One size does not fit all when it comes to learning! At some point, you've probably heard about the concept of learning styles. It's the theory that people learn and retain information in different ways, which fall into seven major categories. Most people don’t have just one learning style, but a mix of several different learning styles. Some people have a dominant style of learning, while other people may find that they use different learning styles in different situations. When you recognize your learning style, you can adjust the way you study and possibly improve your grades! Here are the main characteristics of the seven major learning styles and how you might use them. Which learning styles most describe you?

1. Visual – Use images, photos, videos, and other media.
2. Aural – Use sound, rhyme, and music.
3. Verbal – Use word-based techniques, like speaking and writing.
4. Physical – Use your body, hands, and sense of touch.
5. Logical – Use logic and reasoning, remembering association often works well.
6. Social – You prefer to learn in groups and with other people.
7. Solitary – You prefer to work alone and self-study.

There's no single way to learn and that’s actually a good thing! It means we all can reach our intelligence potential if we're presented the information in the way that we learn best. Traditional higher education relies on verbal and logical styles of learning, like textbooks, repetition, and high-pressure exams. Students who don’t learn that way might get bad grades and be labeled as less intelligent, when that simply isn’t the case. If you’ve ever struggled sitting still and listening in a traditional classroom setting, you're not alone! The key to succeeding in school and beyond is to be presented the information in a way that’s best suited for you. Thankfully, there are other types of schools out there where you can thrive if given the chance. The academic programs at most career school are designed for these other types of learners. The curriculum is often a unique blend of physical, visual, and social learning styles. Of course, there’s still some classroom learning incorporated into these programs, but usually more than half of the time is devoted to valuable hands-on training. The programs at career schools are specifically designed to give students the career skills that are in demand among today’s top employers. Career schools typically cost less than going to a traditional college or university and the programs can be completed much quicker, too! We all have our strengths and learning styles. Finding the school that’s the right fit for your learning style can be the difference between struggling and finding success! Porter and Chester Institute programs teach to all types of learners, but particularly to those who learn best by doing. You’ll spend more time in action and less time in the classroom with our hands-on curriculum. Learn more about how Porter and Chester Institute can give you the training you need to start an exciting new career by filling out the form on this page.