Exercise No.
:2 – Date:
"Identifying and Applying Your Learning Style: A Practical Exercise"
Objective: "Identifying and applying different learning styles to enhance self-awareness and
adaptability in learning strategies."
Methodology:
Lecture-cum-discussion, Group Discussion, Management Games.
INTRODUCTION:
The learning style is the way to know, how people bring new information into their knowledge
base. Knowing the learning style permits to use the strengths as students study for courses. There
are many instruments for determining learning style is the VARK questionnaire, developed by Neil
Fleming. The VARK system categorizes learners into four styles: Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing,
and Kinesthetic. The deferments learners like more than one learning style as per their interest.
Visual learners: They learn from visual objects like images, graphs, maps etc that don’t include
writing. Graphs and diagrams are easy for them to understand. They remember faces and places
and tend to recall information by picturing it in their minds. If you want to invite a visual learner
to come to your house, draw a map. In college, a visual learner is going to find it relatively easy
to “read” a pie chart in a business class or perceive differences between artists’ painting styles.
Aural or auditory: Aural learners do well with hearing information. They remember words to
songs and can recall conversations in detail by hearing them in their minds. In college, an aural
learner will remember lecture material in a variety of classes and may be skilled at memorizing
things like music or lines for a theatrical production.
Reading/Writing learners are at home with written material. They comprehend and remember
what they read, and they often enjoy writing. If you want a reading/writing learner to come to your
house, provide written directions. College classes have traditionally been geared to the
reading/writing learning style; these learners can take notes in most classes and will benefit from
reading them as a method for study.
Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. Hands-on activities and real-life experiences help them
remember. If you want a kinesthetic learner to come to your house, the simplest way is to take him
or her there yourself or get someone else to do so. Another way to give directions to a kinesthetic
learner would be to provide details about what to look for on the way there, making your directions
as experiential as possible. College classes like science labs, acting, or sports teach to the strengths
of kinesthetic learners.
Learning Styles:
Tips and Strategies VISUAL
Doodle diagrams of your written information in the margins
Create a flowchart for the progression of your notes and ideas
Make flashcards that include pictures or diagrams as visual clues
Highlight key information in your texts or notes
Create a chart or a series of boxes to remind you how to complete math equations
Use a computer to convert data and notes into charts, tables, graphics, pictures, etc.
Vocabulary mnemonics
Hangman game
Timelines
AURAL/AUDITORY
Use a computer to record your notes read aloud. Convert this information to download for iPod
using iTunes
Read your notes aloud when studying (mind your surroundings!)
Work with a regular study partner to review out loud
Work in a group where you can discuss the information
Tape lectures. If available, set the counter to zero when it begins and note the number at difficult
times during lecture. Review these recorded times later for extra review.
When learning new material, especially equations, talk your way through the material.
Singing/ creating a song
Use of metaphors/similes to compare and remember (as long as they are voiced)
Use Internet resources like [Link]
Invent acronyms
Mnemonic devices
READING/WRITING
Re-write your notes after class.
Use coloured pens and highlighters to focus in on key ideas
Write notes to yourself in the margins
Write out key concepts and ideas
Compose short explanations for diagrams, charts, graphs
Write out instructions for each step of a procedure or math problem
Print out your notes for later review
Post note cards/post its in visible places (when doing dishes, on the bottom of the remote, etc.)
Vocab mnemonics
Organize your notes/key concepts into a PowerPoint slideshow
Compare your notes with someone else’s
Repetitive writing
Hangman game
KINESTHETIC
Type your notes after class -Create a YouTube video as a group to study later individually
Write your notes onto flashcards - Scrabble -Make posters
Review flashcards while walking, at gym, etc.
Dog-ear pages in the reading where you can find critical information
Sit near the front of the room
Walk back and forth, move in some way, when studying notes
Read your notes out loud
As much as possible, create models for the information at hand
Use the internet to research your subject material
When possible, visit locations for your material (library, museum, historical sites, etc.)
To learn a sequence or equation, use one note card for each step.
Highlight material when reviewing/studying
Use a dry-erase or chalk board to study or review
Taboo-type game/ charades
Correlate physical movements with ideas/terms
A practical exercise on learning styles and strategies aims to help individuals identify their
preferred learning styles and apply strategies tailored to those styles to enhance their learning
process. This exercise will involve understanding the main learning styles, identifying your
learning style, and implementing strategies that fit your style.
