What Type of Learner Am I?

Understanding how you learn best is key to unlocking your academic potential. Just as each individual is unique, so too are our learning styles. Some of us thrive in visual environments, absorbing information through diagrams and charts, while others prefer auditory experiences like lectures and discussions, or kinesthetic learning through hands-on activities. By identifying your preferred learning style, you can tailor your study habits and create an environment that maximises your comprehension and retention. This self-awareness empowers you to approach learning with confidence and achieve your academic goals more effectively.

Now, let’s explore the different learning styles and discover how you can optimise your learning journey.

The VARK Model: 4 Different Types of Learners

One popular and effective model for understanding learning styles is the VARK model, which stands for Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic. This model suggests that learners have preferences for how they receive and process information, and by understanding these preferences, you can study smarter, not harder. Let’s explore each of these learning styles in detail:

1. Visual Learning Style

Visual learners are those who thrive when information is presented in a visual format. They have a strong preference for seeing things rather than just hearing about them. Diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, and other visual aids are their best friends when it comes to grasping new concepts and ideas. Think of them as visual thinkers who can easily picture information in their minds.

Characteristics of Visual Learners

• Strong visual memory and recall: They can often remember things they’ve seen better than things they’ve heard.
• Preference for visual presentations: Videos, slideshows, and demonstrations are more engaging and effective for them than lectures or audio recordings.
• Difficulty following verbal instructions without visual cues: They may struggle to understand instructions or explanations that are purely verbal, needing visual aids to make sense of the information.
• Enjoy taking notes and creating visual representations of information: They often find it helpful to create mind maps, diagrams, or other visual representations of information to aid their understanding and retention.

Study Tips for Visual Learners

• Use visual aids like mind maps, diagrams, and flashcards: These tools can help you organise information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand way.
• Colour-code your notes and use highlighters to emphasise key points: Adding colour to your notes can make them more visually stimulating and help you remember important information.
• Create visual summaries of information: Summarising information in a visual format, such as a flowchart or infographic, can help you grasp the big picture and remember key details.

2. Auditory Learning Style

Auditory learners are those who excel when information is presented through sound. They are keen listeners and have a knack for understanding and remembering things they hear. Lectures, discussions, and audio recordings are their preferred methods of learning.

Characteristics of Auditory Learners

• Strong listening and comprehension skills: They can easily follow and understand spoken information, even in complex or lengthy presentations.
• Preference for lectures, discussions, and audiobooks: They find it easier to learn through listening to lectures, participating in discussions, or listening to audiobooks.
• Enjoy explaining concepts to others: Explaining things aloud helps them solidify their understanding and remember information better.
• May find it helpful to read aloud or have background music while studying: Reading aloud or having background music can create an auditory environment that aids their concentration and learning.

Study Tips for Auditory Learners

• Attend lectures and participate in discussions: Actively listening and engaging in discussions can help you grasp concepts more effectively.
• Record lectures and listen to them later: This allows you to review the information at your own pace and reinforce your understanding.
• Explain concepts to yourself or others: Teaching someone else or even talking yourself through a concept can solidify your understanding and improve retention.
• Use audiobooks and podcasts for learning: Audio resources can be a great way to learn on the go or while doing other activities.

3. Reading and Writing Learning Style

Read/write learners are those who prefer information in a written format. They are avid readers and enjoy taking detailed notes. Textbooks, articles, and written materials are their go-to resources for learning.

Characteristics of Read/Write Learners

• Strong reading comprehension and writing skills: They can easily understand and process written information, and they enjoy expressing themselves through writing.
• Enjoy taking detailed notes: Taking notes helps them organise information and solidify their understanding.
• May find it helpful to rewrite notes or create written summaries: Rewriting notes or creating summaries helps them reinforce their understanding and remember information better.

Study Tips for Read/Write Learners

• Read textbooks and articles thoroughly: Active reading, highlighting key points, and taking notes can enhance your understanding and retention.
• Take detailed notes and rewrite them for better retention: Rewriting your notes in your own words can help you process and remember the information more effectively.
• Create written summaries and outlines of information: Organising information in a written format, such as an outline or summary, can help you grasp the key concepts and their relationships.
• Use online resources and forums for learning: Online articles, forums, and written resources can provide additional information and perspectives to enhance your understanding.

4. Kinesthetic Learning Style

Kinesthetic learners are those who learn best through hands-on experiences and physical activities. They are “doers” who prefer to engage with information actively through movement, experimentation, and practical application.

Characteristics of Kinesthetic Learners

• Difficulty sitting still for long periods: They may find it challenging to focus in traditional classroom settings that require them to sit still for extended periods.
• Enjoy hands-on activities and experiments: They learn best by doing and engaging in activities that allow them to manipulate objects, conduct experiments, or apply concepts in real-world scenarios.
• Learn best through practical application and real-world examples: They find it easier to understand concepts when they can see how they apply to real-life situations.
• May find it helpful to move around or take breaks while studying: Movement and physical activity can help them stay focused and engaged in the learning process.

Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners

• Engage in hands-on activities and experiments: Look for opportunities to apply what you’re learning through hands-on activities, experiments, or projects.
• Use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate concepts: Connect theoretical concepts to real-world situations to make them more tangible and relevant.
• Take breaks to move around and stretch: Regular breaks and physical activity can help you stay focused and energised while studying.
• Use role-playing and simulations for learning: Engaging in role-playing or simulations can provide a hands-on way to experience and understand concepts.

How do I Tell What Kind of Learner I Am?

Identifying your learning style often involves a bit of self-reflection and experimentation. Think back to your past learning experiences, whether in secondary school, while enrolled in a few diploma courses, or even during your bachelor’s degree studies. Consider the teaching methods that resonated with you most. Did you find yourself more engaged in visually-rich presentations, or did you prefer lectures and discussions that stimulated your auditory senses? What study strategies have you found most enjoyable and productive?

Reflecting on these experiences can provide valuable clues about your preferred learning style. You can also take advantage of online quizzes or assessments specifically designed to help you identify your dominant learning style. These tools can offer further insights and help you tailor your approach to learning, whether you’re currently enrolled in diploma courses or pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Unlock Your Learning Potential

Understanding your learning style is not just about categorising yourself; it’s about empowering yourself to learn more effectively. It’s about recognising your strengths, adapting your study habits, and creating a learning environment that fosters your growth. By embracing your unique learning style, you’ll not only enhance your academic performance but also cultivate a lifelong love for learning and self-discovery.