ I have to re-write or type my class notes to reinforce material.
____ Total
Total the score for each section. A score of 21 points or more in a modality indicates a strength in that
area. The highest of the 3 scores indicates the most efficient method of information intake. The second
highest score indicates the modality which boosts the primary strength. For example, a score of 23 in
visual modality indicates a strong visual learner. Such a learner benefits from the text, from filmstrips,
charts, graphs, etc. If the second highest score is auditory, then the individual would benefit from audio
tapes, lectures, etc. If you are strong kinesthetically then taking notes and rewriting class notes will
reinforce information.
 Characteristics of Learning Styles

Three of your senses are primarily used in learning, storing, remembering, and recalling information.
Your eyes, ears, and sense of touch play essential roles in the way you communicate, perceive reality
and relate to others. Because you learn from and communicate best with someone who shares your
dominant modality, it is a great advantage for you to know the characteristics of visual, auditory and
kinesthetic styles and to be able to identify them in others.

Visual
 Mind sometimes strays during verbal activities
 Observe rather than acts or talks
 Likes to read
 Usually a good speller
 Memorizes by seeing graphics or pictures
 Not too distractible
 Finds verbal instruction difficult
 Has good handwriting
 Remembers faces
 Uses advanced planning
 Doodles
 Quiet by nature
 Meticulous, neat in appearance
 Notices details

Auditory
 Talks to self, aloud
 Enjoys talking
 Easily distracted
 Has difficulty with written directions
 Likes to be read to
 Memorizes sequentially
 Enjoys music
 Whispers to self while reading
 Distracted by noise
 Hums or sings
 Outgoing by nature
 Enjoys listening activities

Kinesthetic
 Likes physical rewards
 In motion most of the time
 Likes to touch people while talking
 Taps pencil or foot when studying
 Enjoys doing activities
 Reading not a priority
 Poor speller
 Likes to solve problems by physically working through them
 Will try new things
 Outgoing by nature; expresses emotions by physical means
 Uses hands while talking
 Dresses for comfort
SOUND: Hints for the Auditory Learner

General
1. Say aloud the information to be learned/have someone read the information to you/read it into
a tape recorder and replay it.
2. Read your work out loud. Summarize what you have read on tape.
3. Say words inside of your head silently.
4. Brainstorm ideas with others. Form study groups.
5. When possible, learn information through tapes, television, oral reports, rhymes, and songs,
radio, lectures, book reviews, panel and group discussions, guest lectures, and oral questions
and answers.
6. Use a straight-edge marker or guide to assist you in keeping your place while you are reading or
working with printed materials.
7. Tape class lectures (Ask instructor for permission).
8. Meet with classmates before and/or after class to discuss material.

Writing
1. Plan each sentence you want to write by saying it out loud or silently in your head.
2. Say each sentence several times.
3. Write each sentence as you say it, or talk into a tape recorder, dictating each sentence of your
paragraph; then lay the tape back-one sentence at a time- and record your paragraph in writing.

Spelling
1. Listen to the spelling of the word.
2. Say the word-then say each letter out loud.
3. Close your eyes and spell the word out loud; check your spelling.
4. Close your eyes and spell the word out loud again; checking your spelling.
5. Now write the word, trying to hear it in your mind.
6. Verbally review spelling words and lectures with a friend.

Mathematics
1. Learn math while saying the concept, fact, theorem, etc., aloud.
2. Explain math problems, concepts, facts, etc., to yourself, relating the information out loud.
3. Use a tape recorder and replay the information.
SIGHT: Hints for the Visual Learner

General
1. Take notes, make pictures, graphs, and charts. Use flashcards and highlight key details.
2. Sit close to the teacher so that you can watch his/her face and gestures.
3. Take notes or make lists as you listen to directions.
4. Carefully check instructions written on the chalkboard and on handouts.
5. As the teacher lectures, pay attention to visual aids such as: drawings, maps, charts, graphs,
transparencies, posters, films, and books.
6. Imagine pictures of the information you are supposed to remember.
7. Use color coding as cues for important information.
8. When possible, read assignments silently.
9. Maintain class notes and outlines of important information to study.
10. Try to read and study in a well-lit, quiet place.
11. Record homework assignments in a date book, on a note pad, or a specially designed
assignment sheet.
12. Keep a note pad with you at all times. Write out everything. Review frequently.

Reading
1. Use sight words, flashcards, note cards and experience stories; don’t try to sound words out, but
try to determine if the new word or words has words you already know. For example, the word
“systematic” has the word “system”, “stem”, and “mat” within it.
2. You are a “look-and-say” learner. Look at the word carefully; then say it.

Writing
1. Jot down ideas as they form in your mind.
2. Outline your ideas.
3. Make a rough draft, skipping lines. Correct/revise your work.
4. Re-copy your paper.
5. ESSAY TEST: Make quick outlines on scratch paper or in the margin of the test before writing
your answer.

Spelling
1. See the word- close your eyes.
2. Map a picture- then read from your picture.
3. Write the word- match the picture.
4. Check your work immediately.

Mathematics
1. Visualize the problem.
2. Make pictures or tallies of the problem on scratch paper and then write the problem.
TOUCH: Hints for the Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner

1. Keep your desk clear of distracting objects.

2. Cover the page you’re not reading.
3. If you are distracted by noise, turn off the radio; wear earplugs or wear an earphone in the
learning center to block out noise. If you want sound, listen to soft music.
4. Divide your work into short study sessions. Get a timer. After 20 minutes or when a task is
completed, give yourself a reward, a cookie, walk around the block, listen to one song, etc.
5. Sit as close to the teacher as possible, or sit in the center of the room by quiet students.
6. When studying, use a multi-sensory approach (hearing, seeing, touching and doing) as much as
possible.
7. Get plenty of sleep.
8. Eat a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Snack on fruit or nutritional food if you need extra energy.
9. Study in a carrel or in an office where there is a desk for your textbooks and notebooks.
10. Use models, real objects, and materials that can be touched and moved. For example, learn
geography through handling and studying a globe.
11. When possible, draw what you are learning.
12. Trace spelling words as you practice them.
13. Record in writing information learned. Keep a supply of paper on hand.
14. When possible, role play, type, take notes, or construct models to learn the information.