This is copyrighted information. Permission to link to this survey and questions regarding
the DVC Learning Style Survey should be directed to Catherine Jester at cjester@dvc.edu.
The DVC Learning Style Survey
Written by Catherine Jester, Counselor, Diablo Valley College
1.
I would rather read material in a textbook than listen to a lecture.
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
2.
I benefit from studying with a partner or study group.
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
3.
In my spare time, I like to do projects that involve using my hands (e.g. painting,
constructing, using tools, etc.).
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
4.
I find graphs and diagrams useful in clarifying concepts.
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
5.
I benefit more from lab classes than lecture classes.
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
6.
I find it useful to read out loud when reading a textbook.
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
7.
Reviewing words on flashcards helps me remember the information.
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
8.
I like solving visual puzzles that require attention to detail (e.g. mazes, matching,
hidden picture games, etc.).
You learn best when information is presented visually and in a picture or design format.
In a classroom setting, you benefit from instructors who use visual aids such as film,
video, maps and charts. You benefit from information obtained from the pictures and
diagrams in textbooks. You tend to like to work in a quiet room and may not like to
work in study groups. When trying to remember something, you can often visualize a
picture of it in your mind. You may have an artistic side that enjoys activities having
to do with visual art and design.
Learning Strategies for the Visual/ Nonverbal Learner
Make flashcards of key information that needs to be memorized. Draw symbols and pictures
on the cards to facilitate recall. Use highlighter pens to highlight key words and
pictures on the flashcards. Limit the amount of information per card, so your mind
can take a mental "picture' of the information.
Mark up the margins of your textbook with key words, symbols, and diagrams that help
you remember the text. Use highlighter pens of contrasting colors to "color code"
the information.
When learning mathematical or technical information, make charts to organize the information.
When a mathematical problem involves a sequence of steps, draw a series of boxes,
each containing the appropriate bit of information in sequence.
Use large square graph paper to assist in creating charts and diagrams that illustrate
key concepts.
Use the computer to assist in organizing material that needs to be memorized. Using
word processing, create tables and charts with graphics that help you to understand
and retain course material. Use spreadsheet and database software to further organize
material that needs to be learned.
As much as possible, translate words and ideas into symbols, pictures, and diagrams.
Your answers match: visual/verbal learner
You learn best when information is presented visually and in a written language format.
In a classroom setting, you benefit from instructors who use PowerPoint presentations
to list the essential points of a lecture, or who provide you with an outline to follow
along with during lecture. You benefit from information obtained from textbooks and
class notes. You tend to like to study by yourself in a quiet room. You often see
information "in your mind's eye" when you are trying to remember something.
Learning Strategies for the Visual/ Verbal Learner
To aid recall, make use of "color coding" when studying new information in your textbook
or notes. Using highlighter pens, highlight different kinds of information in contrasting
colors.
Write out sentences and phrases that summarize key information obtained from your
textbook and lecture.
Make flashcards of vocabulary words and concepts that need to be memorized. Use highlighter
pens to emphasize key points on the cards. Limit the amount of information per card
so your mind can take a mental "picture" of the information.
When learning information presented in diagrams or illustrations, write out explanations
for the information.
When learning mathematical or technical information, write out in sentences and key
phrases your understanding of the material. When a problem involves a sequence of
steps, write out in detail how to do each step.
Make use of computer word processing. Copy key information from your notes and textbook
into a computer. Use the print-outs for visual review.
Before an exam, make yourself visual reminders of information that must be memorized.
Make "stick it" notes containing key words and concepts and place them in highly visible
places --on your mirror, notebook, car dashboard, etc...
Your answers match: tactile/kinesthetic learner
You learn best when physically engaged in a "hands on" activity. In the classroom,
you benefit from a lab setting where you can manipulate materials to learn new information.
You learn best when you can be physically active in the learning environment. You
benefit from instructors who encourage in-class demonstrations, "hands on" student
learning experiences, and field work outside the classroom.
Strategies for the Tactile/ Kinesthetic Learner:
To help you stay focused on class lecture, sit near the front of the room and take
notes throughout the class period. Don't worry about correct spelling or writing in
complete sentences. Jot down key words and draw pictures or make charts to help you
remember the information you are hearing.
When studying, walk back and forth with textbook, notes, or flashcards in hand and
read the information out loud.
Think of ways to make your learning tangible, i.e. something you can put your hands
on. For example, make a model that illustrates a key concept. Spend extra time in
a lab setting to learn an important
procedure. Spend time in the field (e.g. a museum, historical site, or job site)
to gain first-hand experience of your subject matter.
To learn a sequence of steps, make 3'x 5' flashcards for each step. Arrange the cards
on a table top to represent the correct sequence. Put words, symbols, or pictures
on your flashcards -- anything that helps you remember the information.
Use highlighter pens in contrasting colors to emphasize important points.
Limit the amount of information per card to aid recall.
Practice putting the cards in order until the sequence becomes automatic.
When reviewing new information, copy key points onto a chalkboard, easel board, or
other large writing surface.
Make use of the computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch. Using word
processing software, copy essential information from your notes and textbook. Use
graphics, tables, and spreadsheets to further organize material that must be learned.
Listen to audio recordings of important course material while exercising, e.g. while
you are jogging or working out in the gym.
Your answers match: auditory/verbal learner
You learn best when information is presented auditorily in an oral language format.
In a classroom setting, you benefit from listening to lecture and participating in
group discussions. You also benefit from obtaining information from audiotape. When
trying to remember something, you can often "hear" the way someone told you the information,
or the way you previously repeated it out loud. You learn best when interacting with
others in a listening/speaking exchange.
Strategies for the Auditory/ Verbal Learner:
Join a study group to assist you in learning course material. Or, work with a "study
buddy" on an ongoing basis to review key information and prepare for exams.
When studying by yourself, talk out loud to aid recall. Get yourself in a room where
you won't be bothering anyone and read your notes and textbook out loud.
Make audio recordings of your lectures. Use the 'pause' button to avoid recording
irrelevant information.
Make use of audio books to aid recall. Or, create your own audio by reading notes
and textbook information into an audio recorder. Listen to your audio notes whenever
you can until the information "sticks" in your memory.
When learning mathematical or technical information, "talk your way" through the new
information. State the problem in your own words. Reason through solutions to problems
by talking out loud to yourself or with a study partner. To learn a sequence of steps,
write them out in sentence form and read them out loud.
This is copyrighted information. Permission to link to this survey and questions regarding
the DVC Learning Style Survey should be directed to Catherine Jester at cjester@dvc.edu.