It’s important to recognize that there is more than one way to learn.
In fact, there is great diversity in how different people absorb, process, and retain information. These differences in learning are sometimes called learning styles. These learning styles include the following:
- Verbal/Linguistic: You like to read, write, and listen to others talk. You learn best through listening, speaking, and writing.
- Logical/Mathematical: You like to do experiments and work well with numbers. You learn best by making categories, solving arithmetic problems, and working with patterns.
- Visual/Spatial: You like to draw, build, design, and create things. You learn best through pictures, videos, and images.
- Bodily/Kinesthetic: You like to dance and participate in athletic activities. You learn best through body movement.
- Musical/Rhythmic: You like to sing, hum, play an instrument, and listen to music. You learn best through rhythm and melody.
- Interpersonal: You like having many friends, talking to people, and joining groups. You learn best through talking, comparing, and cooperating with other people.
- Intrapersonal: You like to work alone and pursue interests at your own pace. You learn best by yourself.
To optimize your learning, it’s important to reflect on and identify the learning style—or styles—that best work for you. Then, you are empowered to seek out and design learning experiences that align with your particular learning style. It’s also important to communicate your learning needs so that others around you can better support your personal, professional, and academic development.
