Begin by assessing what you feel your learning strengths are. How do you prefer to acquire information about something? Do you prefer reading over listening to an instructor? Is watching an informative film or documentary how you learn best? Do you prefer working on a project as a group or on your own? These are just some of the factors to consider. Jot down some of your initial reflections in a notebook and add to it as you further explore your learning style.
Become familiar with some of the more commonly identified learning styles. They will vary somewhat according to the author and/or researcher, but basically they fall into three categories. Visual learners learn best through the use of pictures, images, printed materials and 3D displays. Many visual learners actually think in pictures and retain information better when it is associated with a visual image in memory. Auditory learners learn from the spoken word, be it a spoken lecture, discussion, verbal directions or general listening. This type of learner frequently absorbs information better by reading printed materials out loud. The third category is the tactile/kinesthetic learner, who processes information best when touching, moving and doing. They generally excel at learning through hands-on activity and exploration and often find it difficult to sit still for long.
Complete one or more of the online learning style surveys to assist you with determining your learning stye. Take note that some are designed for young students and others for adults. These surveys can also be found in books if you do not have access to the Internet at home or at your local library. The online resources are easier to use, however, since they tally the results automatically for you. Some people choose to work with an educational or employment counselor to go through various learning style assessment tools. Whichever way you choose to proceed, keep the results from the different surveys you take separate, and when completed, compare the results. Write down in your notebook the findings that offer the most helpful insights.
Obtain input from other sources such as family members, friends, co-workers, a teacher or a professional educational counselor with expertise in this area. Often you gain interesting perspectives from those who know you well. It can also be very helpful to share with others what you are determining your learning style to be, particularly teachers and co-workers--notably bosses.
Define learning strategies, based on the information you are acquiring, of what works best for you, be it at school, on the job, or pursuing your own personal interests. Keep in mind a person can have multiple learning styles, and different learning styles for different kinds of subjects. Employing multiple learning styles can assist a person in retaining more information. Having this awareness about yourself firmly established will not only help you work at your optimal potential, it will simultaneously build self-esteem and enable you to gain greater satisfaction from school or work.