What’s Your Preferred Method of Learning? Take the Quiz to Find Out

Learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing; we all have our preferred methods of learning which help us the most. Knowing what kind of learner you are can help you revise and study during university. Many different models have been proposed to help people understand the ways they learn best.

The VARK model is a popular theory, which proposes that there are 4 types of learner: auditory, visual, kinaesthetic and reading/writing. Most people will have a balance of these types, with a preference for an individual learning style. By discovering what type of learner you are, you can adjust your revision and study techniques to help you retain more information while studying.

Below, you can discover what kind of learner you are, and how to apply this information.

Auditory

Auditory learners take in the most information from listening to others, discussing and questioning the subject matter, and recalling the information to someone else. Hearing the information or talking about what you’re trying to learn will help your brain process and retain the information. Group revision sessions or lectures where you can discuss, question and listen are a good method of learning. Other useful tools you can use include recording yourself reading your notes or watching old lectures. You may also find online video tutorials helpful, including podcasts.

Visual

A visual learner will find that they can learn most effectively using illustrations such as charts, diagrams, graphs and flowcharts. Anything that can demonstrate the relationship between concepts or easily show a structural approach to a process will help visual learners. Highlighting with different colours, underlining key sections, or using white space and lines are all good methods for helping you retain information. As you’re going through your revision notes and studying, pay attention to the aesthetics of your work.

Kinaesthetic

The word kinaesthetic relates to the awareness of the position and movement of the body. This means that the most effective methods for kinaesthetic learners are the use of senses, experience, and practical exercises. Using real-life examples can help these learners memorise information, even if they’re examples from a third party such as a lecturer. Getting hands-on with practical learning experiences, including lab work and field trips, will also benefit kinaesthetic learners. Make sure you use lots of case studies and examples to learn, and wherever possible use practical examples.

Reading/Writing

Those who learn the most from reading/writing are going to find that writing information and reading their notes will be the most effective method for them. Utilising lists and handouts are going to be crucial for your success. You may find that rewriting your notes into a new notebook, making alterations as you go will help you remember the most. You’ll also find that converting visual information or rewriting ideas can be very helpful. Make sure you stock up with a good supply of notebooks and pens.

Take the Test

Now you know about the different methods of learning proposed by the VARK model and how to get the most out of them, you can take the quiz to discover which categories you fall into. Bear in mind that you may fall into several categories, so trying out several techniques may be required for you to find what works best for you.

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