There are no "right" answers for the questions below. It's okay if you cannot recall exactly which type of questions you most often faced; try to remember as best you can. Write from your heart. This exercise is not meant for you to answer just like your classmates, or to match what you may think the instructor wants to see. Take your time to give a respectful and responsible general accounting of your experiences with critical thinking. A truthful self-assessment now will help you build on skills you presently possess while developing those you lack.

For the following items highlight the number that best describes your typical experience. The key for the numbers is: 0 = never, 1 = almost never, 2 = occasionally, 3 = frequently, 4 = almost always, 5 = always

When considering your past successes and challenges with learning, how often:

1.Did you notice that a classroom lecture, when it was accompanied with photos, slides, transparencies, or a PowerPoint presentation, either positively or negatively affected your ability to understand the material?

0 1 2 3 4 5

2.Did you notice that directions, when they were given verbally without any visuals, affected your ability to understand the message?

0 1 2 3 4 5

3.Did you notice that when you were allowed to do something physically with material, like create a picture or model of it, this had an impact on your learning?

0 1 2 3 4 5

4.Did you notice that the amount of lighting in a room either positively or negatively affected your ability to study or pay attention?

0 1 2 3 4 5

5.Were you aware of how the temperature of a classroom or study space had an impact on how well you focused on the topic at hand?

0 1 2 3 4 5

*Study Skills: Do I Really Need This Stuff? 2nd Edition. Piscitelli, S. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2009.

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Activity Sheet:

Reflecting on Your Learning Style*

1. Did you perform better when instructors clearly mapped the exact steps you had to follow to complete a task?

0 1 2 3 4 5

2. Did you notice the affect eating or not eating a meal before an exam had on your performance?

0 1 2 3 4 5

3. Did you notice how background noise helped or hindered your concentration?

0 1 2 3 4 5

1. Add up your scores for items 1, 2, 3, and 6. Divide by 4. Write your answer here: __4.25__

Using the key explanations for each number (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) complete this sentence:

When it comes to how I receive and understand information, I am ____almost always____ aware of my learning preference.

2. Add up your scores for items 4, 5, 6, and 8. Divide by 4. Write your answer here: __4.25___

Using the key explanations for each number (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) complete this sentence:

When it comes to how environmental factors affect my learning, I am ____almost always_____ aware of these factors.

Based on your answers, what insights do you have about your experiences with identifying and using your learning style? Based on my answers I like to seeing and feeling my surroundings when I am learning. Sounds do not bother me and I prefer hands on learning or a visual explanation.

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Activity Sheet:

Reflecting on Your Learning Style*