Most people don’t struggle with learning, they struggle with how they’re learning. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that how you learn can impact how well you retain and apply information.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re putting in effort but not seeing results, it might not be the subject — it might be your approach. Understanding your learning style can help you study more effectively and make learning feel a lot less frustrating.
At Forage, we help students explore real-world roles at top companies, taking different learning styles into account. That’s why we’ve created this quiz, to help you figure out how you learn best and use it to your advantage.
What Are Learning Styles?
Learning styles are simply the ways you prefer to take in and process information. There are many models, but this quiz focuses on the VARK model, which breaks learning into four main types:
- Visual: learning through charts, diagrams, and visuals
- Aural: learning through listening and discussion
- Read/Write: learning through text and written notes
- Kinesthetic: learning through hands-on experience
Some people may prefer more than one style — this is known as being multimodal.
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Why Is it Important to Know Your Learning Style?
Understanding how you learn best can make a huge difference in how effective your studying is. When you align your study habits with your learning style, you can:
- learn faster and retain information longer
- feel less frustrated while studying
- perform better on exams and assignments
- better understand your strengths and weaknesses
It also helps beyond school. Knowing how you learn best is a skill you’ll use in internships, jobs, and real-world projects.
>>MORE: Take our “What Should I Go to College For?” quiz to learn what major could be right for you.
What Is My Learning Style? Quiz
Curious about your learning style? Take the learning style quiz below and sign up to find out which learning style you prefer and which study strategies are compatible with that style.
Other Psychological Concepts to Help Your Study Habits
Our learning style is just one piece of the puzzle. A few other factors can make a big difference too.
Self-Efficacy (Confidence)
Your belief in your ability to learn matters more than you think. When you feel confident that you can succeed, you’re more likely to stay consistent and perform better.
>>MORE: Learn how to ask for feedback at work.
Learning With Others
Studying doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Working with others, like in study groups, can improve understanding, motivation, and even your sense of belonging.
Attention Span
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have trouble focusing for extended periods. Instead, plan to study in small increments with frequent breaks. The Pomodoro technique is a popular approach!
>>MORE: Read tips for making the most out of college.
What This Means for You
There’s no single “perfect” way to learn. Your preferences can change depending on the subject, environment, or even your mood. The goal isn’t to lock yourself into one style but to understand what works best and use that to your advantage.
Now that you understand how you learn best, the next step is to apply it in real-world situations.
Image credit: Canva
