Florida Parental Information and Resource Center (PIRC) at the University of South Florida (USF)

Determining Your Learning Style

Every person has his or her own learning style - a specific way of thinking, learning and understanding. Learning styles are often based on a preferred body sense. There are four types of learning, visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), kinesthetic (moving) and tactile (touching). Although many people have a combination of the four learning styles, most people favor one particular style. Have each person in your family take the following survey to determine his or her predominant style.

My strengths are
a. spelling, penmanship and math.
b. athletics, dance and art.
c. grammar, music and working in groups.
d. taking notes.
Which of the following would you prefer to do on a rainy day?
a. I like to work or play on the computer.
b. I like to listen to music.
c. I like to exercise indoors.
d. I like to draw or paint pictures.
The following subject is easiest for me
a. English.
b. social studies.
c. science.
d. art.
When I play games, I prefer
a. crossword puzzles.
b. playing the telephone game.
c. walking around.
d. playing board games.
The best way for me to learn math is by
a. reading a textbook.
b. listening to a teacher.
c. playing math games.
d. using manipulatives (objects).
When studying vocabulary words, I like to
a. use flashcards.
b. use pneumonic devices (memory tricks).
c. take frequent breaks in study time.
d. re-write the definitions.
The best part about a trip to the zoo is
a. seeing the animals.
b. going with a group of friends.
c. walking around the park.
d. going to the petting zoo.
When I read, I
a. visualize what I am reading in my mind's eye.
b. read out loud.
c. have a hard time concentrating.
d. use my finger to follow the words.
I get bored or frustrated when
a. there is a lot of clutter in the room.
b. there is a lot of noise in the room.
c. I have to sit still for any length of time.
d. I cannot doodle on paper.
When I read directions, I
a. read them silently and try to visualize how the parts will fit together.
b. read them out loud and talk to others or myself as I put the parts together.
c. try to put the parts together first and read later.
d. draw a map from the directions.

Now check to see how many As, Bs, Cs and Ds you have by pressing the Submit button. If you have more As, you are a visual learner, more Bs indicate an auditory learner, more Cs favor kinesthetic and Ds suggests tactile learning. How do you and your family members learn?

Knowing one's learning style can be very helpful. Understanding how an individual learns can indicate to others the best ways to help that person improve in school. See the chart below to find your family members' strengths and weaknesses.

Visual

Strengths
Spelling, penmanship, punctuation, math, art, computers, organization

Weaknesses
Memorizing facts, writing reports, listening to lectures, following auditory directions

How to help
Use videos to teach, use crossword puzzles, encourage drawing and painting, use maps, write "to do" lists for chores

Auditory

Strengths
Learning languages, music, science, social studies, working in groups

Weaknesses
Art, math, computers, penmanship, organization

How to help
Read to your child, give spoken instructions, talk to your child often, encourage reading out loud, listen to music together

Kinesthetic

Strengths
Athletics, dance, art, science projects

Weaknesses
Language arts, social studies, memorizing facts, self-control

How to help
Encourage games and dance, act out lessons, e.c. charades, encourage planting and building

Tactile

Strengths
Art, hands-on projects, science labs, taking notes

Weaknesses
Language arts, class discussions, memorization

How to help
Encourage note taking, doodling, hands-on projects and using manipulatives

Program/Services

Determining Your Learning Style

learning styles