A coach should take the time to understand their own preferred learning style because it is likely that it directly impacts how they will teach. Most coach’s will teach skills and tactics:

In the way they were taught the skill/ tactic; and/or
In a manner that suits their own learning style.

Having an understanding of their own preferred learning style will help coaches to better understand the possible causes of “disconnect” with their athletes (the coach should reflect upon situations where they have found learning difficult) and the need to cater for the range of learning styles that is likely to exist.

What is your learning style?

This test will provide an indication of your preferred learning style. For each question, choose the answer that best explains your preference and then circle the corresponding letter (V, A, R or K).

1.	You are about to give directions to a person on how to get to your house. Would you:
V	draw a map on paper
R	write down the directions (without a map)
A	tell them the directions
K	go and get them in your car

2.	You are visiting a friend and have a rental car. You don’t know where they live. Would you like them to:
V	draw you a map
R	write down the directions (without a map)
A	tell you the directions
K	pick you up

3.	You have just booked tickets to see the Basketball World Cup, which your friend would be interested to know about. Would you:
a	call them immediately and tell them about it
R	send them a copy of your printed itinerary
v	show them a map of where you are going

4.	You are going to cook a dessert as a special treat. Do you:
k	cook something familiar that you don’t need instructions
v	thumb through a cookbook for ideas from the pictures
r	refer to a specific cookbook where there is a good recipe
a	ask others for advice

5.	You have been assigned to tell a small group about famous sites in your city. Would you:
k	take them to the various sites
v	show slides and photographs of the various sites
r	give them a book that includes the various sites
a	give them a talk on the sites

6.	You are about to buy a new camera. Other than price, what would most influence your decision?
a	a friend talking about it
k	trying it out
r	reading the details about it
v	its distinctive appearance

7.	Which game do you prefer
a	Pictionary
R	Scrabble
k	Charades

8.	You are about to learn how to use a new computer programme. Would you:
k	ask a friend to show you
R	read the manual
A	telephone a friend and ask questions about it
v	watch a “how to” video on YouTube

9.	You are not sure whether a word should be spelt “dependent” or “dependant”. Do you?
r	look it up in the dictionary
v	see the word in your mind & choose the best way it looks
A	sound it out
K	write down both versions

10.	Apart from price, what would most influence your decision to buy a particular book about coaching?
k	using a friend’s copy
R	skim-reading part of it
A	a friend talking about it
K	it looks OK

Whichever letter you have circled most is indicative of your preferred learning style. It is possible to have more than one preferred learning style, which would be indicated by two letters being about equal.