Learning Modalities

We all learn in different ways, and it is helpful to have an understanding of how we learn best. This knowledge empowers you to build upon your strengths and develop strategies to grow in areas that are not as strong. Your learning style — whether it is visual, auditory, or kinesthetic – is not fixed and may vary by task and by your sensory modality preference.

Modality Preference Examples:

  • Visual: charts/graphs, symbols, graphs, and mind maps
  • Auditory: reading notes out loud, listening to lectures, and participating in discussions 
  • Kinesthetic: hands-on/direct experience, experiments, incorporating physical activity into studying (walking while studying, passing a ball, repeating motions)
Students working at their laptops

To learn more about your learning style, complete The Learning Styles Inventory (PDF) (Some of the information for this inventory was adapted from Walter B. Barbe and Michael Milone, Jr.).

For additional information you may want to visit this website:

Works Consulted

McGuire, S.Y. (2015). Teach students how to learn: Strategies your can incorporate into any course to improve student metacognition, study skills, and motivation. Stylus Publishing, LLC.