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Here’s a single page questionnaire to download and use with your learners.

PDF Document Learning Styles Questionnaire Opens in a new window

It's a first step to discovering, valuing and using unique learning styles. It will open up a discussion in class and in school about learning choices. But remember - questionnaires like this describe a profile of strengths and potential. Avoid labelling pupils as this or that sort of learner because with learning labels come learning limits. Refer to 'visual learning' instead of a 'visual learner'.

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What are Learning Styles ?

You unique preferences for learning - your where, when, how and with whom.

For example:

What ?
by Getting the big picture first? Getting the detail first?

How ?
by Seeing? Hearing? Touching? Imagining? Reading? Moving?

Where ?
Warm? Cool? Bright? Dim? Noisy? Quiet? Formal? Informal?

Who ?
Friends? Groups? Teams? Alone?

More How?
Well-motivated? Need support? Keep going? Maverick? Conformist?

Photo of a display of learning styles

Year 8s (King Edward VI Camphill Girls) express their learning styles

  • Everyone learns in a different way
  • But if everyone is taught in the same way, who loses out?
  • Learning regularly in a way that doesn’t suit your preferences is like wearing shoes a couple of sizes too small or too big – uncomfortable and frustrating.
  • Do you work with anyone right now who’s having to learn in a way not matched to their preferences?
Learning Styles

When you're learning, what do you prefer A, B or aspects of both?

A:

  • It’s early morning
  • You’re sitting on a hard plastic chair
  • The lights are dim
  • It’s warm
  • You last ate an hour ago
  • A lecture is just about to begin
  • You keep still, listen, watch
  • You take detailed notes
  • It’s very quiet
  • You present your learning 

B:

  • It’s early afternoon
  • You’re sitting on the arm of a soft sofa
  • It's bright
  • It’s cool
  • You’ve got a bag of dried fruit to hand
  • A 10 minute video is about to begin
  • You know you can move around
  • You can doodle  and draw diagrams
  • There's some background noise
  • You apply your learning immediately

Learning styles is NOT about choosing between A or B. It’s about choosing which aspects from A and B (and other features) will make learning more enjoyable and more effective for you. Everyone has different preferences. Knowing what they are can empower learners and give teachers a real edge in the classroom.

Books Learning Styles-Friendly Products by Mike Fleetham
Training Learning Styles Training

I’ve worked with Barbara Prashnig and am trained to deliver her online Learning and Working Styles Analysis programme. I use the concept of learning preferences when I design training sessions and include simple and practical ways to better match teaching styles with different learning styles.

For more information about Learning Styles INSET and customised Learning Styles Training for your school please make an enquiry or visit the training page.

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