The Orion Online

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Back to School

1. When you go to class, where in the room do you typically sit?

a. It doesn't really matter, I like moving around a lot.
b. Right in front, I like to see any PowerPoint slides to help me understand the information.
c. On the couch at home.
d. In the middle, so I can hear the professor and everyone around me during discussions.


2. During class, do you take notes?

a. Doodles count, right?
b. Until I get distracted by something else.
c. No, I can typically remember lectures. If I need help, I will bring a tape recorder.
d. Yes. They're usually highlighted, too.


3. If you're trying to study, how do you best recall the material?

a. Listening to recorded lectures or reading aloud from the book.
b. Going over my highlighted notes, marking in the book and drawing diagrams and charts.
c. Writing out note cards and reviewing them.
d. Having the book open on my lap while watching "Family Guy."


4. How do you handle your anger?

a. Incense.
b. Silently, with a scowl.
c. Slamming doors or stomping my feet.
d. Yelling or listening to loud music.


5. In the classroom, what is your worst habit?

a. Compulsive gum chewing or tapping a pencil.
b. Daydreaming or text messaging.
c. Showing up.
d. Always talking to everyone around me.


6. When trying to concentrate, what are your biggest distractions?

a. Things going on around me.
b. Deciding what to have for lunch.
c. Discomforts such as hunger, tight shoes or stress.
d. Loud noises.


7. When you want to learn how something works, how do you typically figure it out?

a. Reading the manual.
b. Having someone explain the process in detail.
c. Taking it apart and rebuilding it.
d. Watching someone else do it and then borrowing theirs.


8. What form of homework is ideal for you?

a. The nonexistent kind.
b. Building a model.
c. A speech presentation or group activity.
d. An essay.


9. If you have to solve a problem, what action do you perform first?

a. Going through all the steps in my mind and then jumping right in.
b. Making a list of steps and checking things off as they are completed.
c. Asking friends or experts for advice.
d. Taking a break, I can deal with it later.


10. Which of these things do you do while listening to music?

a. Dance.
b. Enjoy it, man.
c. Visualize the content within the lyrics.
d. Hum or sing along.

1. a=3 b=2 c=1 d=4
2. a=1 b=4 c=3 d=2
3. a=3 b=2 c=4 d=1
4. a=1 b=2 c=4 d=3
5. a=4 b=2 c=1 d=3
6. a=2 b=1 c=4 d=3
7. a=2 b=3 c=4 d=1
8. a=1 b=4 c=3 d=2
9. a=4 b=2 c=3 d=1
10. a=4 b=1 c=2 d=3

10 - 12: Underachieving Learners
If this really works for you, go ahead and stick with it. You're laid back and things like responsibility and accountability don't bother you. Kudos for making it this far.

13 - 24: Visual (Spatial) Learners
Visual learners are organized because they need to see words and images in order to comprehend concepts. You are able to remember visual clues and imagine scenarios in your head to help recall facts from a social interaction or classroom setting. In social situations, you easily remember a person's face, but have a hard time recalling their name. When studying, avoid listening to music because it can distract you from the task at hand; you'll start to visualize what's going on in the song, rather than what you're reading.

25 - 31: Auditory Learners
Auditory learners do not really need to pay attention to the action going on in the front of the classroom, as long as they can hear what's going on. You can remember facts from a lecture without writing them down, and you enjoy participating in discussions. At social events, you have a hard time remembering faces, but easily remember names. When studying, read aloud to help yourself remember the content or try explaining the information to someone else, it will help you understand it better. If you think you are an auditory learner and have a hard time studying from written notes bring a tape recorder to class and listen to it later.

32 - 40: Kinesthetic (Physical) Learners
Kinesthetic learners are very hands-on. You enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together. Doing experiments or going on field trips presents the best learning opportunity for you. In class, you can't help but fidget and when you study, you take frequent breaks. Often great at sports, kinesthetic learners learn by doing; so, when studying, trigger your brain by being active. For example, pick up the book while you read it, write while you read or talk or use gestures while explaining something. When using flashcards, cycle through them until the arrangement becomes routine.

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