Penn State York - The Learning Center

Everyone has their own learning style. This comes about as a result of our natural preferences and successes. Information about learning styles will be placed here as we find or develop it.

Visual Learners

Characteristics of Visual Learners:

Visual learners learn best by seeing information. The following characteristics are typical of many individuals with strong visual processing skills:

1. Information presented in pictures, charts, or diagrams is easily remembered.

2. Visual learners have strong visualization skills. They can look up (often up to the left) an "see" the information invisibly written or drawn.

3. Visual learners can make "movies in their minds" of information they are reading. Their movies are often vivid and detailed.

4. Visual-spatial skills such as sizes, shapes, textures, angles, and three-dimensional depths are strong.

5. Visual learners often pay close attention to the body language of others (facial expressions, eyes, stance, etc.)

6. Visual learners have a keen awareness of the aesthetics, the beauty of the physical environment, visual media, or art.

Audio Learners

Characteristics of Auditory Learners:

Auditory learners learn best by hearing information. They can usually remember information more accurately when it has been explained to them orally. The following characteristics are typical of individuals with strong auditory processing skills:

1. Auditory learners can remember quite accurately details of information they hear during conversations or lectures.

2. They have strong language skills, which include a well developed vocabulary and an appreciation for words.

3. The strong language skills often lead to strong oral communication skills. They can carry on interesting conversations and can articulate their ideas clearly.

4. Because of a "fine tuned ear," auditory learners may find learning a foreign language to be relatively easy.

5. Auditory learners often have musical talents. They can hear tones, rhythms, and individual notes with their strong auditory skills.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic of Auditory Learners:

Kinesthetic learners learn best by moving their bodies, activating their large or small muscles as they learn. These are the "hands-on learners" or the "doers" who actually concentrate better and learn more easily when movement is involved. The following characteristics are often associated with kinesthetic learners.

1. Kinesthetic learners often wiggle, tap their feet, or move their legs when they sit.

2. Kinesthetic learners were often labeled "hyperactive" as children.

3. Because they learn through movement, kinesthetic learners often do well as performers: athletes, actors, or dancers.

4. Kinesthetic learners work well with their hands. They may be good at repairing work, sculpting, art, or working with various tools.

5. Kinesthetic learners are often well coordinated and have a strong sense of timing and body movement.