How to Choose What to Learn Based on Your Learning Style

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Hi, this is Ray.

Confession time: for a guy who writes about learning, I’ve wasted more time on random online courses than I’d like to admit. I once signed up for a 40-hour course on how to code in Python… because I thought it would make me cool at parties. Spoiler: it didn’t. Turns out that unless your party guests are robots or data scientists, nobody wants to hear about loops and dictionaries while eating nachos.

That painful experience taught me something important: what you learn matters, but how you choose it matters even more. Especially if you want it to stick. And the way to make that choice smarter? By understanding your learning style.

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First, what is a learning style anyway?

Learning style is basically your brain’s favorite operating system. Some of us are visual learners who love diagrams, mind maps, and colors. Others are auditory learners who soak up podcasts and lectures. Then there are kinesthetic learners, the hands-on tinkerers who learn best by doing. And of course, there are the readers and writers, who feel happiest when drowning in notes, textbooks, or overly detailed grocery lists.

Before you panic: no, you don’t have to put yourself in a box forever. Most of us are a mix, but knowing your primary learning style helps you choose subjects and methods that actually click instead of fighting your brain like it’s a boss battle in Dark Souls.

Why choosing the right subject matters

Here’s the mistake I used to make: I picked what to learn based on trends. “Data science is hot right now.” “Everyone’s doing blockchain.” “AI is the future.” And sure, those topics are shiny, but if the way they’re taught doesn’t match my learning style, it’s like trying to install a Windows game on a Nintendo Switch. You’re going to waste time and probably end up crying.

Research shows that aligning your study methods with your learning style improves both engagement and retention. In plain English, it means you’ll actually remember what you studied instead of blanking out when someone asks, “So what did you learn?”

How to pick what to learn, based on your style

1. Visual learners: See it to believe it

If you’re a visual learner, pick subjects where diagrams, videos, and visuals are baked in. Graphic design, anatomy, architecture, or even chemistry (all those colorful molecules and reactions) can feel like home. Avoid fields that are taught purely through dry text or endless lectures.

Pro tip: Even if you end up in a less visual subject, use tools like infographics, mind maps, or apps like Notion and Miro to turn abstract ideas into something you can see.

Geek analogy: You’re like Iron Man’s HUD. Information makes sense once it’s projected in front of your eyes.

2. Auditory learners: Hear me out

Auditory learners thrive when they can listen, discuss, or debate. If that’s you, look for subjects with lots of conversation and storytelling: history, philosophy, law, or even music.

Podcasts, audiobooks, and discussion groups should be your weapon of choice. And if you’re ever forced into silent study, record yourself reading notes and play them back while pretending you’re narrating a Netflix documentary.

Geek analogy: You’re basically Groot. “I am Groot” makes perfect sense to you if you hear it in the right tone.

3. Kinesthetic learners: Touch it, break it, fix it

Kinesthetic learners need to move. If this is you, subjects like sports science, engineering, carpentry, or cooking will feel natural. Abstract theory? Not so much.

You’ll do best with hands-on workshops, labs, or simulations. Even if you’re learning something abstract like math, try physical activities like using blocks, drawing graphs by hand, or pacing while solving equations. Yes, people will think you’re weird… but they’ll also envy your grades.

Geek analogy: You’re Spider-Man. Until you’re swinging around testing things, you don’t really get it.

4. Reading and writing learners: Word wizards

If you love books, notes, and essays, congratulations. University was basically built for you. Pick subjects that give you mountains of written material to chew through: literature, law, psychology, or any academic field where research papers are your daily diet.

Even in visual or auditory-heavy subjects, you can adapt by writing summaries, keeping detailed journals, or making flashcards. Basically, turn everything into words.

Geek analogy: You’re Hermione Granger. You’d rather take notes than save the world, but those notes eventually do save the world.

What if your subject doesn’t match your style?

Sometimes life doesn’t care about your learning style. You might need to learn accounting even if you’re a kinesthetic learner who’d rather juggle flaming swords. Don’t panic. Science shows that adapting methods can bridge the gap.

For example:

• Visual learners in math can use graphs, charts, and color-coding.

• Auditory learners in science can explain concepts out loud or join study groups.

• Kinesthetic learners in history can role-play events or build timelines with sticky notes.

• Reading/writing learners in design can keep detailed process logs.

The trick is not to fight your style but to hack the subject so it fits you.

The danger of ignoring your learning style

Here’s the ugly truth: ignoring your style can make learning harder than it needs to be. Studies show mismatched teaching styles lead to lower motivation and higher dropout rates . Translation: you quit more often, and not in the cool “I quit this job to build my dream startup” way. More like the sad “I quit my online course halfway because the videos put me to sleep” way.

I know, because I’ve been there. I once tried to learn guitar through a textbook. A textbook. No sound, no practice, just endless paragraphs on chord structure. After two weeks, my “playing” sounded like a raccoon trapped in a washing machine. If I’d used my auditory style and learned through songs, I might have been shredding solos by now instead of writing newsletters about it.

How to actually apply this

1. Take a learning style quiz: Get clarity on your strengths.

2. Match subjects to your style: Choose topics that naturally play to your brain’s preferences.

3. Hack the mismatch: When forced to learn outside your style, adapt the subject into your format.

4. Test and adjust: Try short experiments before committing. If it doesn’t click in two weeks, pivot.

Final nerdy takeaway

Learning is like building your character in an RPG. If your class is “Visual Wizard,” stop trying to wield the “Auditory Barbarian” axe. Sure, you could grind for hours and eventually manage it, but why not play to your strengths first? Once you’re strong enough, you can pick up off-class skills without dying in the tutorial stage.

So, the next time you’re tempted by the latest shiny subject, pause and ask yourself: does this match how I learn best? If yes, jump in. If no, tweak the method before you waste 40 hours and a lot of nachos.

Hi, this is Ray… still not a Python coding party hero, but at least I finally know how to choose what to learn without pulling my hair out.

Sources:

1. Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest.

2. Coffield, F., Moseley, D., Hall, E., & Ecclestone, K. (2004). Should We Be Using Learning Styles?. Learning and Skills Research Centre.

3. Litzinger, T. A., Lee, S. H., Wise, J. C., & Felder, R. M. (2007). A Psychometric Study of the Index of Learning Styles. Review of Educational Research.