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).

Courtesy of HowToStudy.com

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

TIPS

Visual learners learn best when information is presented in a written language format or in another visual format such as pictures or diagrams. If you are a visual learner, the suggestions that follow can help you to succeed in school to the best of your ability.

• Create graphic organizers such as diagrams and concept maps that use visual symbols to represent ideas and information.
• When trying to remember information, close your eyes and visualize the information.
• Include illustrations as you take notes in class.
• Use highlighter pens of contrasting colors to color code different aspects of the information in your textbooks.
• Sit in the front of the class so that you can clearly see the teacher. This will allow you to pick up facial expressions and body language that provide cues that what your teacher is saying is important to write in your notes.

• Study in a place that is free from visual distractions.
• When using flashcards, limit the amount of information on a card so that you can form a mental picture of the information.
• Watch videos about topics you are studying in class.
• When hearing a new word you want to remember, visualize its spelling.
• When reviewing information, rewrite or draw the information from memory.
• When taking notes, replace words with symbols wherever possible.
• Type your written notes from class using different fonts, bold print, and underlining to make the most important concepts and facts visually apparent.
• When solving math problems that involve a sequence of steps, draw a series of boxes, each containing the appropriate piece of information in sequence.

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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TIPS

Tactile/Kinesthetic learners learn best when they can use their sense of touch and can move about. If you are a tactile/kinesthetic learner, the suggestions that follow can help you to succeed in school to the best of your ability.

• Be physically active while you study. Rather than just sit at your desk, occasionally walk back and forth with your textbook or notes as you read the information out loud.
• To decrease your fidgeting as you study, listen to music, preferably baroque music. However, discontinue this if you find the music to be distracting.
• Make extensive use of a computer and the Internet. Actively touching the keyboard will keep your mind active.
• Use concrete objects to help you understand math concepts.
• When trying to learn the spelling of a difficult word, arrange letter blocks to spell the word.

• Take extensive written notes in class. Edit and type them later.
• Study in short blocks of time with frequent but short breaks.
• Do something physical as you study such as tapping a pencil or squeezing a stress ball.
• Use your finger as a guide while reading.
• Act out things you have to learn whenever possible.
• Construct models of things you have to learn whenever possible.
• If you find it difficult to sit at a desk when studying, trying lying on your stomach or back.
• When trying to remember information, close your eyes and "write" the information in the air. Picture the information in your mind as you do so.​

​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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TIPS

Auditory learners learn best when information is presented in a spoken language format. If you are an auditory learner, the suggestions that follow can help you to succeed in school to the best of your ability.

• Participate in study groups in which you can talk things out.
• If allowed by your teacher, use a recording device to record class sessions. Use the recordings to support your written notes.
• Use a recording device to record important information from your textbooks so that you can listen to the information as frequently as needed.
• Work out math problems aloud, explaining to yourself the steps you are doing.
• Repeat facts and definitions of words over and over to yourself with your eyes closed.

• Create musical jingles or songs to remember information.
• Dictate assigned papers and type them later.
• Participate in class discussions as much as possible.
• Look for books on tape or other audio materials when learning about a subject.
• Be certain that your study place is free of auditory distractions.
• When you encounter new words while reading, sound them out syllable by syllable.
• Sit in front of the class to minimize things that might distract you from what your teacher is saying.
• Read aloud when doing proofreading.

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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.