What is "learning style?" Your learning style is the way you tend to learn best. That is, your preferred method of taking in and making sense of information. Learning styles have nothing to do with ability or intelligence, and no one style is better than another. However, learning styles can affect how you think, solve problems, relate to others, communicate, and work.

Here are the three main learning styles:

1) Visual: Visual learners prefer information presented in a visual format, such as diagrams, charts, pictures, handouts, and chalkboards. Visual learners remember written information better and are able to use computers as effective learning tools.

If you are a visual learner, take lecture notes, use highlighters to color code information, avoid distractions like doors and windows while working, and use flash cards as study aids.

2) Auditory: Auditory learners retain information through hearing and speaking. These learners do well in lecture and class discussion formats. Auditory learners prefer to be told how to do something and may repeat the steps back. Auditory learners may concentrate better with soft music playing in the background.

If you are an auditory learner, record lectures and play them back; repeat material out loud and in your own words; read textbooks aloud; use rhymes to remember information; take advantage of study groups/partners.

3) Tactile/kinesthetic: Tactile learners prefer a hands-on approach to learning. Tactile learners learn best when they can physically manipulate something to learn about it. These learners prefer to demonstrate how to do something rather than to verbally explain it.

If you are a tactile learner, take study breaks often; pick up the book as you are reading it; learn new material while doing something active, for example, listen to an audiotape while exercising; stand up while you work; take advantage of classes with demonstrations, labs, and fieldwork.

No one uses one style exclusively, although everyone is born with tendencies toward one style. You can improve learning by taking advantage of your strengths and enhancing your skills in weaker areas.