Discover your preferred learning style

A I prefer lessons where there is something to look at (like a picture, chart, diagram or video) or something to draw. B I prefer lessons where we can discuss things. C I prefer lessons where we can do something practical – or at least move around. Question 1

A I often doodle in class. B I often sing or hum to myself in class. C I often fiddle with things in class (a pen, paper clip or rubber band.) Question 2

A When learning a new skill, I prefer to watch someone else show me how to do it. B When learning a new skill, I prefer someone to explain to me how to do it. C When learning a new skill, I prefer to just get on with it. Question 3

A When the adverts come on the telly – I like to watch them. B When the adverts come on the telly – I like to sing along with them. C When the adverts come on the telly – I get up and do something. Question 4

A I would prefer to see a comic strip of a story. B I would prefer to listen to a story. C I would prefer to act out a story. Question 5

A I have a good memory for faces. B I have a good memory for people’s names. C I am good at learning physical skills. Question 6

A I prefer teachers who use diagrams to show us things. B I prefer teachers who explain things to us. C I prefer teachers who get us to do something. Question 7

A If I get in trouble in class, it’s for drawing all over my books. B If I get in trouble in class, it’s for talking. C If I get in trouble in class it’s for fidgeting. Question 8

A On a long journey I like to look at the scenery or read a book. B On a long journey I like to listen to music or talk to the other travellers. C On a long journey I can’t wait until we stop so I can walk around. Question 9

A When I am discussing something, I like to doodle. B When I am discussing something, I sometimes use words my friends don’t know. C I use my hands a lot when I am talking. Question 10

A If I could be famous, I would be a film-star. B If I could be famous, I would be a singer. C If I could be famous, I would be a sports-person (or dancer). Question 11

A I would rather watch my favourite TV programme. B I would rather listen to my favourite music. C I would rather go outside and play. Question 12

A I get distracted in class if I can see something outside the window. B I get distracted in class if I can hear something happening outside. C I lose concentration if I have to sit still for a long time. Question 13

A I am good at drawing. B I am a good listener. C I am good at making things. Question 14

A Out of these 3 jobs - I would prefer to be an artist (or designer). B Out of these 3 jobs - I would prefer to be a radio DJ (or presenter) C Out of these 3 jobs - I would prefer to be a mechanic. Question 15

A In my spare time I would prefer to watch TV or a video. B In my spare time I would prefer to listen to music or chat with friends. C In my spare time I would prefer to do sport or dancing. Question 16

A The type of puzzle I would prefer is "Spot the difference". B The type of puzzle I would prefer is "Name that tune". C The type of puzzle I would prefer is "Rubik's cube". Question 17

A If I needed to build a Lego model, I would follow the diagram or the picture on the packet. B If I needed to build a Lego model, I would get someone to explain how or to read the instructions to me. C If I needed to build a Lego model, I would try to work out which bits fit together. Question 18

Now add up how many A’s, B’s and C’s you selected. A’s = B’s = C’s =

If you chose mostly A’s you have a VISUAL learning style. If you chose mostly B’s you have an AUDITORY learning style. If you chose mostly C’s you have a KINAESTHETIC learning style.

Someone with a Visual learning style has a preference for seen or observed things, including pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, handouts, films, flip-chart, etc. These people will use phrases such as ‘show me’, ‘let’s have a look at that’ and will be best able to perform a new task after reading the instructions or watching someone else do it first. These are the people who will work from lists and written directions and instructions.

Someone with an Auditory learning style has a preference for the transfer of information through listening: to the spoken word, of self or others, of sounds and noises. These people will use phrases such as ‘tell me’, ‘let’s talk it over’ and will be best able to perform a new task after listening to instructions from an expert. These are the people who are happy being given spoken instructions over the telephone, and can remember all the words to songs that they hear!

Someone with a Kinaesthetic learning style has a preference for physical experience - touching, feeling, holding, doing, practical hands-on experiences. These people will use phrases such as ‘let me try’, ‘how do you feel?’ and will be best able to perform a new task by going ahead and trying it out, learning as they go. These are the people who like to experiment, hands- on, and never look at the instructions first!