When we speak of learning styles, we should avoid stereotyping learners. In fact, learning styles are similar to personality traits. While we all share personality traits, we also differ significantly with each other. The same goes for learning styles.
Research has shown that the more aware we become of our own learning styles, the better we learn -- think of it as maximizing your strengths. If you have difficulty learning a particular subject or skill, you can search for alternative methods for understanding the new content.
What are these alternative strategies? Try using surveys found on the Internet. Several websites can get you started in exploring your learning style -- each is based on research, but we cannot account for their validity -- we recommend that any profiles offered be taken to a professional academic counselor for validation.
Some learners have no difficulty learning using only textbooks. Others need to have hands-on experiences or experiment with the subject matter in order to understand -- still some learners benefit from group work and discussions. Each of these refers to one of the following learning styles, verbal, kinesthetic, and interpersonal. Additionally, knowing your learning style (verbal, kinesthetic, or interpersonal) may direct you into a field of study that compliments both your style and interests.
