Learning is something we do everyday. Each of us has different strengths and intelligences. We all perceive, take in and process information in different ways (e.g. seeing and hearing, reflecting and doing, reading and writing, reasoning logically and intuitively, steadily and in fits and starts). We each need to find a method of study that works best for us. Learner preferences are influenced by effective past learning, by habit, and/or the learner's own strengths. Research has shown that the more we become aware of our own learning styles, the better we learn.

Before you read any further think of something you learnt recently. How did you learn it? Take some time to reflect on how you learn best. Reflect also on how you do not learn well.

The links presented below will direct you to on-line questionnaires which have been developed from research into how people learn. Set aside some time to complete these questionnaires and save your results. Browse through the associated material on the websites and in particular take note of the kinds of strategies you can adopt to facilitate your personal learning preferences.

Learning Style Indicator
The Learning Styles Indicator identifies fundamental differences in the way people think, communicate and learn - your report will give you feedback on your own learning style and some suggestions on how to develop your effectiveness as a learner. To access this test, click on the link above, this will take you to the "My Potential Online Personality & Ability Assessments" web page. Read the instructions, copy the codes and enter the site.

VARK Learning Styles
Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinesthetic learning styles.

The Felder-Silverman Index of Learning Styles
This instrument assess preferences on four dimensions (active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, visual/verbal, and sequential/global) of a learning style model. Results/scores are based upon 44 questions.

DVC Learning Style Survey for College
This has a good introduction, four categories of styles (visual/verbal; visual nonverbal; tactile/kinesthetic; auditory/verbal), and a self-assessment web-based tool. Results/scores are based upon 32 questions.