Do you know your learning style? It may be the key to your success in learning a language if you use it! There are 7 types of learning styles. Many people find a combination of two works best for them.

• Visual

Visual learners like to see what they are learning. They learn best by using pictures, graphics, and presentations to help them.

Tip to try: Each time you learn a new word, draw a quick sketch next to it to help you remember.

• Verbal

Verbal learners prefer to use words to communicate their learning needs. Speaking and writing are the best ways to learn for them.

Tip to try: Get online and find a language exchange partner to practice your speaking skills.

• Logical

Those who are logical learners like systematic learning. This means they learn best when the material is presented in a way that is very clear and has good reasoning.

Tip to try: When it comes to grammar, draw a timeline of how the tense works (combined with visual learning).

• Physical

Time to get physical! If you are a physical learner, you need lots of touch and movement.

Tip to try: Say, or think, everything you are doing in English while you are doing it. Ex. “I’m walking”, “I put the cup on the table”, etc. (combined with verbal learning).

• Auditory

Auditory learning is a fancy way of saying learning by listening.

Tip to try: Pick out some popular tunes and learn the words!

• Social

Social learners like to be with other people when learning. They like to interact and work in small and big groups.

Tip to try: Join a class, start an English speaking club, or make a pack with a friend to only speak in English.

• Solitary

The opposite of social learning is solitary. If you are more of a solitary learner, it’s easier for you to learn by yourself, or working alone.

Tip to try: Make a personal language learning schedule!

About the Author

Yvette Smith is an EFL teacher and freelance writer. She currently lives in Vietnam.