It is reasonably well recognised (e.g. we won’t question it here!) that each of us has a preferred or dominant sensory system. This means a person will prefer to communicate or learn in either:
- a visual way (e.g. seeing)
- an auditory way (e.g. hearing)
- a kinesthetic way (e.g. touching)
This article provides clues to help determine your own preferred learning style, and that of individuals you interact with.
Note: Having a preferred learning style does not mean the other methods are not used at all. It simply means learning will be more effective if expressed in the preferred manner.
| activity | learning style | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| visual | auditory | kinesthetic | |
| speak | say:
|
say:
|
say:
|
| spell | try to see the word | spell how it sounds | write it down to see if it feels right |
| visualise | see vivid detailed pictures | think in sounds | have few images but they involve movement |
| concentrate | are distracted by untidiness or movement | are distracted by sound or noises | are distracted by movement |
| anger | become silent and seething | express it in an outburst | storm off, clench your fists or grit your teeth |
| forget something | forget names but not faces | forget faces but not names | remember best what you did |
| contact people on business | prefer direct, face-to-face meetings | prefer the phone | talk it out while walking or during some other activity |
| relax | prefer to watch TV, read or see a play | prefer to listen to music | prefer to play sports/games |
| enjoy the arts | like paintings | like music | like dancing |
| reward someone | write remarks of praise on their work or in a note | give them oral praise | give them a pat on the back |
| try to interpret someone’s mood | look (primarily) at their facial expression | listen (primarily) to their voice | watch (primarily) their body movements |
| read | like descriptive scenes/stop to imagine the scene | enjoy dialogue and conversation/”hear” the characters talk | prefer action stories, or you are not a keen reader |
| are inactive | look around, doodle, watch something | talk to yourself or other people | fidget |
| talk | talk sparingly but dislike listening for too long | enjoy listening but are impatient to talk | gesture a lot and use expressive movements |
| learn | like to see demonstrations, diagrams, slides, posters | like verbal instructions, talks or lectures | like direct involvement: learning through activities, role playing, etc |
