Uncover Your Learning Style

Figuring out your learning style is a key to success. Once you know which of the three major learning styles suits you best, you should stick to learning that way if whenever possible.

Auditory learner

Do you like to have the newest concept explained to you?

Do you like to listen to lectures over and over again?

Were lectures and class discussions your favorite part of school?

If so you may be an auditory learner.

If you would rather have someone explain how to do something while you listen to the directions, you are probably an auditory learner.

Visual learner

Do you prefer to have information presented to you in written format, images, or diagrams?

Do you remember concepts best if you take detailed notes and draw out charts and diagrams?

Were classes where teachers did a lot of writing on the board or an overhead projector your favorite?

If so, then you are probably a visual learner.

If you would rather draw or write complex information out, then you fit in this category.

Tactile/Kinesthetic learner

Do you need to have hands-on experience before it finally clicks?

Do you like to actually be able to manipulate something in order to grasp how it works?

Were labs your favorite part of school?

If so, you may be a tactile/kinesthetic learner.

If you would rather have an object in your hands than merely looking at an image, reading a description, or listening to someone explain it to you, then you fit into this category.

Learning Styles and Standardized Tests

Once you've figured out which learning style you prefer, you should make sure to try to structure your studying around it. That means if you're planning on taking a test prep program, you need to find one that caters to your learning style.

If you're an auditory learner, then purchase test prep materials on audio CD or go to a discussion-based lecture.

If you're a visual learner, then you will need to make sure your test prep materials are visual oriented. You will want to sit in on test prep lectures where the teacher comes prepared with a full set of powerpoints, handouts, and diagrams.

If you're a tactile/kinesthetic learner you will need a more hands-on experience. You may need to prepare for your exam via labs (if possible) with models and most definitely, practice sessions.

Remember, you will be the most engaged when you are participating in a learning environment catered to your learning style. So if you want to maximize your study time, you need to maximize the amount of learning you do the way you learn best. Otherwise it just might feel a little like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole ... a very frustrating experience!