People have different learning methods, instinctive ways of mastering information. Knowing your learning style can help you find out which techniques will work best for you, so that you can pick up a language faster.

Types of Learning Styles

There are three different kinds of learning style: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Visual learners understand better when they’re presented with pictures or symbols. Kinesthetic learners must work with their hands in order to see a concept at work, whether it’s taking apart a machine or writing a list. Auditory learners learn best when they hear something over and over again.

While we all use a combination of those methods, and it’s actually best when we use all three in conjunction, but we usually lean towards one or have an easier time when it’s incorporated in the teaching method. Auditory learners tend to have the easiest time in traditional classrooms because they thrive in lecture settings, while visual learners prefer seeing something on a blackboard or reviewing it in their handouts. Kinesthetic learners do well in lab work.

Identifying your learning style

First look at how you instinctively learn something or what kind of techniques you use to learn. Also, look at the subjects you have difficulty with and why. For example, in your language class, what aspect took longer to master? If you find writing or grammar drills far easier than speaking the language, then you may be a visual learner. Especially if you gravitate towards charts and diagrams. Another sign of a good visual learner is adeptness at spelling: just seeing the words cues you that it “looks” right or wrong.

Auditory learners are those who have a knack for understanding something they hear. For example, there are the lucky few who can pick up a language just by hearing it, or can master lyrics after just hearing the song once or twice. They are those that learn a language just by listening to language tapes.

It’s the kinesthetic learners that may have a hard time learning a language because their learning style is not really addressed in a traditional classroom. There are those who, out of habit, walk around while memorizing an assignment. Rewriting notes can help them understand a subject matter.