learning styles essay introduction

Learning Styles Essay

Education is important. Learning is important. But what’s the best way to learn? That’s where learning styles come in.

There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. And each person tends to have a preferred learning style. Some people may even use a combination of all three learning styles.

Visual learners prefer to learn by seeing information. This could mean reading texts or watching videos. Auditory learners prefer to learn by hearing information. This could mean listening to lectures or taking part in conversations. Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing things. This could mean participating in hands-on activities or simulations.

It might be difficult to learn for some. If you don’t understand how you learn and absorb information, that may be the case. Fortunately, contemporary educators are becoming more aware of their students’ learning styles and are able to adapt to meet them.

In this learning styles essay, we’ll look at the definition of learning styles and how educators can use them to benefit their students.

Most people learn using a combination of all three methods, but everyone has a preference for one particular style. The VARK model is a widely used way of determining an individual’s preferred learning style. This model identifies four main types of learners:

– Visual (V): These learners prefer to learn through seeing information, whether that be in the form of pictures, diagrams, or other visual aids.

– Auditory (A): Auditory learners take in information best when they can hear it. They often benefit from listening to lectures or recordings, or engaging in discussions.

– Reading/Writing (R): These learners prefer to learn through reading and writing. They often take extensive notes and like to have information in a written format.

– Kinesthetic (K): Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn through hands-on experience. They often benefit from activities, experiments, or other forms of active learning.

It’s important to note that everyone has a preferred learning style, but that doesn’t mean that other styles are ineffective for them. In fact, many people learn best when they combine all three methods. However, by understanding your preferred learning style, you can tailor your education to fit your needs and maximize your learning potential.

Some people may not be aware of their learning style category, and there are online surveys that can reveal their learning style strengths. I just took one myself, and my results are as follows; Visual: 7 Aural: 9 Read/Write: 4 Kinesthetic: 9. This basically implies that I am a good listener and hands-on learner. The survey also offered me with some educational options to help me improve my knowledge.

I now know that I should avoid long lectures, try to study in short spurts and take time for breaks, make use of post-it notes, and highlight key points. I also should focus on the main ideas and make connections to better understand the material. Breaking down the information and organizing it will help me process and learn the information quicker (Dunn & Dunn, 1993).

Take notes and record are my first methods of studying in class. In class, I frequently write down anything of key interest to the lectures. It may be beneficial when I can’t remember something. Take notes might help me improve my listening and writing abilities since I have to type and listen at the same time. Because we wrote it down, it will take longer for us to memorize it since we remembered it once and then read it again when we studied it.

I also use study groups as a method to study. It is more beneficial when it comes to studying for exams or understanding assignments. In a study group, we would discuss the concepts and try to explain it to each other in our own words. This helped me understand the material better since I had to explain it in simpler terms. It also helped me catch up on anything I missed in class. Study groups are a great way to improve your communication skills and socialize with others who are in your classes.

My last method of studying is by myself at home or in the library. I usually read over my notes and try to memorize them as best as I can. I also like to make flashcards to help me remember key terms or definitions. This method is more beneficial for me when I have to memorize a lot of information for exams. It is also good for when I want to focus on one particular subject.

I think that each learning style has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to find the right mix of methods that work best for you. Personally, I like to use a combination of all three methods depending on the situation.

Then there’s the subject of your record; I believe it’s accurate to say that we had a discussion, but then again – maybe not. Obviously, if you’re recording in class, this takes away the advantage of being able to eavesdrop on other students’ conversations. The fact that you may listen to them at any time, even while sleeping, is another feature I appreciate about them.

There are different ways of learning and people have their own preferences on how they want to learn new information. Some people learn better by listening to audio recordings, others prefer reading texts, and others prefer seeing visuals. This is what is known as learning styles.

Different learning styles require different approaches in order for the information to be effectively absorbed. For example, someone who prefers visual learning might benefit from using things like flashcards or diagrams when trying to memorize new information. Someone who prefers auditory learning might find it helpful to listen to audio recordings or have someone read aloud to them. And someone who prefers kinesthetic learning might find it helpful to physically write out information or act out scenarios.

It’s important to note that everyone has a preference for one particular learning style, but that doesn’t mean that other styles can’t be effective. It’s also important to keep in mind that different situations might call for different learning styles. For example, you might prefer visual learning when you’re trying to memorize new vocabulary words, but auditory learning might be more effective when you’re trying to understand a new concept in math.

The most important thing is to experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you. There is no “right” way to learn, so don’t be afraid to mix things up and try something new!

Remember, there’s no such thing as a superior learning style; each has benefits and drawbacks depending on your goals. And I just gave you some pointers in my own words to assist you. You may develop your own style to make studying easier and more enjoyable by adapting what you want to learn to your learning style.

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Laerning Styles Essay

• December 7, 2022

Personal Learning Style

Learning Styles Essay: Introduction

Learning styles are essential variables in the learning process, and learner who knows their learning style are more successful than others because those individuals are already familiar with their learning styles and organizing their learning process accordingly. In this assignment, a summary of my learning style, according to the VARK questionnaire, has been presented. The paper also includes my preferred learning style, individual learning styles, and understanding of different learning styles, along with their interrelation and possible impacts. After all, rather than counting merely on a single learning style, a combination of different styles may lead to success in the long run.

The VARK Questionnaire

The Vark questionnaire is an essential website that provides a chance for individuals to learn their learning styles. According to my test result of the Vark questioner: “People with your preference like different formats, graphs, diagrams, maps, interesting layouts, space, listening, discussing, talking, questioning, notes, handouts, print, text, practical exercises, experiences, examples, case studies, trial and error, things that are real” (“Vark Learning,” 2020, para. 7). Moreover, my scores are the same in every category, and my learning style includes visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic, so one can infer that I adapt to almost all learning strategies that are proved by educators.

According to my test result, I prefer every learning style the same, but to support my learning process, I prefer to read examples, articles, and other sources on the topic. Also, I can infer that I am learning better when educator uses graphics, visual examples, and listening to the educator motives my learning process. Furthermore, the Vark questionnaire results have shown that I can be more successful if I try to improve other learning styles, such as aural and kinesthetic. The aural learning style in education demands to take summarized notes in order to create a better learning process, but I am not particularly eager to take summarized notes because I prefer taking long notes and summarized them in my mind. Also listening to educator during the lesson make my learning process more memorable than taking notes while I am listening to the educator. More specifically, seeing charts, graphics, visual examples during the lessons makes my learning process more effective than other times.