Learning Styles Overview
There are several models of learning styles, but one of the most commonly used is VARK (Visual,
Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic). The idea behind learning styles is that each person has a
preferred mode of learning, and understanding this can help them absorb, retain, and recall
information more effectively.
1. Visual Learners: Prefer to see and use images, charts, graphs, and diagrams. They learn
best when they can visualize concepts.
2. Auditory Learners: Learn best through listening. They often prefer lectures, discussions,
podcasts, and audio recordings.
3. Reading/Writing Learners: These learners benefit from written words. They prefer
reading notes, writing summaries, and making lists.
4. Kinesthetic Learners: Prefer learning through hands-on experiences. They engage by
doing and tend to learn best when they can physically interact with the material.
Practical Exercise: Discovering Your Learning Style & Strategies
Step 1: Identify Your Learning Style
1. Take a Learning Style Assessment: You can either take a quiz or reflect on your past
learning experiences to identify which learning style resonates most with you. Here are
some questions to guide your reflection:
Questions/ Items Responses
(Yesh/ No)
When you are trying to learn new information, do you prefer to see it
(charts, graphs, pictures)?
Do you learn best when you hear information out loud (lectures, podcasts)?
Do you prefer reading written materials or making written notes and
summaries?
Do you like to learn by engaging in physical activities or by trial and error?
2. Self-Assessment: Reflect on the following prompts:
Questions/ Items Responses
(Yesh/ No)
How do you approach new topics?
Do you prefer to watch a video (visual), listen to a lecture (auditory), read a
textbook (reading/writing), or engage in a hands-on project (kinesthetic)?
When studying, do you make charts or diagrams, listen to recordings, take
written notes, or do experiments?
Step 2: Apply Learning Strategies for Your Style
Once you’ve identified your primary learning style, apply the following strategies to maximize
your learning efficiency.
If You Are a Visual Learner:
Use diagrams, charts, and mind maps to organize information.
Colour code your notes to visually highlight key ideas and concepts.
Watch videos related to the topic you are learning.
Create flashcards with images or diagrams to reinforce concepts.
Use graphic organizers like flowcharts to connect related ideas.
If You Are an Auditory Learner:
Listen to podcasts or audiobooks on the topic you’re studying.
Record yourself reading your notes aloud and listen to them during study sessions.
Participate in group discussions or study groups where you can verbalize your
understanding.
Teach someone else what you've learned – explaining concepts out loud helps reinforce
your knowledge.
Use mnemonic devices or rhymes to help with memorization.
If You Are a Reading/Writing Learner:
Take detailed notes and write summaries of what you have learned.
Create written lists of key concepts and principles.
Write essays or reports on the subject you’re studying to reinforce your understanding.
Read textbooks, articles, and other written materials to deepen your knowledge.
Rewrite notes in your own words to solidify understanding.
If You Are a Kinesthetic Learner:
Use hands-on activities to practice the material, such as experiments or simulations.
Role-play scenarios that allow you to physically interact with the content.
Take frequent breaks to move around and stretch, as movement can aid focus.
Use real-life objects to make connections with abstract concepts.
Engage in practical exercises like building models, performing physical tasks, or
manipulating materials.
Step 3: Practice a Study Session Using Your Learning Style
For this part of the exercise, spend 30-60 minutes focusing on a topic you're learning about (e.g.,
history, science, math). Use strategies specific to your learning style during the study session.
Visual Learners: Create a mind map or a set of flashcards to summarize the topic. Watch
a video and take notes on key visual points.
Auditory Learners: Listen to a podcast on the topic and record a summary or discussion
about what you’ve learned.
Reading/Writing Learners: Write a detailed summary of the chapter or concept you are
studying. Use bullet points to list key takeaways.
Kinesthetic Learners: If applicable, perform a hands-on activity or experiment related to
the topic. Engage in activities that involve doing or building as part of your learning
process.
Step 4: Reflect on Your Experience
After the study session, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
Questions Answers
How did your learning strategies enhance or ------------------------------------------------
challenge your understanding of the topic? ------------------------------------------------
Did you feel more engaged with the material ------------------------------------------------
compared to other methods of learning? ------------------------------------------------
How effective were the strategies for retaining ------------------------------------------------
the information? ------------------------------------------------
Would you adjust any strategies for future study ------------------------------------------------
sessions? ------------------------------------------------
