Learning Style Test for Children

Learning Style Types

Learning styles are often referred to as VAK. VAK stands for Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic learning style. Kinesthetic is also sometimes referred to as tactile. Most people have not just one learning style, but a mixture of styles, which is known as multiple intelligence.

Visual

Visual learners learn by seeing and reading. They learn best through textbooks or demonstrations they can observe. Overheads work well for this learning style as does observing the world.

Auditory

Auditory learners excel through listening and speaking. Auditory learners will do well in a lecture hall atmosphere or by listening to tapes on various topics. This style of learner learns well through songs too. Many auditory learners are also a bit visual and will learn well through DVDs and television programming.

Kinesthetic/Tactile

Kinesthetic or tactile learners learn best through touching and doing. Hands-on activities work well for this type of learner, and a tactile learner tends to do well with manual dexterity tasks. By touching an item, the child will learn the most about it. Board games are particularly useful for learning.

How to Find Out Why Type of Learner Your Child Is

There are several ways to figure out what type of learner your child is. Knowing this information can be helpful in teaching your child and helping with homework or when issues arise where the child does not understand a certain topic. Here are a few ways to figure out your child's learning style:

Observe

When a task or subject comes easily to your child, observe the teaching method. Do you believe it was auditory, visual or kinesthetic? This can offer a big clue into your child's learning style.

Have Him/Her Take a Learning Style Test for Children

While there are many tests out there for adults, it is important to have your child take a test that is on his level so you can be certain the results are correct. It can be smart to look at a wide variety of resources, but the source you wind up with for the learning style test for children will likely be one that matches your child's grade level and personality. Here are just a few of the better resources that you might find helpful:

• Young Version of VARK Test – A version of a more comprehensive test, especially for younger people to help assess learning styles or learning patterns.

• Learning Styles Chart – For children that are a little older, the questions on this chart will help assess learning styles. The questions you answer yes to for your child will match him/her with the learning style or styles.

• Children's Corner Finding Learning Styles – Discover how to find your child's learning style. Covers multiple intelligence a bit and discusses favorite subjects to help assess where your child's strengths lie. Also goes into helping your child based on learning preferences.

• Scholastic Learning Style Assessment – Parents fill in this questionnaire based upon what they know of their child's learning style. This is where the first step of observation can really come in handy as you assess where your child is in various areas.

• Learning Styles Tests – Several different tests, mostly aimed at older children.

These are just a few of the online items available. You'll also find many books on the topic of learning styles at your local library and retailers like Amazon. There are also testing centers, such as Sylvan, or through a local school where you can assess your child's learning style and discover the best ways for him to learn. Knowing learning style can be particularly useful for parents of Autistic children.

No matter which learning style a child has – visual, auditory or tactile – a combination of teaching styles can be effective since most people have a little of each style and are dominant in one area. Knowing what type of learner a child is makes teaching and learning much easier.