Learning Styles & Strategies

One can infer that learning styles affect the learning process during the education, and it is an essential variable to perform educational activities because every learning style demands different variable, and when educator plans educational activities, these learning styles help the learning process. Also, most of the time, educational activities can benefit the learner, but when learners perform an educational activity that is inadequate to its learning style, the educational activity can harm its learning process because learners should be motivated with such educational activities. In other words, inadequate educational activities might give those learners hard times during the activity, and the learner becomes unmotivated when they experience hard times during the educational activity. On the other hand, if an educator knows the learner's learning styles, this can be prevented because educators can plan educational activities according to the learner's learning styles, and this point of view can motivate learners to perform in the educational activities in the degree that they are studying.

Moreover, the importance of knowing learner's learning styles can lead to positive or negative outcomes in education but knowing the learner's learning styles can be ineffective if the educator does not know how to provide adequate activities to the learner, and on the contrary circumstances, learners can motive their learning process, and they may come up with good outcomes (Jackie, 2020).

Health Promotion Teaching

In health promotion teaching, it is critical to learn participants learning styles for desired outcomes. Also, in the patient teaching education, there are several strategies for a more effective learning process, and the most important perspective in these strategies is that educators should learn their patient's or family member's education level in order to reach the desired outcome. More specifically, learner's educations level affects their learning process and motivation in the learning process (Jackie, 2020). Moreover, when an educator learns their learning styles or education level, it is more likely to provide them a better learning process, and before teaching, education level is an important variable. In other words, assessing learning needs, or the gap between what patients know and need to learn is a priority.

“Asking about patients' or caregivers' level of formal education is important but may not in and of itself describe their capacity to learn new information at the point the clinician encounters them” (“Patient Education,” 2020, para. 11). One can infer that high educated learners are more close to the learning process, and other learners who have lower degrees are more open, and more motivated in the learning process. Also, the educator's teaching strategies are an important variable for learners. More specifically, educators should provide related materials to the learner in the learning process, such as using visuals, models, dolls, and realistic medical equipment in teaching (Jackie, 2020). Also, the learning environment is a critical variable because noise makes communication harder.

Furthermore, for achieving desired outcomes, educators should provide learners to use different strategies according to their learning styles, motivations in order to reach the desired outcome in the learning process. More specifically, for patient learners, it can be difficult to stay motivated in the learning process, but when educator uses all these strategies with adequate activities, learning styles will affect learners to positive behavioral change.

Learning Styles Essay: Conclusion

In conclusion, one can readily infer that learning styles are critical variables in the learning process, and learners who know their learning styles are more successful than others because those individuals are already familiar with their learning styles and organizing their learning process accordingly. In this assignment, a summary of my learning style, according to the VARK questionnaire, has been presented. The paper also presented my preferred learning style, individual learning styles, and understanding of different learning styles, along with their interrelation and possible impacts. After all, rather than counting merely on a single learning style, a combination of different styles may lead to success in the long run.

Jackie A. Smith is a professor (clinical) and Helen Zsohar is a professor emerita (clinical) at the University of Utah College of Nursing in Salt Lake City. (n.d.). Patient-education tips for new nurses : Nursing2020.

Patient Education in Home Care: Strategies for Success. (n.d.). Nursing Center

VARK Learning Style Questionnaire. (2020). Retrieved June 20, 2020, from https://vark-learn.com

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Learning Styles — Learning Style Learning Styles and Strategies

Learning Style Learning Styles and Strategies

• Categories: Learning Styles

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Words: 586 |

Published: Mar 20, 2024

Words: 586 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, understanding learning styles, impact of learning styles on academic performance, implications for educators.

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Center for Teaching

Learning styles, what are learning styles, why are they so popular.

The term  learning styles is widely used to describe how learners gather, sift through, interpret, organize, come to conclusions about, and “store” information for further use.  As spelled out in VARK (one of the most popular learning styles inventories), these styles are often categorized by sensory approaches:   v isual, a ural, verbal [ r eading/writing], and k inesthetic.  Many of the models that don’t resemble the VARK’s sensory focus are reminiscent of Felder and Silverman’s Index of Learning Styles , with a continuum of descriptors for how learners process and organize information:  active-reflective, sensing-intuitive, verbal-visual, and sequential-global.

There are well over 70 different learning styles schemes (Coffield, 2004), most of which are supported by “a thriving industry devoted to publishing learning-styles tests and guidebooks” and “professional development workshops for teachers and educators” (Pashler, et al., 2009, p. 105).

Despite the variation in categories, the fundamental idea behind learning styles is the same: that each of us has a specific learning style (sometimes called a “preference”), and we learn best when information is presented to us in this style.  For example, visual learners would learn any subject matter best if given graphically or through other kinds of visual images, kinesthetic learners would learn more effectively if they could involve bodily movements in the learning process, and so on.  The message thus given to instructors is that “optimal instruction requires diagnosing individuals’ learning style[s] and tailoring instruction accordingly” (Pashler, et al., 2009, p. 105).

Despite the popularity of learning styles and inventories such as the VARK, it’s important to know that there is no evidence to support the idea that matching activities to one’s learning style improves learning .  It’s not simply a matter of “the absence of evidence doesn’t mean the evidence of absence.”  On the contrary, for years researchers have tried to make this connection through hundreds of studies.

In 2009, Psychological Science in the Public Interest commissioned cognitive psychologists Harold Pashler, Mark McDaniel, Doug Rohrer, and Robert Bjork to evaluate the research on learning styles to determine whether there is credible evidence to support using learning styles in instruction.  They came to a startling but clear conclusion:  “Although the literature on learning styles is enormous,” they “found virtually no evidence” supporting the idea that “instruction is best provided in a format that matches the preference of the learner.”  Many of those studies suffered from weak research design, rendering them far from convincing.  Others with an effective experimental design “found results that flatly contradict the popular” assumptions about learning styles (p. 105). In sum,

“The contrast between the enormous popularity of the learning-styles approach within education and the lack of credible evidence for its utility is, in our opinion, striking and disturbing” (p. 117).

