There are five identified learning styles, or preferences: auditory, visual, kinesthetic, social and intrapersonal. Note that auditory, visual, and kinesthetic are one category of learners, while social and intrapersonal are another. Students can be categorized in multiple learning preferences, and even if you lean more toward one preference, you can still learn to use the other preferences to your advantage. Understanding your learning preference can help you study more efficiently, learn more quickly, and improve your grades.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best by listening to material. They are good at finding patterns in speech and recalling what they have heard. They prefer to discuss material rather than to write about it. If you are an auditory learner, it may be useful for you to read your textbooks out loud and to record yourself talking through your notes for review later on. To study more efficiently, you should also minimize auditory distractions, such as music and background noise.

Visual Learners

Visual learners learn by seeing the information. This type of learner likes to read and is good at gleaning information from things that they watch, like television shows or video lectures. If you are a visual learner, it will benefit you to take detailed notes for later review. Visual learners should experiment with color coordinating their notes to make information stand out and using flashcards to help them memorize material. They may also want to try minimizing visual distractions in their workspace, such as clutter or background video.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners are typically referred to as “hands on” learners. These students learn best by immersing themselves in the material with hands-on experiments and by their own trial and error. If you are a kinesthetic learner, use your body to study. Create actions to help you remember words and phrases and try to role play your lesson material. It may also be helpful to pace, twiddle a pencil, play with a stress ball or ride a stationary bike while you are studying.

Social Learners

Social learners prefer learning in groups. They are often talking to their friends and attending parties. They just really love being socially involved. If you are a social learner, try to find ways to do your school work with friends. Just be careful that you don’t get distracted!

Intrapersonal Learners

Intrapersonal learners like to do things by themselves. They prefer to analyze material at their own pace. If you are this type of learner, you may benefit by creating a private workspace or studying in a quiet place like the library.