Introduction
A learning style is unique to any specific human being. There are several key factors that can explain the way that a person receives and perceives information. It also affects how one stores and shares the obtained information. These factors consider one’s intellect, physical capabilities, mental state, emotions, and social disposition. A person’s learning style is also influenced by the way of teaching and the teacher’s attitude. The combination of these elements comprises one’s unique approach to learning. In my personal results, the scores that I have received for each modality are relatively equal, which means that I have a fairly rounded learning style.
Visual Learning Modality
As a result of completing the Barsch Inventory, I have found out that my most preferred learning modality was the visual modality. If a person prefers visual modality, it means that they perceive information better by seeing it. Having scored 30 points in this area, I believe that obtaining information through visual means would be the most beneficial for my studying (“Universal design for learning: Creating a learning environment that challenges and engages all students”). In my case, I specifically noticed that I understand studying material more easily when it is presented through a diagram, a graph, or a table. I also realized that I generally preferred reading to listening.
Auditory Learning Modality
Auditory learners require listening to the information in order to absorb it to the fullest. In the area of auditory modality, I have scored 24 points, which makes it my second most preferred learning method (“Universal design for learning: Creating a learning environment that challenges and engages all students”). I have found the most useful aspect of this modality to be the ability to learn by repeating information out loud. In addition, the auditory style of learning calls for active participation in conversations and discussion of the material.
Tactile Learning Modality
The tactile learning modality refers to physically touching, moving, and feeling objects while being presented with information. In this area, I have scored 22 points, which means that for me having a physical grasp on an object is almost as important as the audio input (“Universal design for learning: Creating a learning environment that challenges and engages all students”). Tactile learners are good at building and making things by hand, and also, they enjoy learning through play. Personally, I find these types of learning highly engaging, especially the play part, although these types of activities often lose their appeal after a prolonged period of time.
Kinesthetic Learning Modality
Kinesthetic learning modality refers to the type of learning that thrives on body movement. An example of such learning would be playing sports or dancing. This area represents my lowest score in the test, which is 18 points (“Universal design for learning: Creating a learning environment that challenges and engages all students”). This score shows that for me being able to express myself through movement is not as important as, for example, being able to hear and participate in a lecture. I also would not say that I particularly enjoy moving around while I listen or read something. However, it does not mean that I completely forgo the physical aspects of obtaining information. Over the years, I have figured out that doing a bit of stretching while repeating new information aloud helps me to memorize it, which is an example of a learning styles combination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning styles comprise a person’s unique approach to obtaining, storing, and sharing information. There are four learning modalities, and each of them has its set of features and specificities. My results show that my most preferred learning style is visual, then auditory, next tactile, and lastly, kinesthetic. The fact that there is no great gap between these scores showcases that my unique learning style is quite balanced.
Reference
The IRIS Center (2009). Universal design for learning: Creating a learning environment that challenges and engages all students. Web.