Did you know there are seven recognized learning styles? Humans are remarkably diverse. We each have our own strengths and preferences.
So, where do you begin figuring out your learning style? While there’s always pressure to narrow down just one learning style, you’ll probably relate to a few of the big seven.
Rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s likely that you actually fit into multiple learning styles. It’s also possible that you even have a different learning style for different topics.
So, to get started, we share the best learning style quizzes and then break down each learning style so you can see which you relate to.
What’s your learning style?
There are a few quizzes out there that’ll help you find your learning style. The thing is, though, these quizzes will try to pigeonhole you into just one learning style and only cover three or four styles each.
Still, quizzes can be a helpful starting point. So, here are two of the best free learning style quizzes so you can evaluate your dominant learning style.
How To Study
How To Study gives you a 20-question quiz to see which of three learning styles you might fall into. They only use visual, auditory, and tactile learning styles.
The VARK Questionnaire
This quiz gives you 14 questions to help determine your main learning style. It breaks them down into just 4 categories: visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic – a.k.a. VARK.
7 learning styles you might relate to
Now that you have a starting point, you can find out what other learning styles you relate to. Here are the characteristics of the seven types of learning styles.
1. Visual Learners
If you like to color code your notes, this is probably you. If infographics stop your scroll, this could be you. When you need to learn how to do something outside of school, you head to YouTube.
You might even use TikTok like a search engine (unlike elder millennials). If you need to be able to see the information as a diagram, chart, map, or video, you’re probably a visual learner.
Visual learners like:
- YouTube and TikTok
- Video lessons
- Canva and ProCreate
- Color-coded notes
- Infographics
2. Auditory Learners
If you learn best through listening and talking through concepts, you’re most likely an auditory learner. You probably like podcasts and audiobooks.
Maybe you’ve always loved getting to read aloud. Your ideal classroom has all the desks in a circle where discussion is encouraged, and lectures happen once a week.
Auditory learners like:
- Podcasts and audiobooks
- Talking through concepts
- Reading aloud
3. Kinesthetic Learners
You love getting your hands dirty, and you learn best while doing. Maybe you like to demonstrate, role-play, or conduct experiments. This is probably you if your favorite classes were STEAM, Woodshop, Art, Music, P.E./Gym., or you were in the school play.
Sometimes this is also called the tactile learning style. If you went to a Montessori, Waldorf, Steiner Reggio Emilia, Democratic, or Forest school and loved it, this is probably you.
Kinesthetic learners like:
- Podcasts and audiobooks
- Talking through concepts
- Reading aloud
- Hands-on schooling styles
4. Reading and Writing Learners
You need to see what you’re learning written out. That could be books, text-based courses online, or the teacher writing stuff on the board. Maybe you love reading.
You probably actually read the instructions. You take detailed notes – maybe you even doodle in the margins. When someone needs to borrow your notes, they ask you. You secretly loved book reports.
Reading and Writing learners like:
- Reading
- Instruction manuals
- Detailed notes
- Doodling in the margins
- Book reports
- Writing
5. Logical Learners
You love a good systematic approach to learning. You probably enjoy step-by-step guides, algorithms, and math formulas. You were likely at least a grade ahead in math. You stick to problem-solving, rather than providing sympathy.
You’re probably really good at arguing and wonder why people can’t be more logical when it comes to politics. You might’ve even played games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, or Wordle. You’re probably pretty good at board games, too.
If you tried, you could probably ace the logic game section of the LSAT. But your sights are set on math, coding, or science – not law. This is sometimes also called the mathematical learning style.
Logical learners like:
- Step-by-step guides
- Logical games like Sudoku, Wordle, crosswords, and board games
- Math, coding, and science
6. Interpersonal Learners
If you love a collaborative group activity, this is probably you. You’re a social butterfly. Your teachers might’ve asked you to help other kids in the class grasp concepts. You might even be thinking of becoming a teacher.
Or maybe you’re artsy – you loved band, doing the school play, or playing a team sport. You might not think you’re popular, but you could strike up a conversation with just about anyone if you really tried. Sometimes this is also called the social learning style.
Interpersonal learners like:
- Band, the school play, team sports
- Group projects
- Meeting new people
7. Intrapersonal Learners
If you actually hate group projects – this might be you. You were the kid who asked why you couldn’t do independent study in high school. You don’t have a ton of friends, and if you have to do your homework in public, you prefer the solitude of the library over the cafeteria.
You have personal goals, and you actually reach most of them. If you love to journal, this could be you too. This is also called the solitary learning style.
Intrapersonal learners like:
- Studying alone
- Quiet environments
- Journaling
- Personal goals
Rachel has been a freelance writer for 6 years and a business coach for 4. She grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and carries the torch for the next generation. When she’s not writing, she spends her time adventuring in the outdoors, doing arts and crafts, and snuggling with her cat, Bonnie.
Find her on LinkedIn and her website.
What’s your learning style?
So what’s your learning style (or styles)? Comment and let us know!