Module 1: planning for learning at work: learner's workbook

Learning styles questionnaire

Page last updated: 2004

Writing exercise
Learning styles questionnaire – scoring

Writing exercise

Take some time to review your preferred styles by completing the following questionnaire.

This questionnaire is designed to find out your preferred learning style(s). Over the years you have probably developed learning 'habits' that help you benefit more from some experiences than from others. Since you are probably unaware of this, this questionnaire will help you pinpoint your learning preferences so that you are in a better position to select learning experiences that suit your style?

There is no time limit to this questionnaire. It will probably take you 10-15 minutes to complete. The accuracy of the results depends on how honest you can be. There are no right or wrong answers. If you agree more than you disagree with a statement, put a tick by it. If you disagree more than you agree with a statement, put a cross by it. Be sure to mark each item with either a tick or a cross. The statements are purposely broad and general, to encourage you to make some general judgements about yourself.

have strong beliefs about what is right and wrong, good and bad.
I often act without considering the possible consequences.
I tend to solve problems using a step-by-step approach.
I believe that formal procedures and policies restrict people.
I have a reputation for saying what I think, simply and directly.
I often find that actions based on feelings are as sound as those based on careful thought and analysis.
I like the sort of work where I have time for thorough preparation and implementation.
I regularly question people about their basic assumptions.
What matters most is whether something works in practice. Top of page
I actively seek out new experiences.
When I hear about a new idea or approach I immediately start working out how to apply it in practice.
I am keen on self-discipline, such as watching my diet, taking regular exercise, sticking to a fixed routine, etc.
I take pride in doing a thorough job.
I get on best with logical, analytical people and less well with spontaneous, 'irrational' people.
I take care over the interpretation of data available to me and avoid jumping to conclusions.
I like to reach a decision carefully after weighing up many alternatives.
I am attracted more to novel, unusual ideas than to practical ones.
I do not like disorganised things and prefer to fit things into a coherent pattern.
I accept and stick to laid down procedures and policies so long as I regard them as an efficient way of getting the job done.
I like to relate my actions to a general principle.
In discussions I like to get straight to the point.
I tend to have distant, rather formal relationships with people at work.
I thrive on the challenge of tackling something new and different.
I enjoy fun-loving, spontaneous people.
I pay meticulous attention to detail before coming to a conclusion.
I find it difficult to produce ideas on impulse.
I believe in coming to the point immediately.
I am careful not to jump to conclusions too quickly.
I prefer to have as many sources of information as possible – the more data to mull over, the better.
Flippant people who do not take things seriously enough usually irritate me.Top of page
I listen to other people's points of view before putting my own forward.
I tend to be open about how I am feeling.
In discussions I enjoy watching the manoeuvrings of the other participants.
I prefer to respond to events on a spontaneous, flexible basis, rather than plan things out in advance.
I tend to be attracted to techniques such as network analysis, flow-charts, branching programs, contingency planning, etc.
It worries me if I have to rush out a piece of work to meet a tight deadline.
I tend to judge people's ideas on their practical merits.
Quiet, thoughtful people tend to make me feel uneasy.
I often get irritated by people who want to rush things.
It is more important to enjoy the present moment than to think about the past or future.
I think that decisions based on a thorough analysis of all the information are sounder than those based on intuition.
I tend to be a perfectionist.
In discussions I usually produce lots of spontaneous ideas.
In meetings I put forward practical, realistic ideas.
More often than not, rules are there to be broken.
I prefer to stand back from a situation and consider all the perspectives.
I can often see the inconsistencies and weaknesses in other people's arguments.
On balance I talk more than I listen.
I can often see better, more practical ways to get things done.
I think written reports should be short and to the point.
I believe that rational, logical thinking should win the day. Top of page
I tend to discuss specific things with people, rather than engaging in social discussion.
I like people who approach things realistically rather than theoretically.
In discussions I get impatient with irrelevancies and digressions.
If I have a report to write I tend to produce lots of drafts before settling on the final version.
I am keen to try out things to see if they work in practice.
I am keen to reach answers via a logical approach.
I enjoy being the one that talks a lot.
In discussions I often find I am the realist, keeping people to the point and avoiding wild speculations.
I like to ponder many alternatives before making up my mind.
In discussions with people I often find I am the most dispassionate and objective.
In discussions I am more likely to adopt a 'low profile' than to take the lead and do most of the talking.
I like to be able to relate current actions to a longerterm, bigger picture.
When things go wrong I am happy to shrug it off and 'put it down to experience'.
I tend to reject wild, spontaneous ideas as being impractical.
It is best to think carefully before taking action.
On balance I do the listening rather than the talking.
I tend to be tough on people who find it difficult to adopt a logical approach.
Most times I believe the end justifies the means.
I do not mind hurting people's feelings so long as the job gets done.
I find the formality of having specific objectives and plans stifling.
I am usually one of the people who put life into a party.
I do whatever is expedient to get the job done. Top of page
I quickly get bored with methodical, detailed work.
I am keen on exploring the basic assumptions, principles and theories underpinning things and events.
I am always interested to find out what people think
I like meetings to be run on methodical lines, sticking to laid-down agendas, etc.
I steer clear of subjective or ambiguous topics.
I enjoy the drama and excitement of a crisis situation.
People often find me insensitive to their feelings.