My Learning Style Assessment Calculator
Discover your unique learning style and unlock your full potential
About This Assessment
This is a self-reflection tool to help you understand how you learn best. Your learning style may include multiple preferences, and that's completely normal! Use these insights to optimize your study strategies and enhance your learning experience.
Assessment Questions
1. Choose a group of activities that sound most interesting to you:
2. How do you make an important decision?
3. You're working outside with a group on a project for work or school. What's your reaction?
4. You're meeting a friend at a new restaurant. How do you find it?
5. Pick a place to study:
6. If you had to change your phone number, how would you memorize it?
7. What would help you relieve stress?
8. You just got a new electronic device. How do you figure out how it works?
9. What's your favorite class?
10. What kind of assessment do you prefer to show what you've learned?
11. You get to try out a new job for a week. Which ones sound the most interesting?
12. You're having fun online looking at dream homes. What do you most want to see?
8 Learning Styles
You learn best by seeing information presented visually through charts, maps, diagrams, and images.
You learn best by hearing information through discussions, lectures, and audio presentations.
You learn best through hands-on experience and physical activity rather than just seeing or hearing.
You learn best through written words, reading, and writing activities.
You learn best by using logic, reasoning, and finding patterns in information.
You learn best in group settings through collaboration and interaction with others.
You learn best independently, working alone at your own pace.
You learn best by connecting material to the natural world and learning outdoors when possible.
Understanding Learning Styles
The VARK Model
In 1987, Neil Fleming popularized the VARK theory (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic). This model helps students and educators understand different learning preferences. About 60% of people are multimodal learners, meaning they benefit from multiple learning styles.
Expanded Learning Styles
Beyond VARK, researchers have identified additional learning preferences including Logical (analytical thinking), Social (group learning), Solo (independent learning), and Natural (connecting to nature). These secondary styles often complement the primary VARK categories.
Applying Your Learning Style
Understanding your learning style helps you choose study methods that work best for you. However, research suggests that the best learning strategies may depend on what you're learning and the context. Use your learning style as a guide, but stay flexible and try different approaches.
Multimodal Learning
Most people benefit from multiple learning styles. If you scored similarly across several categories, you're likely a multimodal learner. This versatility allows you to adapt to different learning situations and combine various study strategies for optimal results.
Study Success Tips:
- •Experiment with different study methods to find what works best
- •Combine multiple learning styles for better retention
- •Adapt your study approach based on the subject matter
- •Create a study environment that supports your learning preferences
- •Be patient and consistent with your learning journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a learning style?
A learning style is your preferred way of absorbing, processing, and retaining new information. It reflects how you best understand and remember what you learn. The most common framework is the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic), but there are other styles including Logical, Social, Solo, and Natural.
How accurate is this learning style assessment?
This assessment is based on the widely recognized VARK learning styles theory and additional research on learning preferences. While it provides valuable insights into your learning tendencies, remember that most people are multimodal learners who benefit from various approaches. Use the results as a guide to experiment with different study strategies.
Can I have more than one learning style?
Absolutely! In fact, about 60% of people are multimodal learners, meaning they benefit from multiple learning styles. If your scores are close across several categories, this indicates you're versatile and can adapt to different learning situations. This flexibility is actually an advantage in your educational journey.
Can my learning style change over time?
Yes, learning preferences can evolve as you grow, gain new experiences, and develop different skills. Your learning style may also vary depending on what you're studying—you might prefer visual learning for science but auditory learning for languages. It's helpful to reassess your learning style periodically.
How can I use my learning style to study more effectively?
Once you know your learning style, tailor your study methods to match it. Visual learners should use diagrams and charts, auditory learners benefit from discussions and recordings, kinesthetic learners need hands-on activities, and read/write learners should take detailed notes. Combine strategies from your primary and secondary styles for the best results.
What if my learning style doesn't match my teacher's teaching style?
This is a common challenge! If there's a mismatch, take initiative to adapt the material to your learning style. For example, if you're a visual learner in a lecture-based class, create diagrams from your notes. If you're kinesthetic in a reading-heavy course, use hands-on activities to reinforce concepts. Being aware of the mismatch helps you find creative solutions.
Are learning styles scientifically proven?
Learning styles theory has been both supported and criticized in educational research. While people do have preferences for how they receive information, studies show mixed results on whether matching instruction to learning styles improves outcomes. However, understanding your preferences can help you choose study strategies that feel comfortable and engaging, which can boost motivation and confidence.
Should I only use study methods that match my learning style?
No, it's beneficial to use a variety of study methods. While your learning style indicates your preferences, using multiple approaches helps you retain information better and prepares you for different types of assessments. For example, even if you're a kinesthetic learner, you'll still need to read textbooks and listen to lectures, so developing all learning modalities is valuable.
How is the learning style assessment scored?
The assessment counts your responses for each of the eight learning styles (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Verbal, Logical, Social, Solo, and Natural). Your primary learning style is the one with the most responses, and your secondary style is the second-highest. If you have equal or near-equal scores across multiple styles, you're a multimodal learner.
What are the best resources for different learning styles?
Visual learners benefit from YouTube educational channels, infographics, and mind-mapping tools. Auditory learners should try podcasts, audiobooks, and study groups. Kinesthetic learners excel with lab work, simulations, and hands-on projects. Read/Write learners thrive with books, articles, and note-taking apps. Explore online platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and Quizlet that offer content in multiple formats.