- Nerida K
What is Your Learning Style?
Just as no two people are the same, no two people learn the same. Your ‘learning style’ is the way you learn best and most efficiently. It’s your preferred way to receive, understand and remember information
There are many theories about how to determine the ways people learn best. One of the most popular theories is the Visual-Auditory-Kinaesthetic (VAK) model. In the VAK model, people are divided into three learning style categories: visual learners, auditory learners, and kinaesthetic learners.
The three VAK learning styles are quite different from each other, and no style is better than the others. You may lean toward one learning style, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself using a mix of two or even all three! ― learning styles. It all comes down to what works best for you.
Visual learners
Visual learners tend to remember and understand information better when they can SEE it. They would usually rather observe an activity or read the instructions before they try it themselves.
Are you a visual learner? You might be if you prefer…
Looking at a map, rather than getting directions from someone
Reading a book, rather than listening to an audiobook, or
Following a recipe when you cook, rather than using trial-and-error and taste testing as you go
Auditory learners
Auditory learners tend to remember and understand information better when they can HEAR it. They tend to enjoy listening to stories and sharing their own, and often have music playing in the background when trying to concentrate.
Are you an auditory learner? You might be if you prefer…
Asking someone how to use a new device, like a cell phone, rather than reading the instruction manual
Listening to an audiobook, rather than reading a book, or
Sitting still and closing your eyes when listening to music, rather than getting to your feet and dancing
Kinaesthetic learners
Kinaesthetic learners tend to remember and understand information better when it involves moving, doing, and touching. They learn best through a hands-on-approach, learning by DOING, or by actively exploring the physical world around them.
Are you a kinaesthetic learner? You might be if you prefer…
· Physically active jobs (for example, an athlete, cook or welder), rather than jobs with a lot of sitting
· Choosing clothing based on touch and texture, rather than the colour and pattern, or
· Playing a sport, rather than watching a movie or reading a book
Which learning style are you?
Learning styles are a tool. They are not designed to limit you or put you into a box. They’re designed to help you understand yourself better, find ways you can learn that not only suit you but make it more enjoyable too!
Learn what your learning style is through this quiz
This blog is a modified excerpt from our online and in-person Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles program. Participants are encouraged to explore different learning styles; understand how they learn as well as how other people may see things, and think about what could help different kinds of learners.