Pashler and his colleagues point to some reasons to explain why learning styles have gained—and kept—such traction, aside from the enormous industry that supports the concept.  First, people like to identify themselves and others by “type.” Such categories help order the social environment and offer quick ways of understanding each other.  Also, this approach appeals to the idea that learners should be recognized as “unique individuals”—or, more precisely, that differences among students should be acknowledged —rather than treated as a number in a crowd or a faceless class of students (p. 107). Carried further, teaching to different learning styles suggests that “ all people have the potential to learn effectively and easily if only instruction is tailored to their individual learning styles ” (p. 107).

There may be another reason why this approach to learning styles is so widely accepted. They very loosely resemble the concept of metacognition , or the process of thinking about one’s thinking.  For instance, having your students describe which study strategies and conditions for their last exam worked for them and which didn’t is likely to improve their studying on the next exam (Tanner, 2012).  Integrating such metacognitive activities into the classroom—unlike learning styles—is supported by a wealth of research (e.g., Askell Williams, Lawson, & Murray-Harvey, 2007; Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000; Butler & Winne, 1995; Isaacson & Fujita, 2006; Nelson & Dunlosky, 1991; Tobias & Everson, 2002).

Importantly, metacognition is focused on planning, monitoring, and evaluating any kind of thinking about thinking and does nothing to connect one’s identity or abilities to any singular approach to knowledge.  (For more information about metacognition, see CFT Assistant Director Cynthia Brame’s “ Thinking about Metacognition ” blog post, and stay tuned for a Teaching Guide on metacognition this spring.)

There is, however, something you can take away from these different approaches to learning—not based on the learner, but instead on the content being learned .  To explore the persistence of the belief in learning styles, CFT Assistant Director Nancy Chick interviewed Dr. Bill Cerbin, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and former Carnegie Scholar with the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.  He points out that the differences identified by the labels “visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing” are more appropriately connected to the nature of the discipline:

“There may be evidence that indicates that there are some ways to teach some subjects that are just better than others , despite the learning styles of individuals…. If you’re thinking about teaching sculpture, I’m not sure that long tracts of verbal descriptions of statues or of sculptures would be a particularly effective way for individuals to learn about works of art. Naturally, these are physical objects and you need to take a look at them, you might even need to handle them.” (Cerbin, 2011, 7:45-8:30 )

Pashler and his colleagues agree: “An obvious point is that the optimal instructional method is likely to vary across disciplines” (p. 116). In other words, it makes disciplinary sense to include kinesthetic activities in sculpture and anatomy courses, reading/writing activities in literature and history courses, visual activities in geography and engineering courses, and auditory activities in music, foreign language, and speech courses.  Obvious or not, it aligns teaching and learning with the contours of the subject matter, without limiting the potential abilities of the learners.

• Askell-Williams, H., Lawson, M. & Murray, Harvey, R. (2007). ‘ What happens in my university classes that helps me to learn?’: Teacher education students’ instructional metacognitive knowledge. International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , 1. 1-21.
• Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L. & Cocking, R. R., (Eds.). (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school (Expanded Edition). Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
• Butler, D. L., & Winne, P. H. (1995) Feedback and self-regulated learning: A theoretical synthesis . Review of Educational Research , 65, 245-281.
• Cerbin, William. (2011). Understanding learning styles: A conversation with Dr. Bill Cerbin .  Interview with Nancy Chick. UW Colleges Virtual Teaching and Learning Center .
• Coffield, F., Moseley, D., Hall, E., & Ecclestone, K. (2004). Learning styles and pedagogy in post-16 learning. A systematic and critical review . London: Learning and Skills Research Centre.
• Isaacson, R. M. & Fujita, F. (2006). Metacognitive knowledge monitoring and self-regulated learning: Academic success and reflections on learning . Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , 6, 39-55.
• Nelson, T.O. & Dunlosky, J. (1991). The delayed-JOL effect: When delaying your judgments of learning can improve the accuracy of your metacognitive monitoring. Psychological Science , 2, 267-270.
• Pashler, Harold, McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R.  (2008). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence . Psychological Science in the Public Interest . 9.3 103-119.
• Tobias, S., & Everson, H. (2002). Knowing what you know and what you don’t: Further research on metacognitive knowledge monitoring . College Board Report No. 2002-3 . College Board, NY.

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
• Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

• Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
• Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
• Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

• Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
• Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
• State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
• Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
• Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
• Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

• Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
• Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
• Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

• Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
• Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
• Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
• Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
• Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

• Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
• State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
• Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
• Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
• Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
• Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
• Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
• Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

• Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
• Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
• Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
• Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
• Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
• Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

• Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
• West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
• Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

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What are the 7 different learning styles and do they work?

You may have heard of the idea that we all respond best to different styles of learning. That is exactly what the seven learning styles theory supports. All of the styles capture an individual strength that likely helps a person retain information more effectively. They each focus on one of the five senses or involve a social aspect. This theory is popular because, by finding an individual learner’s style and tailoring teaching to it, it was thought their efficiency could be improved. The 7 styles of the theory are:

• kinaesthetic

However, more recent studies have debunked this theory as an effective way of teaching and highlighted it as a neuromyth. This Guardian article says, ‘Such neuromyths create a false impression of individuals’ abilities, leading to expectations and excuses that are detrimental to learning in general, which is a cost in the long term.’

In other words, attempting to put learners into boxes and trying to only give them material that matches their “style” isn’t going to make them retain information any better. Most people benefit from a range of teaching techniques, and utilising different learning methods can actually improve learners’ adaptability.

Nevertheless, it’s certainly true that there are a variety of learning methods people respond to. So, just for fun, we’ve produced 7 different explanations of the 7 styles, each using techniques that learners of that style should find most useful.

Have a look through each one, and ask yourself: do you find them all equally engaging? Is there one (or more) that you prefer above the others? Maybe you have your own learning techniques that aren’t covered by any of the learning styles. Or perhaps you find one style more useful for this exercise, but when learning German verbs or mathematical formulae you know you prefer another? How effectively we learn isn’t just affected by the medium, but the content too.

While the 7 styles theory isn’t going to give you your one definitive style, you might still pick up a few useful techniques.

Visual or spatial learners supposedly retain information best by viewing pictures or images and respond well to colours and mind maps. These logos represent the main aspect of each learning style. Do you like to learn by remembering symbols and images?

Fill in the form to view a free, full sized, printable version.

Kinaesthetic

According to the theory, kinaesthetic learners are all about doing things physically. Role playing, using things like flashcards or carrying out the action physically can help them learn things better. Print and build this seven-sided die to see whether a hands-on approach could help you retain information.

