Barsch Learning Styles Inventory

Barsch Learning Styles Inventory—ENG090-608

Please check the appropriate line after each statement.

		Often			Sometimes			Seldom
1.	Can remember more about a subject through listening than reading.		x
2.	Follow written directions better than oral directions.					x
3.	Like to write things down or take notes for a visual review.					x
4.	Bear down extremely hard with a pen or pencil when writing.		x
5.	Require explanations of  diagrams, graphs or visual directions.					x
6.	Enjoy working with tools.					x
7.	Are skillful with and enjoy developing and making graphs and charts.		x
8.	Can tell if sounds match when presented with pairs of sounds.		x
9.	Remember best by writing things down several times.					x
10.	Can understand and follow directions on maps.		x
11.	Do better at academic subjects by listening to lectures and tapes.		x
12.	Play with coins or keys in pocket.		x
13.	Learn to spell better by repeating the letters out loud than by writing the word on paper.		x
14.	Can better understand a news article by reading about it in the paper than by listening to radio.					x
15.	Chew gum, smoke or snack during studies.					x
16.	Feel the best way to remember is to picture it in your head.		x
17.	Learning spelling by “finger spelling” the words.								x
18.	Would rather listen to a good lecture or speech than read about the same material in a book.		x
19.	Are good at solving and working on jigsaw puzzles and mazes.							x
20.	Grip objects in hands during learning period.		x
21.	Prefer listening to the news on the radio rather than reading about it in a newspaper.		x
22.	Obtain information on an interesting subject by reading relevant materials.					x
23.	Feel very comfortable touching others, hugging, handshaking, etc.		x
24.	Follow oral directions  better than written ones.								x

Barsch learning style inventory

Scoring procedures and expanations

Scoring procedures

Often = 5 points                        sometimes = 3 points                          seldom = 1 point  

Place the point value on the line next to its corresponding item number.  Next add the points to obtain the preference scores under each heading.

Visual			Auditory			Kinesthetic
No.	points		No.	points		No.	points
2		5	1		3	4		5
3		3	5		3	6		3
7		5	8		5	9		3
10		5	11		5	12		5
14		3	13		5	15		5
16		5	18		5	17		1
20		5	21		5	19		1
22		1	24		1	23		5
	27	TVPS	32		TAPS			28        TKPS

TVPS = Total Visual Preferences Score  27

TAPS = Total Auditory Preferences Score  32

TKPS = Total Kinesthetic Preferences Score  28

If you are a VISUAL LEARNER, that is, you have a high visual score, then by all means be sure you see all study materials.  Use charts, maps, filmstrips, notes and flashcards.  Practice visualizing or picturing spelling words, for example, in your head.  Write out everything for frequent and quick visual review.  It is obvious you learn best when you SEE things… make it a point to see things.

If you are an AUDITORY LEARNER, that is, have auditory score, then be sure to use tapes.  Sit in the front of the lecture hall or classroom where you can hear best and can review them frequently.  Tape your class or lecture notes.  After you read something, summarize it on tape or out loud.  Verbally review spelling words, lectures or test material with a friend.

If you are a Kinesthetic LEANER, that is, have a high tactile score, you need to involve your body in the process of learning. Trace words, for example, as you are saying them.  Facts that must be learned should be written several times.  Keep a supply of scratch paper just for that purpose.  Taking and keeping lecture notes will be very important. Take a walk and study your notes at the same time.


 
Barsch Learning Styles Explanations:

Learning Style	Clues	Learning Tips
Visual	Needs to see        it to know it.    Strong sense        of color.    May have        artistic ability.    Difficulty        with spoken directions.    May be easily        distracted by sounds.    trouble        following lectures.    Misinterpretation        of spoken words.	Use graphics        to reinforce.    Color coding        to organize notes and possessions.    Written        directions.    Use of flow        charts and diagrams for note-taking.    Visualize        spelling of words of facts to be memorized.
Auditory	Prefers to get information by listening-needs to hear it or speak it to know it.    Written directions more difficult to follow than spoken directions.    Prefers listening to reading and writing.    Inability to read body language and facial expression.	Use of tapes  for reading and for class lecture notes.    Learning by  interviewing or by participating in discussions.    Works well in  study groups.    Having test  questions or directions read aloud or put on tape.
Kinesthetic	Prefers        hands-on learning.    Can assemble        parts without reading directions.    Difficulty        sitting still.    Learns better        when physical activity is involved.    May be very        well coordinated and have athletic ability.	Experiential  learning (making models,, doing lab work, and role playing).    Frequent   breaks in study periods.    Tracing        letters and words to learn spelling and to remember facts.    Use computer        to reinforce learning through sense of touch.    Memorize or        drilling while walking or exercising.    Usually        involves some kind of movement while learning, i.e. tapping pencil,        shaking foot, and/or holding something.

As a result of this learning inventory what do you think you can do to strengthen your learning?  Give yourself some examples.

I am a little more Auditory than Visual or Kinesthetic.  I could attend all classes to hear all lectures.  Interview subjects of papers if possible.  Work in a Study Group