The way in which you learn and retain knowledge is directly related to your success. However, most people are not using their learning abilities to their fullest potential because they have never taken the time to reflect on which learning style will help them obtain and store information most effectively.

So what exactly are learning styles? Very simply, learning styles are different ways that people learn.

Your learning style is directly related to your ability to retain information. It is based on your mind’s natural ability to understand and remember basically anything based on the senses which are dominant in your personality.

By figuring out your most appropriate learning style(s), you will be able to determine which type of self-help you're best suited for.

The three major learning styles defined by psychologists include:

Visual Learning Auditory Learning Kinesthetic Learning

You'll certainly be able to learn more effectively by understanding which learning style works for you. But don't believe that you're limited to just one! In fact, mostly all of us use a combination of styles. It is important, however, for you to be part of an environment that makes the most of your learning ability.

VISUAL LEARNERS (approximately 65 percent of the population) This type of learner is best at collecting information with their eyes. This includes looking at visual images or reading text. Visual learners usually prefer graphics, illustrations and charts. They are able to remember details and ideas in picture form, typically what they've seen before.

AUDITORY LEARNERS (approximately 30 percent of the population) This type of learner is best at collecting information with their ears. This includes listening and talking. Although easily distracted, auditory learners learn by memorizing sound. For instance, they learn instructions by repeating them over and over again, even in silent form. They often like background music to block out interrupting noises.

KINESTHETIC LEARNERS (approximately 5 percent of the population) This type of learner is best at collecting meaning through touch and movement. Kinesthetic learners learn through physical interaction; most are young children. In essence, touching is a way of seeing.

So, which of these three styles is most effective for you? If you're not sure, here is an exercise to help. Read through the following examples and note down how many apply to you personally. By counting how many check marks you have in each category, you can determine the type of learning that is right for you.

A VISUAL LEARNER... --- Reads or watches TV to relax. --- Tends to remember people's faces but not their names. --- Gets distracted by untidiness when concentrating. --- Learns about a new idea by reading the book. --- Attempts to spell a difficult word by writing to see how it looks. --- Solves problems most easily by writing out possible solutions.

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