Aural or auditory-musical learners should retain the most information after hearing it. Click below to listen to this recital of the different learning styles: do you tune out or find yourself remembering more than if you read the transcript?

Fill in the form to download and listen to the aural learning style.

Social, or interpersonal learners are meant to work best when they participate in study activities with other people such as quizzing each other or having a study group. Print and use these Top Trumps style cards with a group of friends.

Solitary, or intrapersonal learners supposedly work best alone. Making notes and reciting them back are useful activities when studying by yourself. Most of us will have to do some solitary revision at some point in our lives, so download and complete this worksheet to see if it works for you.

Verbal, or linguistic learners are supposed to respond well to written or spoken words, using tools like rhymes and acronyms. Download and complete this worksheet to figure out if these could be techniques that work for you.

Logical, or mathematical learners use logic and structures in order to learn effectively. If you’re good with numbers and statistics, you might find the logical style in this essay helpful. Have a read below:

What are the 7 Different Learning Styles?

Learning styles is the theory that learners can be categorised depending on how they take in information. Therefore, teaching students according to their specific learning styles will result in improved learning. While there is no concrete evidence to support the success of these learning styles, a 2012 study revealed that 93% of teachers in the UK agree that students learn better when they receive information in their preferred learning style.

These learning styles derived from Howard Gardner’s 1960s theory of Multiple Intelligences. This theory states that: “we are all able to know the world through language, logical-mathematical analysis, spatial representation, musical thinking, the use of the body to solve problems or to make things, an understanding of other individuals, and an understanding of ourselves.” This essay plans to outline the seven different learning styles while categorising them into three main categories: personal, sensory and informational. It will then recommend study methods for each type of learner.

1. Personal Learning Styles

The personal category links learning styles which depend on other persons to be present or absent. These are different from other learning styles which focus on how the learner takes in information, instead they depend greatly on the learners’ surroundings and whether they are studying with or without people. These types of styles split into Interpersonal learners or intrapersonal learners.

1.1 Interpersonal Learners

Interpersonal learners work best in groups and social elements help improve their concentration. Debates, group study and interactions are the best methods. Interestingly, while they work best in groups, they also have the most empathy when it comes to others. “Interpersonal intelligence builds on a core capacity to notice distinctions among others – in particular, contrasts in their moods, temperaments, motivations and intentions.”

1.2 Intrapersonal Learners

Intrapersonal learners are also known as solitary learners. Unlike interpersonal learners they work best when studying alone. They are known to be interested in philosophy, psychology and theology because of their proficiency in self-reflection.

“They’re in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions,” said a 2008 study on bridging educational divides. Unsurprisingly, these are the most independent learners from all the seven styles. Recommended study methods for intrapersonal learners include keeping a journal and finding a personal interest in the topics being studied.

2. Sensory Learning Styles

The sensory category links learning styles which use the senses. These are split into spatial/visual learners, auditory-musical learners and kinaesthetic learners. According to various studies of the sensory learning styles, roughly 65 percent of the population are visual learners, 30 percent are auditory learners and 5 percent are kinaesthetic learners. However, many students show traits of multiple learning styles.

2.1 Spatial Learners

Spatial learners are visualisers, which is why they’re also known as ‘visual learners’. As educational writer Stacy Mantle describes , these types of learners are good at working with colours and pictures and using the “mind’s eye.” Visual learners use spatial understanding; thus Gardner discusses that their problem solving is useful for navigation and map reading. This type of learning is also helpful for visualising an object from different angles and in playing chess.

2.2 Auditory-Musical Learners

Auditory-musical learners take in information through their sensitivity to rhythm and sound.  They have the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone . “Good or bad, their response to any music they hear is immediate, and they tend to be more in tune with nature sounds, and the sounds of their environment than their counterparts,” said Gilam in a study about multiple kinds of intelligence . The best methods for auditory-musical learners are to study with music in the background or to turn their notes into rhymes.

2.3 Kinaesthetic Learners

Kinaesthetic learners take in information through the use of their body and touch. Obvious kinaesthetic learners include dancers or surgeons. For these physical learners, a hands-on education and carrying out the activity themselves is more effective than listening to an explanation. According to Mantle, many of these kinaesthetic learners are often misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, usually because they often have more energy than other types of learners.

3. Informational Learning Styles

The last category for the learning styles is informational, which refers simply to how the brain parses information, many in form of language or data. These learning styles do not depend on the senses or the learner’s social surroundings. Informational learners can be split into linguistic learners or mathematical learners.

3.1 Linguistic Learners

Linguistic learners, which are also known as verbal learners, work best with words. Whether information is spoken or written, these learners memorise information through language use. Gardner states “the linguistic intelligence is activated when individuals encounter the sounds of a language or when they wish to communicate something verbally to another person.” However, this learning style doesn’t correlate exclusively with the spoken word. For example, deaf people could demonstrate linguistic intelligence through the use of signs, according to Gardner.

For linguistic learners, recommended approaches include reading writing and telling stories. So taking notes while reading is a successful method of study.

3.2 Mathematical Learners

As the name implies, mathematical learners work best using numbers, structures and reasoning, this is why they are also referred to as logical learners. According to Mantle, these learners make the best engineers and work by categorising and classifying abstract patterns or relationships. Gardner notes a similarity between mathematical and musical learners, because both are drawn to structural patterns, which can often exist in music.

To summarise, despite the lack of substantial evidence supporting the success of these learning styles, they remain widely popular and are still used in schools throughout the country. According to this Wired article “Parents, understandably, like to think that their children are receiving a tailored education. Teachers, also understandably, like to think that they are sensitive to each child’s needs and many are clearly motivated to find out more about how to fulfil this ideal.” However, while there is still value in tailoring teaching methods based on the content and intended audience, attempting to strictly organise individuals into specific styles is not likely to be helpful, and could even prevent them from developing more rounded learning skills.

Jarrett goes on to describe how “learning is improved (for most everyone) by combining different activities – such as drawing alongside more passive study.” While it is not as useful as once thought for categorising learners, the 7 learning styles theory may still be of some use in making both teachers and learners alike aware of a greater variety of learning techniques and methods.

Our courses are designed to embed these fundamental learning styles so that our learners can cover the curriculum in a way that suits them. You can find our CIPD courses here, where you can request a brochure or start online today.

