What Kind of a Learner are You?

Visual learners tend to understand and process information through observation. They like to use pictures, charts, concept maps, and demonstration. A visual learners are usually good at recalling colours, details, and faces.

Auditory learners are best are best at retaining information by listening to lectures and benefit from discussion, reading aloud, and forming study groups. Auditory learners are usually good at interpreting speech intonations, names, and languages.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through touching and moving around (also called hands-on-learners). They are easily distracted when having to sit still for long periods of time. They are usually good at sports, dancing, and activities that use the motor muscles.

Put more simply:

          Visual learners need to 'see it'.

          Auditory learners need to 'hear it'.

          Kinesthetic learners need to 'do it'.

Of course, it's not all this simple.  People cannot be so easily pigeon-holed.  Some people may have a tendency to learn more one way than another but, as often as not, most of us use a combination of all three ways of learning.  You might be a visual learner in most areas but switch over to a kinesthetic learner in others.  For example, you might be a visual learner when it comes to needing to see someone's facial expressions when they are talking to you but you have to switch over to an auditory learner when it comes to playing a musical instrument.  Similarly, you may be a hands-on learner when it comes to understanding how to use a camera but you may not be very good at such motor activities as sports or dancing.

Maybe, you need to do all three (see it, hear it, and do it) to really learn something well.  I remember, as a graduate student, when dealing with complex theories or concepts, having to listen to lectures and to make copious notes, complete with illustrations.  The next step was using mind maps or charts to plot out the inter-relationships.  Finally, I met with other students and discussed the theory or concept.  Only after using all three styles of learning did I finally know and understand the theory or concept.