How do I know my learning style?

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Identifying your learning style is the first step towards effective learning. Knowing your own learning style can help you improve the excellence of your study skills. It can even help you choose your career in future. Verbal, logical, visually oriented, physical and interpersonal are some of the common learning styles. If you are comfortable with acquiring information in any of these styles, you can understand your style of learning easily. You can then take steps to reinforce the use of your preferred style and improve the use of your secondary styles. A simple test can help you identify your specific learning style.

Test for a verbal learner:

Verbal learning style is the combination of writing and speaking. If your answer is "yes" to most of the following questions, your learning style can be verbal.

• Do you like playing on the sound of words like tongue twisters or on the meaning of words?
• Do you always try to find out meaning for new words?
• Do you remember names, places and dates well?
• Do you wish to discuss about the topics that you have learnt recently with our friends?
• Do you write well?
• Do you get irritated when someone makes grammatical errors?

Test for a logistical learner:

You can find out whether your learning style is logical, by answering these questions. If you fit in to most of these situations, you are probably a logical learner.

• Do you enjoy logic puzzles and strategic games?
• Do you like to memorize formulas?
• Do you always look for rational explanations?
• Do you feel comfortable in analyzing, measuring and quantifying?

Test for a visual learner:

If you are a visual learner, then you

• Like to read charts and diagrams rather than reading text.
• Like to daydream a lot.
• Like to draw pictures.
• Have a great sense for colors.
• Imagine how objects would appear in various angles.
• Enjoy doing puzzles and other visual activities.

Physical learner test:

You can improve your learning skills, if you confirm whether you belong to physical style of learning.

• Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
• Are you an expert in one or more sports activities?
• Do you like hand-on working?
• Do you find it difficult to sit for long periods?
• Do you like to touch things, when learning about them?
• Do you like to practice everything, rather than simple reading topics?

If your answer is yes to most of these questions, you are probably a physical learner.

Interpersonal learner test:

Your learning style may be interpersonal, if you

• Like to learn in group.
• Enjoy group activities and games.
• Prefer discussing about topics with your friends.
• Try to improve the skills of your friends voluntarily.
• Listen well and understand other's views.
• Like to spend quality time with your instructor.
• Have leadership skills.

Intrapersonal/solitary learning style test:

You can confirm whether your style of learning is intrapersonal, if

• You prefer working or studying alone.
• You are private and independent.
• You are aware of your own thinking.
• You have strong opinions about various things.
• You prefer working in a quiet atmosphere.
• You like to plan and set objectives.

It is advisable to take a little effort in recognizing your own learning style. You can then try to incorporate certain techniques to improve your learning skills. If you identify more than one style of learning, you can use your knowledge to constitute your learning situations that fit your style. This helps you to a great extent in improving your intelligence.