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Did you find any of these techniques helpful? You probably don’t fit neatly into one “style” in the way people used to think, but we hope this has helped you to figure out some of your preferred learning methods so you can plan for future study sessions!

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Overview of VARK Learning Styles

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

Sam Edwards / Getty Images

VARK Learning Styles

• Find Your Style
• Kinesthetic

Why It Matters

Frequently asked questions.

Learning styles are a popular concept in psychology and education and are intended to identify how people learn best. VARK learning styles suggest that there are four main types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.

The idea that students learn best when teaching methods and school activities match their learning styles, strengths, and preferences grew in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. However, most evidence suggests that personal learning preferences have little to no actual influence on learning outcomes.

While the existing research has found that matching teaching methods to learning styles has no influence on educational outcomes, the concept of learning styles remains extremely popular.

There are many different ways of categorizing learning styles , but Neil Fleming's VARK model is one of the most popular. Fleming introduced an inventory in 1987 that was designed to help students and others learn more about their individual learning preferences.

According to the VARK model, learners are identified by whether they have a preference for:

• Visual learning (pictures, movies, diagrams)
• Auditory learning (music, discussion, lectures)
• Reading and writing (making lists, reading textbooks, taking notes)
• Kinesthetic learning (movement, experiments, hands-on activities)

The VARK model refers to the four sensory modalities that describe different learning preferences. The model suggests that these modalities reflect how students learn best.

What Type of Learner Are You?

In order to identify which type of learner people are, Fleming developed a self-report inventory that posed a series of situations. Respondents select the answers that best match their preferred approach to learning.

Imagine that you are learning how to perform a new physical skill such as riding a bike or dancing a certain style of dance. In which way would you learn this skill the best?

• Look at pictures of people performing the skill. (Visual)
• Listen to an expert explain how to do the task. (Auditory)
• Read about how to perform the task in a book. (Reading/Writing)
• Watch someone else perform the skill and then trying it yourself. (Kinesthetic)

Visual Learners

Visual learners learn best by seeing. Graphic displays such as charts, diagrams, illustrations, handouts, and videos are all helpful learning tools for visual learners.

Visual learners prefer this type of learning would rather see information presented in a visual rather than in written form.

Do you think you might be a visual learner? Then consider the following questions:

• Are art, beauty, and aesthetics important to you?
• Does visualizing information in your mind help you remember it better?
• Do you have to see information in order to remember it?
• Do you pay close attention to body language ?

If you can answer yes to most of these questions, chances are good that you have a visual learning style. You may find it helpful to incorporate things like pictures and graphs when you are learning new information.

Aural Learners

Aural (or auditory) learners learn best by hearing information. They tend to get a great deal out of lectures and are good at remembering things they are told.

Are you an auditory learner? Consider the following questions:

• Do you create songs to help remember information?
• Does reading out loud help you remember information better?
• Do you prefer to listen to class lectures rather than reading from the textbook?
• Would you prefer to listen to a recording of your class lectures or a podcast rather than going over your class notes?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you are probably an auditory learner. You might find things like audiobooks and podcasts helpful for learning new things.

Reading and Writing Learners

Reading and writing learners prefer to take in information that is displayed as words and text. Could you be a reading and writing learner? Read through the following questions and think about whether they might apply to you.

• Do you enjoy making lists, reading definitions, and creating presentations?
• Do you find reading your textbook to be a great way to learn new information?
• Do you take a lot of notes during class and while reading textbooks?
• Do you prefer it when teachers make use of overheads and handouts?

If you answered yes to these questions, it is likely that you have a strong preference for the reading and writing style of learning. You might find it helpful to write down information in order to help you learn and remember it.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic (or tactile) learners learn best by touching and doing. Hands-on experience is important for kinesthetic learners.

Not sure if you're a kinesthetic learner? Answer these questions to find out:

• Are you good at applied activities such as painting, cooking, mechanics, sports, and woodworking?
• Do you enjoy performing tasks that involve directly manipulating objects and materials?
• Do you have to actually practice doing something in order to learn it?
• Is it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time?

If you responded yes to these questions, then you are most likely a kinesthetic learner. Taking classes that give you practical, hands-on experience may be helpful when you want to acquire a new skill.

The validity of the VARK model as well as other learning style theories has been questioned and criticized extensively. Some critics have suggested that labeling students as having one specific learning style can actually be a hindrance to learning.

One large-scale look at learning style models suggested that the instruments designed to assess individual learning styles were questionable.  

The VARK model remains fairly popular among both students and educators despite these criticisms. Students may feel drawn to a particular learning style. Others may find that their learning preferences lie somewhere in the middle, such as finding both visual and auditory learning equally appealing.

People might find that understanding their own learning preferences can be helpful. If you know that visual learning appeals to you most, using visual study strategies in conjunction with other learning methods might help you remember and enjoy your studies more.

If no single learning preference calls out to you or you change preferences based on the situation or the type of information you are learning, you probably have what is known as a multimodal style .

For example, you might rely on your reading and writing preferences when you are dealing with a class that requires a great deal of book reading and note-taking, such as a history of psychology course. During an art class, you might depend more on your visual and kinesthetic preferences as you take in pictorial information and learn new techniques.

The four VARK learning styles are visual learners, aural learners, reading and writing learners, and kinesthetic learners.

According to some data, the most common is a multimodal learning style referred to as VARK Type Two, which involves exhibiting a range of learning preferences. People with this learning style tend to collect information more slowly and take time to make decisions.

In terms of single preferences, kinesthetic is by far the most common, accounting for 22.8% of respondents.

Pashler H, Mcdaniel M, Rohrer D, Bjork R. Learning styles: concepts and evidence . Psychol Sci Public Interest . 2008;9(3):105-19. doi:10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01038.x

VARK Learn Limited. VARK research - what do we know about VARK ?

Fleming N. Introduction to Vark .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Importance of Learning: Essay Intro Examples and Tips

Table of Contents

Learning is a continuous process. It doesn’t just stop at school. There’s a broad selection of learning topics that you can write about for your essay. You can talk about E-learning, Key Concepts of Learning, and so on. Regardless of the topic you’ve been assigned to write on, it’s essential to do some thorough research. And to start your essay right, you will need a winning  learning essay introduction.

You need to make your essay introduction informative while still being interesting. This is why we’ve gathered the best intro examples and writing tips you can use. Check them out and start winning those essays!

