This questionnaire will help you discover what kind of learner you are.

Before you start, fold the right-hand column underneath so that it does not influence how you answer.
Read each row and tick the ONE option that is most like you.

I prefer lessons I prefer lessons I prefer lessons

where we can where there is where we can do
discuss things. something to look at something practical –
(like a picture, chart, or at least move
diagram or video) or
something to draw.
around.
A V K

I often fiddle with I often sing or hum to I often doodle in class.

things in class (a pen, myself in class.
paper clip or rubber
band.)
K A V

When learning a new When learning a new When learning a new

skill, I prefer to just skill, I prefer skill, I prefer to watch
get on with it. someone to explain someone else show
to me how to do it. me how to do it.
K A V

When the adverts When the adverts When the adverts

come on the telly – I come on the telly – I come on the telly – I
like to watch them. get up and do like to sing along with
something. them.
V K A

I would prefer to I would prefer to see I would prefer to act

listen to a story. a comic strip of a out a story.
story.

A V K

I am good at learning I have a good memory I have a good memory

physical skills. for people’s names. for faces.

K A V

I prefer teachers who I prefer teachers who I prefer teachers who

V K A
use diagrams to show get us to do explain things to us.
us things. something.

If I get in trouble in If I get in trouble in If I get in trouble in

class, it’s for talking. class, it’s for drawing class it’s for fidgeting.
on the desk or all over
my books.
A V K

On a long journey I On a long journey I On a long journey I

like to look at the can’t wait until we like to listen to music
scenery or read a stop so I can walk or talk to the other
book. around. travellers.
V K A

I use my hands a lot When I am discussing When I am discussing

when I am talking. something, I something, I like to
sometimes use words doodle.
my friends don’t know.
K A V

If I could be famous, I If I could be famous, I If I could be famous, I

would be a sports- would be a film-star. would be a singer.
person (or dancer).

K V A

I would rather go I would rather watch I would rather listen to

outside and play. my favourite TV my favourite music.
programme.

K V A

I get distracted in I get distracted in I lose concentration if

class if I can see class if I can hear I have to sit still for a
something outside something happening long time.
the window. outside.
V A K

I am good at drawing. I am good at making I am a good listener.

things. V K A
Out of these 3 jobs - I Out of these 3 jobs - I Out of these 3 jobs - I
would prefer to be a would prefer to be a would prefer to be an
radio DJ (or mechanic. artist (or designer).
presenter).
A K V

In my spare time I In my spare time I In my spare time I

would prefer to do would prefer to watch would prefer to listen
something physical, TV or a video. to music or chat with
such as sport or friends.
dancing. K V A

The type of puzzle I The type of puzzle I The type of puzzle I

would prefer is "Spot would prefer is "Name would prefer is
the difference". that tune". "Rubik's cube".

V A K

If I needed to build a If I needed to build a If I needed to build a

Lego model, I would Lego model, I would Lego model, I would
get someone to try to work out which follow the diagram or
explain how or to read bits fit together. the picture on the
the instructions to me. packet. A K V
Probably because of its simplicity and practicality, VAK theory is
widely recognised by teachers - particularly those who
advocate Accelerated Learningtechniques - but the idea that we
receive information via different “modalities” has been around
considerably longer than that and can be traced back to the work
of Grace Fernald ("Remedial Techniques in Basic School
Subjects") who promoted kinaesthetic learning techniques;
Samuel Orton’s work on dyslexia; Anna Gillingham’s subsequent
work on developing multisensory approaches; and the holistic
educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.

Normally, we each have five senses. There is an increasing

realisation that we respond subconsciously to our sense of smell.
Aromatherapy is based on the principle that aromas can help to
create mood. More simply, manufacturers of household products
usually try to make them "smell nice". More subtly, perfumers
make a living from concocting alluring and enticing odours. Recent
research has shown that men and women produce pheromones
(body odours) that enhance their attractiveness to the opposite
sex in myriad subtle ways.

Similarly, our sense of taste is very important to us and is one of

the first to be developed in the young. It is one of the reasons why
babies put everything in their mouths (although they also use their
mouths as a kinaesthetic sensory organ). Nevertheless, we do
not normally associate our senses of smell and taste as being
useful for communication purposes - leaving us with three
methods (or modes) of receiving and processing information. This
is often referred to as the VAK model.

VISUAL AUDITORY KINAESTHETIC

Each of us has a natural preference for the way in which we prefer

to receive, process and impart information. This is largely
genetically determined but is also susceptible to development,
particularly when we are young (whilst our neural pathways are still
being established). There are various ways in which preferred
processing modes become apparent and some simple ways in
which we can enhance the effectiveness of our communication
 once we are aware of them. One way to detect a person's
preferred processing mode is to watch their eye movements,
particularly when they are thinking or answering a question.

VISUAL AUDITORY KINAESTHETIC

thinkers tend to thinkers tend to thinkers tend to
look upwards look straight ahead look downwards

Of course, in practice, it is not quite as simple as this. Additional

factors affect eye movements - such as whether the person is trying
to recall real or imaginary circumstances (in other words, are they
telling lies?)

There are also vocabulary clues that can help to detect preferred
processing modes.

Visual thinkers will Auditory thinkers Kinaesthetic

tend to use and will tend to use and thinkers will tend to
respond to terms respond to terms use & respond to
such as: such as: terms such as:
 I get the  I get the  How does
picture message that grab
 I see that now  That rings a you?
 From my bell  A grasp of the
perspective  That strikes a basics
 What's your chord  It certainly
view?  Sounds OK to feels right
me  I can relate to
that

Even a very basic understanding of different processing modes can

help you to communicate more effectively. Understanding a
person's preferred mode enables you to tailor the way you address
them so that it suits their "style".
You could sketch a You could stress You could use a
diagram for visual key words for "hands-on"
thinkers. auditory thinkers. approach for
kinaesthetic
thinkers.

When addressing an audience, you can ensure that your message

will reach a greater proportion by using all three modes. A good
presentation should include inputs that are:-

Visual Auditory Kinaesthetic

such as diagrams, such as stories, with activities and
charts, pictures. anecdotes, jokes, opportunity to move
puns. about.

Of course, once you have developed a basic understanding of the

VAK model and seen the effects of translating it into practice, you
will be keen to understand the principles in greater depth.