There are a number of different learning styles and learning preferences. The most common include Visual Learning Style (the most common), Auditory Learning Style and Tactile (Kinesthetic) Learning Style. Additional learning styles and preferences include Logical (mathematical), Social (interpersonal) and Solitary (intrapersonal). There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Visual Learning Style
Individuals that learn best when ideas or subjects are presented in a visual format, whether that is written language, pictures, diagrams or videos are visual learners. Visual learners usually learn best when the teacher provides written study notes, writes on the chalkboard and uses an overhead projector to explain concepts. Visual learners frequently take detailed notes in class, when studying from a textbook or listening to lectures. They also create diagrams and use pictures to understand and remember concepts and ideas. If this sounds like you then you are probably a visual learner – many people are.
If you learn best by participating in class discussion, by listening to your teacher lecture, listening to audio tapes or by listening to other language formats then you are probably an Auditory Learner. Auditory Learners, unlike Visual Learners, are able to learn, understand and retain information better when they hear it rather than see it.
Tactile Learning Style
Tactile Learners, also commonly referred to as Kinesthetic Learners, are hand-on learners. They learn best when they are able to physically participate directly in what they are required to learn or understand. Tactile learners usually excel when they are able to handle something in order to learn about it. Tactile learners may do especially well in classes where lab work is required. Unlike Visual Learners that learn by seeing and Auditory Learners that learn by hearing, Tactile Learners learn by touching and feeling.
So why is identifying and understanding your learning style so critical to your study preparation? By knowing how you learn best you can select those classes, teachers, subjects, majors and ultimate careers that appeal to your unique way of learning things.
Logical Style
If you find that you like using your brain for logical and mathematical reasoning you probably prefer the logical learning style. Logical learners can recognize patterns easily and are good at making logical connections between what would appear to most people to be meaningless content. If you're a logical learner you'll learn better if you classify and group information to help you learn and understand it better.
Social Style
If social learning is your style, you'll communicate well will others, both verbally and non-verbally. You're good listeners and are able to understand other's views. People listen to you and come to for advice. Social learners prefer learning in groups or classes and typically like to spend one-on-one time with a teacher or an instructor.
Solitary Style
If you have a solitary style of learning you tend to be private, introspective and/or independent. You're able to concentrate and focus on a specific subject, topic or concept without outside help. You are very self aware and able to analyze the different ways you think and feel. Solitary learners prefer to work on problems by retreating to somewhere quiet and working through possible solutions by themselves. However, solitary learners need to be careful as they may spend too much time trying to solve a problem that they could more easily solve by talking to someone or working with a group.
Identifying the learning style and preferences that best suits you is an important part of developing effective studying.
Request free information from top rated accredited Learning Style programs:
If you want to become a nail technician, there are certain skills you should possess. You should have personal skills, such as being an organized person and able to keep a hygienic work environment. Other personal skills a nail technician should have are thinking with a creative mind, keeping a positive attitude at all times, [...]
Hairstylists are almost always in demand for cutting and styling men's and women’s hair. As a stylist, you of course will be responsible for cutting and styling hair. You may often be asked to color, bleach, highlight or lowlight your customers’ tresses. You could also be called upon to curl or straighten their hair. Sometimes [...]
Cosmetologists are licensed professionals. As a cosmetologist, you will attend cosmetology school to learn to care for hair, nails and skin. You may be referred to as a hairdresser, beautician or beauty operator, and you may work in a beauty salon, spa or own their own business. Other opportunities for licensed cosmetologists are abundant with [...]
Being a makeup artist can be a fulfilling and exciting career. If you have always loved fashion and had an artistic side, this may be the career for you. Becoming a makeup artist, like any other career, requires training. Most of the training you will be doing will be hands-on and not of the traditional [...]
A trained esthetician provides professional-quality skin and body care treatments, such as facials, waxing and even laser treatments for more highly trained estheticians. For an esthetician, the skin is the primary area of focus and study and treatment surrounds improving the look, feel, cleanliness and health of the skin. While estheticians primarily focus on the [...]
Featured Student Profile
Learn Anytime, anywhere.
...even on a remote island!
Every year more and more students are turning to the Internet and distance learning in order to further their education and expand their horizons.
Read our exclusive one on one interview and learn how a busy student fits online learning into his schedule while living abroad. Read his story
Publish on EducationAtlas.com!
Have you written something that you would like to see published on EducationAtlas.com?
Inspiring Quotes Widget
Download our Inspiring Quotes Widget and get thousands of famous quotes for your website.
There are a number of different learning styles and learning preferences. The most common include Visual Learning Style (the most common), Auditory Learning Style and Tactile (Kinesthetic) Learning Style. Additional learning styles and preferences include Logical (mathematical), Social (interpersonal) and Solitary (intrapersonal). There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Learn Anytime, anywhere.
