Learning style inventory
- 1. Learning Style Inventory To better understand how you prefer to learn and process information, place a check in the appropriate space after each statement below, then use the scoring directions at the bottom of the page to evaluate your responses. Use what you learn from your scores to better develop learning strategies that are best suited to your particular learning style. This 24-item survey is not timed. Respond to each statement as honestly as you can. Often Sometimes Seldom 1. I can remember best about a subject by listening to a lecture that includes information, explanations and discussions. 2. I prefer to see information written on a chalkboard and supplemented by visual aids and assigned readings. 3. I like to write things down or to take notes for visual review. 4. I prefer to use posters, models, or actual practice and other activities in class. 5. I require explanations of diagrams, graphs, or visual directions. 6. I enjoy working with my hands or making things. 7. I am skillful with and enjoy developing and making graphs and charts. 8. I can tell if sounds match when presented with pairs of sounds. 9. I can remember best by writing things down. 10. I can easily understand and follow directions on a map. 11. I do best in academic subjects by listening to lectures and tapes. 12. I play with coins or keys in my pocket. 13. I learn to spell better by repeating words out loud than by writing the words on paper. 14. I can understand a news article better by reading about it in a newspaper than by listening to a report about it on the radio. 15. I chew gum, smoke or snack while studying. 16. I think the best way to remember something is to picture it in your head.
- 2. 17. I learn the spelling of words by “finger spelling” them. 18. I would rather listen to a good lecture or speech than read about the same material in a textbook. 19. I am good at working and solving jigsaw puzzles and mazes. 20. I grip objects in my hands during learning periods. 21. I prefer listening to the news on the radio rather than reading the paper. 22. I prefer obtaining information about an interesting subject by reading about it. 23. I feel very comfortable touching others, hugging, handshaking, etc. 24. I follow oral directions better than written ones. Scoring Procedures Directions: Place the point value on the line next to the corresponding item below. Add the points in each column to obtain the preference score under each heading. OFTEN = 5 points SOMETIMES = 3 points SELDOM = 1 points VISUAL AUDITORY TACTILE NO. PTS. NO. PTS. NO. PTS. 2 1 4 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 13 15 16 18 17 19 21 20 22 24 23 VPS = APS = TPS = VPS = Visual Preference APS = Audio Preference TPS = Tactile Preference
- 3. Learning Styles 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 margins of my notebook pages. ______ 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-solving. ______ 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 different types of sports. ______ I use my hands when describing things. ______ I have to rewrite or type my class notes to reinforce the material. ______ Total
- 4. 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.
- 5. 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 form and communicate best with someone who shares your dominant modaility, 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 when 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
- 6. 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 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 play 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; check 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.
- 7. 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 the following: - Drawing, maps, graphs, charts - Transparencies, posters, films, books 6. Imagine pictures of the information you are suppose to remember. 7. Use color coding as cues to 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 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 for frequent and quick visual review. 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 “systematic” has the word “system”, “stem” and “mat” within it. 2. You are a “look-and-say” learner. Look at a 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-coy 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. Make 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. 3. Write the problem.
- 8. 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 the 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, a wlak 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 text books and notebook. 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.