Writing Tips for a Great Learning Essay Introduction

Keep it interesting.

Your learning essay introduction can make or break your essay. There are many ways you can keep it interesting and professional. Here are just some ideas to hook your reader in.

• Include a surprising fact that conveys something about the problem to be addressed in the paper.
• Find an interesting quote that summarizes your arguments well.
• Put your readers in a different situation using rhetorical questions to make them think about your topic in a new way.
• Start with an anecdote or story to get your readers emotionally engaged.

Present statistical data

Do your research and gather concrete statistical data you can cite in your intro. Not only does this make your essay look more credible, but it also serves as proof to strengthen your argument.

Be mindful of your intro length.

An intro that’s too long might overwhelm your readers. But an introduction that’s too short won’t be able to introduce and elaborate on your work fully. A good rule of thumb in determining the proper intro length is that it should be 10% of the overall length of your essay. If your essay is 2000 words long, your intro should be approximately 200 words long.

8 Introduction Examples for Learning Essays

Example 1: the benefits of online learning.

Your life is a continuous learning process, and you never stop learning. Whenever you attend school, you will learn new things every day. But learning is not just limited to students. No matter how old you are, you can learn new things.

Online learning is an excellent way for people of all ages to learn new things. There are many online courses available that can help you learn new skills. Online learning can help you accomplish your goals, whether learning about a new topic or improving your existing skills. It’s also convenient and flexible, so you can study at your own pace. With its many benefits, online learning is becoming more popular every year.

Example 2: The Importance of Learning

Learning provides us with new knowledge that will significantly impact our well-being. As an individual, learning new skills and techniques can help you have an intelligent conversation with others. If a person has learned the necessary business skills, they would be a great asset to a company. After college students learn all the educational knowledge, they can move forward in their lives to be better and bigger. Learning can provide many benefits for individuals, but they must seek it out passionately. One cannot expect to learn a new skill or technique every day.

Example 3: Learning Process

It is helpful to try something new instead of doing the same thing every single day. When people experience new things and learn new material, they are learning. Many people do not realize it, but we are learning something new every day. Learning causes a permanent change in behavior or knowledge that comes from experience. It can also be adaptive and flexible to meet life’s demands. There’s nothing as important as the process of learning. Learning transforms and engages one’s brain. When people are introduced to new things, their thinking and ideas can change forever.

Example 4: How Learning Changes Us

Learning is a continuous process that is constantly changing for me. Through it, I feel better than I did the day before. Learning has enabled me to discover myself as an individual and discover my strengths and weaknesses. I continue to become better every day.

Example 5: The Introduction To E-Learning

E-learning is a recognized educational practice that supports a flexible model of knowledge access. It enables education and training to serve a numerically larger audience than traditional methods can adequately support. Teachers are still necessary for students and always will be, but the fact that e-learning is now widespread can revolutionize education. E-learning can be changed, modified, and adapted to changing student needs. Distances are no longer an obstacle to someone studying. However, some e-learning methods require some initiation/training to familiarize themselves.

Example 6: Benefits of Mastering English

Language has become critical to understanding technology and information in this age of globalization. If you can’t master a foreign language, it becomes very challenging to communicate with people worldwide. Multifarious and multicultural societies have their own languages. Therefore, worldwide interaction and communication must be supported by one global language. English is that one global language. A good grasp of English is beneficial since it gives us many opportunities for success.

Example 7: E-Learning is The Future

Most e-learning programs have grown exponentially in recent years. Online courses offer students a convenient and flexible way to learn, resulting in increased conversions among students of all ages. There is no doubt that e-learning is the future of education. A traditional classroom learning method will always be necessary. But the fast-growing online network provides valuable resources to educate people from all walks of life. The flexibility of e-learning also allows people to study at their own pace and in their own time. More and more people are turning to e-learning to further their education.

Example 8: Online Learning for Workers

In today’s increasingly competitive job market, workers must constantly refresh their skills and knowledge. Traditional schools and colleges are not always possible for busy adults to balance work and family obligations. But thanks to the internet, access to quality educational resources has become easier. You can now learn new skills and knowledge online without leaving your office. They are an ideal solution for busy professionals. With so many online learning portals now available, there is no excuse for learning new skills or improving your existing skill set.

Wrapping Up

Writing a  learning essay introduction  can seem daunting at first, but with the proper research and these tips, it will become much more manageable.

Remember, your introduction is the first impression your viewers will have of your essay , so it’s the perfect place to grab their attention. Get them excited about what your essay has to offer.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Introduction to Learning Styles

You may realize that people learn and process information in different ways, but can you describe what those differences are or improve the unique ways that you learn? For decades, education researchers designed models that differentiate how people learn, yet the results were often harder to understand than the people they described.

This introduction puts learning styles information into easy to understand language and provides sources where you can learn more. I also offer a  Learning Style Assessment you can use to gauge your dominant learning style and techniques you can use to benefit from your individuality.

• Overview of learning styles
• Books about different ways people learn
• Links to other websites about learning styles

Overview of learning styles

Learning styles classify different ways people learn and how they approach information.

If you feel like you can’t learn something important — even after you use a method a friend, a parent, a colleague, or a teacher suggested — you might have a different learning style than that person and their approach might now be the best approach for you. You learn and processes information in your own special way, though we all share some learning patterns, preferences, and approaches. Knowing your own style can also help you realize that other people may approach the same situation in a way that’s different from your own.

I meet learners of all ages who think they’re dim, dumb, lazy, or crazy because they can’t understand materials the way the others do. When these learners can match the way they approach information with the way they learn, they see dramatic improvements in understanding, meaning making, self-image, and for students — grades.

Learning style assessments provide you an opportunity to learn how you are likely to respond under different circumstances and how to approach information in a way that best addresses your own particular needs.

Perceptual Modalities

The learning styles assessments I find most helpful examine how you take in information through your senses. Researchers call these sorts of assessments “perceptual modality assessments.” They look at how you see, hear, feel, and move through the world. Those perceptions deeply affect your ability to learn. Whether you tend to rely more or less on one sense than another has a tremendous influence on how you interpret new experiences and succeed in whatever you work with each day.  Take a perceptual modality assessment now .

Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner asserts there are at least seven modalities (referred to as intelligences) that can be used to describe your individual style. His work encourages everyone to think about learning in new and creative ways. This work suggests people can be:

• Verbal-linguistic: sensitive to the meaning and order of words
• Musical: sensitive to pitch, melody, rhythm, and tone
• Logical-mathematical: Able to handle chains of reasoning and recognize patterns and order
• Spatial: perceive the world accurately and try to re-create or transform aspects of that world
• Bodily-kinesthetic: able to use the body skillfully and handle objects adroitly
• Interpersonal: understand people and relationships
• Intrapersonal: possess access to one’s emotional life as a means to understand oneself and others.

Mind Styles

According to Anthony Gregorc, there are four basic learning styles. Gregorc’s Mind Styles model categorizes learners as Concrete Sequential (CS), Abstract Sequential (AS) Abstract Random (AR) and Concrete Random (CR).

• Concrete Sequential (CS) learners are hardworking, conventional, accurate, stable, dependable, consistent, factual, and organized.
• Abstract Sequential (AS) learners are analytic, objective, knowledgeable, thorough, structured, logical, deliberate, and systematic.
• Abstract Random (AR) learners are sensitive, compassionate, perceptive, imaginative, idealistic, sentimental, spontaneous, and flexible.
• Concrete Random (CR) learners are quick, intuitive, curious, realistic, creative, innovative, instinctive, adventurous.

Learning Styles Indicator

David Kolb’s Learning Style Model classifies learners as having a preference for 1) concrete experience  or  abstract conceptualization  (how they take information in), and 2)  active experimentation  or  reflective observation  (how they internalize information).

• Type 1 (concrete, reflective). A characteristic question of this learning type is “Why?” Type 1 learners respond well to explanations of how course material relates to their experience, their interests, and their future careers. To be effective with Type 1 students, the instructor should function as a motivator.
• Type 2 (abstract, reflective). A characteristic question of this learning type is “What?” Type 2 learners respond to information presented in an organized, logical fashion and benefit if they have time for reflection. To be effective, the instructor should function as an expert.
• Type 3 (abstract, active). A characteristic question of this learning type is “How?” Type 3 learners respond to having opportunities to work actively on well-defined tasks and to learn by trial-and-error in an environment that allows them to fail safely. To be effective, the instructor should function as a coach, providing guided practice and feedback.
• Type 4 (concrete, active). A characteristic question of this learning type is “What if?” Type 4 learners like applying course material in new situations to solve real problems. To be effective, the instructor should stay out of the way, maximizing opportunities for the students to discover things for themselves.

Myers-Briggs

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, based on the work of Carl Jung identifies 16 personality styles based on:

How you relate to the world (Extravert or Introvert)

How you take in information (Sensing or iNtuiting)

How you make decisions (Thinking or Feeling)

How you manage your life (Judging or Perceiving).

For example, one learner may be an ESTJ (extravert, sensor, thinker, perceiver) and another may be an INFJ (introvert, intuitor, feeler, judger).

There are other ways to organize learning style models. These fall into general categories such as  information processing ,  personality patterns , and  social interaction .

Information processing  distinguishes between the way you sense, think, solve problems, and remember information. You have a preferred, consistent, distinct way of perceiving, organizing, and retaining information. Kolb’s Learning Styles inventory, Gregorc’s Mind Styles Model, and Keefe’s Human Information Processing Model.

Personality patterns  focus on attention, emotion, and values. Understanding these differences allows you to predict the way you’ll react and feel about different situations. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter are two of the most well-know personality pattern assessments. A lesser known assessment is Dellinger’s Psycho-Geometrics.

Social interaction  looks at likely attitudes, habits, and strategies learners will take toward their work and how they engage with their peers when they learn. Some learners are independent, dependent, collaborative, competitive, participant, and avoidant. Reichmann and Grasha as well as Baxter Magolda have developed assessments.

Books on learning styles and  different ways people learn

This list only includes books I have read that I can personally recommend as easy to read and understand. I may not agree with everything they say, but I believe these were the best of the bunch a few years ago and more of what they say is useful than confusing. Those that are more academic in tone or are exceptions to my “more useful” are noted. Books are listed alphabetically. Beside each of the books that I have read is an abbreviation that tells you which type of learning styles the book addresses.VAK=Visual/Auditory/Kinesthetic, VAK+ refers to models that look at VAK + other modes, MI=Multiple Intelligences, MS=Mind Styles, MBTI=Myers Briggs, PG=Psycho-Geometrics, LSI=Learning Styles Indicator.

I have not personally read the following books, but hear good things about them.

4Mat About Teaching; Format in the Classroom  by Bernice McCarthy (EXCEL, 2000) LSI

10 Best Teaching Practices: How Brain Research, Learning Styles, and Standards Define Teaching Competencies  by Donna Walker Tileston (2000)

Black Children: Their Roots, Culture, and Learning Styles  by Janice E. Hale-Benson(1986)

Bringing Out the Best in Your Child: 80 Ways to Focus on Every Kid’s Strengths  by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

Boys and Girls Learn Differently!: A Guide for Teachers and Parents  by Michael Gurian

Every Child Can Succeed  by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

Learning Styles  by Barbara K. Given

Quantum Pathways: Discovering Your Personal Learning Style  by Bobbi DePorter, Mike Hernacki (Learning Forum, 2000) MS

Psycho-Geometrics: The Science of Understanding People, and the Art of Communicating with Them  by Susan Dellinger (Audio Cassette, 1997) PG

A Teacher’s Guide to Cognitive Type Theory & Learning Style  by Carolyn Mamchur (ASCD, 1996)

Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences  by Linda Campbell (2nd ed) MI

You Are Smarter Than You Think! Learning Made Easier in Three Simple Steps  by Renee Mollan-Masters (1997)

These books are not about learning-styles per se, but offer information on assessments that relate to learning.

Brainstyles: Change Your Life Without Changing Who You Are  by Marlane Miller and David Cherry (Brainstyles, 1997)

Dewey Color System: Embrace Hue You Are  by Dewey Sadka (Energia, 2001)

Kokology 2: More of the Game of Self-Discovery  by Tadahiko Nagao, Isamu Saito(Fireside, 2001)

Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery  by Tadahiko Nagao (Fireside, 2000)

The Psychologist’s Book of Self-Tests: 25 Love, Sex, Intelligence, Career, and Personality Tests Developed by Professionals to Reveal the Real You  by Louis H. Janda

Who Do You Think You Are?: 12 Methods for Analyzing the True You  by Tucker Shaw

T he following books were written primarily for academics and people interested in the research behind various learning styles theory.  I have only included those I have read and find approachable — though I can only recommend them to people seeking deep detail.

