I can remember looking at math word problems as a child, and feeling none of this made any sense. My dad, who was good at math, couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t getting it.  I knew there must be some way to figure out those awful word problems, so secretly I drew pictures  and “lo and behold, I got it!” I was always embarrassed and hid my little drawings. If only I’d known that I’m a Visual Learner and that it’s O.K. to draw pictures.  I have to “see” the problem before it makes sense to me.

I think everyone needs to know what type of learner they are.  Look at these traits and see if you can figure out your own learning style and those of your family members.

Visual Learners (65% of the population)
Learns through images
Enjoys art and drawing
Read maps, charts and diagrams well
Likes mazes and puzzles
Use lists or outlines to organize thoughts
Is able to spot recurring patterns in information
Remembers where information is located on a page
Sees pictures or words in the “mind’s eye”
Is able to visualize stories
Often a good speller (they can see the word in their mind)
Has a vivid imagination
Becomes impatient or drifts away when extensive listening is required
Color is important and aids memory
Likes to piece things together
Usually likes reading/writing better than math/science
Fond of doodling
Enjoys tracing words and pictures
Often accused of being a daydreamer in class

Auditory Learners (30% of the population)
Tends to remember and repeat ideas that are verbally presented
Learns well through lectures
Is an excellent listener
Is often the leader for a group discussion
Can reproduce symbols, letters or words by hearing them
Likes to talk
Enjoys plays, movies
Can learn concepts by listening to tapes
Enjoys music
Enjoys question/answer sessions
Retains information that is set to rhyme
Finds small group discussions stimulating and informative
Must hear himself say information aloud

Kinesthetic learners (5% of the population)
Learns by doing, direct involvement
Often fidgets or finds reasons to move
Is not very attentive to visual or auditory presentations
Wants to be “doing” something
Tries things out
Likes to manipulate objects
Gestures when speaking
Is often a poor listener
Responds to music by physical movement
Likes clapping to rhymes
Uses hand movements when sounding out words
Often finds success in physical response activities

Read my article on ezine for a more in-depth look at learning styles.
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-Your-Childs-Learning-Style?&id=723617
Labels: Learning Styles