Learning Styles for Math

Active Visual Left Brain (AVL)

Look at the numbers and the problem. Read the directions written out in words in a step-by-step way. You will remember the steps to solving the problem if they are accompanied by a written description of the numerical steps.

Study with a group and if they ask, try to fill in the steps for them. If you get stuck at a step, ask for help to get you moving forward.

Active Auditory Left Brain (AAL)

Talk through the problem in a step-by-step way. Listen to a verbal explanation of each of its steps. Work in a group so you can hear the explanations and work through the problems with others.

Active Tactile Left Brain (ATL)

Write down the numbers and the problem in a step-by-step way. Write the written explanations or directions for doing the problem. Use hands-on manipulatives to accompany the written directions. Relate the problems to feelings. Work with someone you like or a group of fellow students or tutors you like.

Active Kenesthetic Left Brain (AKL) top

Physically act out problems using concrete real life examples in a game, simulation, or role-play in a step-by-step way and talk about it. Write the numbers in large size while standing up at a board or flip chart and talk through the problem in a step-by-step way. Use sports or game equipment, physical exercise, or movement as a bonus for working out each problem in order to keep actively engaged. Engage in this activity with a group of fellow students.

Active Visual Right Brain (AVR) top

Look at the numbers and the problem in its entirety, with the answer. It helps if the problem is accompanied by a graphic illustration to demonstrate it. The graphics can be in the form of pictures, charts, diagrams, photographs or real objects.

Several examples of the same type of problem, complete with answers, need to be seen so the right side of the brain can “see” the repeating pattern of the formula in order to understand it. Work with others to help you see all the steps and fill in the picture.

Active Auditory Right Brain (AAR) top

Look at the numbers and the problem with accompanying pictorial, real-life examples, written out in a global way, complete with answers, and then talk through the problem. Working with others, talk through and look at pictorial examples of the same type of problem, with the answers, to understand the mathematical problem.

Active Tactile Right Brain (ATR) top

Write out the numbers and the whole problem with the answers, accompanied by drawings or sketches to illustrate the problem. Use hands-on manipulatives to accompany the written problem. Write out several samples of the same type of problem, with the answers, to understand the mathematical pattern. Connect feelings to the problem. Work with a group of people.

Active Kinesthetic Right Brain (AKR) top

Physically act out the problem with concrete, real-life examples in a global way, with the answer. Do several examples of the same type of problem, with the answers, so the right side of the brain can understand the pattern of how to do it. Write the numbers and the problem in large
size while standing at a board or flip chart.

Play sports, games, or do a physical activity while practicing the problem. Keep your body physically engaged as you work through problems. Do these activities with a group of people to increase your engagement.

Reflective Visual Left Brain (RVL) top

Look at the numbers and the problem. Read the directions written out in words in a step-by-step way. You will remember the steps to solving the problem if they are accompanied by a written description of the numerical steps.

Take time to reflect on the steps and reorganize or summarize any class presentation in a way that makes sense to you. Work with one other person or tutor if you get stuck.

Reflective Auditory Left Brain (RAL) top

Talk through the problem in a step-by-step way. Listen to a verbal explanation of each of its steps. Summarize the steps and repeat them to yourself. If you get stuck, ask someone for assistance rather than get frustrated.

Reflective Tactile Left Brain (RTL) top

Write down the numbers and the problem in a step-by-step way. Write the written explanations or directions for doing the problem. Use handson manipulative to accompany the written directions. Relate the problems to feelings. Work with someone you like when you need assistance. If you keep writing the same mistakes you will develop bad habits, so ask for help immediately.

Reflective Kinesthetic Left Brain (RKL) top

Physically act out problems using concrete real life examples in a game, simulation, or role-play in a step-by-step way and talk about it. Write the numbers in large size while standing up at a board or flip chart and talk through the problem in a step-by-step way.

Use sports or game equipment, physical exercise, or movement as a bonus for working out each problem in order to keep actively engaged. Give yourself time to understand how the problems work before attempting to do them.

Reflective Visual Right Brain (RVR) top

Look at the numbers and the problem in its entirety, with the answer. A graphic illustration will help to explain it. The graphics can be in the form of pictures, charts, diagrams, photographs or real objects. Several examples of the same type of problem, complete with answers, need to be seen so the right side of the brain can “see” the repeating pattern of the formula in order to understand it. Work with one other person if you choose and take time to ponder the entire problem and examples before attempting them.

Reflective Auditory Right Brain (RAR) top

Look at the numbers and the problem with accompanying pictorial, real-life examples, written out in a global way, complete with answers, and then talk through the problem. Talk through and look at pictorial examples of the same type of problem, with the answers, to understand the mathematical problem. Take time to reflect on the answers and process before doing problems yourself.

Reflective Tactile Right Brain (RTR) top

Write out the numbers and the whole problem with the answers, accompanied by drawings or sketches to illustrate the problem. Use hands-on manipulatives to accompany the written problem. Write out several samples of the same type of problem, with the answers, to understand the mathematical pattern. Connect feelings to the problem. Work with one person or tutor you like.

Reflective Kinesthetic Right Brain (RKR) top

Physically act out the problem with concrete, real-life examples in a global way, with the answer. Do several examples of the same type of problem, with the answers, so the right side of the brain can understand the pattern of how to do it.

Write the numbers and the problem in large size while standing at a board or flip chart. Play sports, games, or do a physical activity while practicing the problem. Keep your body physically engaged as you work through problems. Work with one other person or tutor if
you need help.

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