Barsch Learning Style Inventory

This popular inventory is an informal, self-reporting instrument that provides students with an indication of the relative strengths and weaknesses in learning through different sensory channels: auditory, visual, tactile (or kinesthetic).

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VISUAL • mind sometimes strays during verbal activities • observes rather than talks or acts • organized in approach to tasks • likes to read • usually a good speller • memorizes by seeing graphics and pictures • not too distractible • finds verbal instructions difficult • has good handwriting • remembers faces • uses advanced planning • doodles • quiet by nature • meticulous, neat in appearance • notices details

KINESTHETIC • likes physical rewards • in motion most of the time • likes to touch people when talking to them • taps pencil or foot while studying • enjoys doing activities • reading is not a priority • poor speller • likes to solve problems by physically working through them • will try new things • outgoing by nature; expresses emotions through physical means • uses hands while talking • dresses for comfort • enjoys handling objects

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​AUDITORY • ​talks to self aloud • enjoys talking • easily distracted • has more difficulty with written directions • likes to be read to • memorizes by steps in a sequence • enjoys music • whispers to self while reading • remembers faces • easily distracted by noises • hums or sings • outgoing by nature • enjoys listening activities

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Students who have equal modality preferences are more flexible learners and are already using many studying techniques rather than just a few.