All people learn, process, and retain new information differently. To effectively learn, retain and apply new information at work, it can be helpful to understand which of the three common learning styles relates to each person.

According to the portal "RH Portugal", citing Adecco Portugal not only the most common learning styles, but also the professions that are usually associated.

1. Visual

Visual learners (also called "spatial learners") process information better when presented with images drawn on a whiteboard, charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, or other graphics. They usually process images before reading printed text and can also visualize concepts quickly.

Visual learners prefer instructions to be printed rather than given verbally and may often doodle or sketch when conceptualizing or trying to make sense of a new topic. Many visual learners remember something better after they have written or drawn it. They also tend to visually organize or compartmentalize information as they learn to help them connect concepts and ideas.

2. Auditory

Auditory learners process information better when it is spoken aloud, such as in a lecture or oral presentation: they can easily remember what others are saying and prefer to talk about topics they find complex or difficult to understand.

They prefer verbal instructions and may use repetition, particularly aloud, to memorize them. They may ask several questions to better understand the topic, and may need to hear something repeated more than once before they fully understand.

They work well in groups and enjoy team discussions. Auditory learners also often benefit from listening to recordings as a method of absorbing new concepts.

3. Synesthetic

Synesthetic learners (also called "tactile learners") process information through experience rather than by showing or telling. This type of student prefers to do more "hands-on" things. They prefer to touch and feel objects and can easily remember things they have done, as opposed to what they have heard or read.

They like to make and create things using their hands, and remember information better when they are physically involved. They can stand up, move around, or act out the information to remember it. They like to participate in the process by following or watching, and prefer to practice or rehearse concepts as a way of absorbing new information.