Cognitive Style: Five Approaches and Relevant Research . Kenneth M. Goldstein (1978)

Cognitive Styles and Classroom Learning . Harry Morgan (Praeger Publishers, 1997)

Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences  by Howard Gardner. This is a terrific book that introduced the notion of multiple intelligences. I didn’t include it in the list above because it’s long and very dry at times.

Handbook of Individual Differences, Learning and Instruction . David H. Jonassen, Barbara L. Grabowski. (Lawrence Erlbaum, 1993)

Learning and Teaching Style: In Theory and Practice  by Kathleen A. Butler (1988)

Learning Strategies and Learning Styles: Perspectives on Individual Differences  by Ronald R. Schmeck, editor. (Plenum Press, 1998)

Learning Style Perspectives: Impact in the Classroom  by Lynne C. Sarasin (Atwood, 1998)

Modes of Thought: Explorations in Culture and Cognition  by David R. Olson, Nancy Torrance, editors (1996)

Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences  by Bruce Campbell, Dee Dickinson, Linda E. G. Campbell (Allyn & Bacon, 2nd edition 1996)

Links to other websites about learning styles

International Learning Styles Network , part of the Center for Study of Learning and Teaching Styles at St. John’s University links you the latest research, local activities, and some of the most influential people in the learning-styles field.

CTL Learning Styles Web Pages  from the Center for Technology and Learning (CTL), Indiana State University addresses why there are learning styles, Learning Styles in Higher Education, Types of Learning Styles, Using Styles to Teach, and Applying Computer Technologies. CTL also has a  Teaching Styles web page .

Support4Learning  links to all sorts of resources about learning styles and multiple intelligences.

Theory of Multiple Intelligences  explains Howard Gardner’s work, Harvard Project Zero,the traditional view of intelligence, how this view has impacted schools historically, what Multiple Intelligences theory proposes, and how MI affect the implementation of traditional education.

VARK: A Guide to Learning Styles  specifically focuses of verbal, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles.

If you reference this page in a report or article, the citation should read:

Conner, Marcia L. “Introduction to Learning Styles.” MarciaConner.com, 1997-2012. http://marciaconner.com/resources/learning-styles-intro/

Assessments:  Learning Style  |  Motivation Style  |  Direction Style  |  Engagement Style  |  Learning Culture Audit

Style-related information: Learning Styles Introduction | Motivation Styles Introduction

Personal Assessment of Learning Style Essay

Introduction, works cited.

Learning styles refer to the consistent ways in which students use to respond to and use stimuli in the learning context. It also refers to the educational conditions under which students are most likely cable of learning (Ellis 27). Adjusting learning styles is an effective way to improve college grades from a B to an A. through studies of learning styles in my years of study; I have been able to understand my learning category. I am a kinesthetic learner; I process information by muscle movements and experience that are hand and touch-based, I love practical things and using my hand to get things done. This paper provides an assessment of my learning style which I found effective in the course of my studies.

There are four different learning styles which include; learning through seeing or visual learning, learning through listening or auditory learning, learning through touching and feeling, or kinesthetic learning and through logic (Ellis 32). I have a tendency to remember things or activities that I actually did compare to the ones I was told, meaning I have a good motor memory and coordination.

Apart from this, I enjoy using tools and specifically, I prefer lessons that involve active or practical participation. My motivation comes from my achievements, and whenever I succeed in anything that I feel a desire to do more. I do not prefer to work or study alone; mostly I enjoy and learn more whenever I engage in group discussions. This is in line with my motto that “two are better than one” and the more you involve people the more you learn and acquire knowledge.

I have come to better understand myself and how I can study more effectively by applying the learning techniques that fit the kinesthetic. Before this realization, I struggled a lot in my studies always trying methods that I had seen working for my fellow students. Little did I know that students are different and learning also occurs differently in all of them irrespective of having the same instructor, the same course and even sitting in the same class.

Now I know why some students succeed better than others, it is because they have understood themselves and have chosen a suitable learning style to fit them. Now I am aware that I am a kinesthetic learner with a well-coordinated brain and a strong sense of timing and body movement. I now look forward to putting into practice this newly learned studying technique that best fits my kinesthetic learning habits to make my college experience more successful and enjoyable.

I have done a self-analysis of myself, and I have realized the strength that I pose and the weaknesses which manifest themselves. I have decided to focus more on the strengths, practice them, and build upon them to minimize the weaknesses and their influence.

Being a doer, motivated by achievements, I concentrate all my efforts on what I can do to achieve my level best. My other strengths are that I am outgoing, I like role-playing, and I love taking breaks while studying. These breaks fit well into my study course which involves a lot of lab sessions. I also prefer studying with others in discussion groups where we can exchange ideas, and this fits this learning style effectively.

I am also a natural discovery learner who enjoys using tools and participating in lessons that involve practical involvement. In addition, I tend to remember I do well and this enables me to clearly understand the concepts that were being taught. This practicality assists me in studying and learning more effectively.

Apart from the strengths that I possess, their areas where I have shortcomings which most of the time pull me down and draw me back. Sometimes I find it difficult to sit down in a class for longer periods, o feel an urge to stand up and walk around. This gets serious since in some classes I often doze off when the lecture appears monotonous. To overcome this I will tend to use activities that get me up and moving.

In conclusion, learning styles are of four categories that are; auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and logical learning styles. The effectiveness of each style depends on the type of student using it since not all of them can apply to all the students. In my case, the kinesthetic best fits my situation and trying my level best to better improve myself in this area.

Ellis, Dave. Becoming a Master Student. 13th ed. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2021, March 25). Personal Assessment of Learning Style. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-assessment-of-learning-style/

"Personal Assessment of Learning Style." IvyPanda , 25 Mar. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/personal-assessment-of-learning-style/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Personal Assessment of Learning Style'. 25 March.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Personal Assessment of Learning Style." March 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-assessment-of-learning-style/.

1. IvyPanda . "Personal Assessment of Learning Style." March 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-assessment-of-learning-style/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Personal Assessment of Learning Style." March 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/personal-assessment-of-learning-style/.

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