Perceptual Modes 
Perceptual modes are generally grouped into three categories: visual (learn by seeing), auditory (learn by hearing) and haptic (learn by doing). For a quick test of your preferred learning style, visit the Center for New Discoveries in Learning site.
The visual learner learns best by observing. They project a mental picture of the object or activity while reading or listening. They will often close their eyes while thinking or listening to enhance their mental picture. They don't remember well what they only hear. They extract details from the background, remembering faces rather than names. They remember phone numbers by the visual shape made by punching the numbers. They are very imaginative with a keen visual memory. They may have had an imaginary friend. They often assemble items using only the picture diagrams on the instructions. They usually sit in the front of the room, take copious notes, are neat and clean but often doodle, and need a quiet, passive environment to learn at their best. They are least likely to be placed in a gifted program, and need it most. Some visual learners are late bloomers, muddling along in elementary and junior high but excelling in high school and college. They tend to excel in fields such as computer technology, physics, aeronautics, arts, architecture, music and pure math. Thirty percent of the population are visual learners. Some visual learners are more print oriented than picture oriented. A visual learner does best with pictures, diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, maps, illustrations, videos, movies and TV, museum exhibits, demonstrations.
Visual Learners
The auditory learner learns by hearing. They form no mental picture but remember the way the words sound in their head. They often remember names but not faces. They may listen while laying down or looking out the window, and often do not take notes in class. They may ask another student to read the directions to them or ask the teacher for clarification of written instructions. They often hum or talk to themselves when bored or concentrating. They often read aloud under their breath. They enjoy talking and will often do well in a noisy environment. They can study effectively while listening to music or TV while studying.
Auditory Learners
Sometimes auditory learners are differentiated into two groups--auditory and interactive learners. Interactive learners prefer learning by discussion, debate, questions and answers and other interactive forms between teacher and/or students. The auditory learner also learns best with lectures, records, audiotapes, oral presentations, peer tutoring and techniques like taping their own notes, studying out loud and memorizing to music.
The haptic learner learns best while moving. Sometimes divided into kinesthetic, olfactory or tactile learners, these students do best when involved in body activities, and are action-oriented. Olfactory learners tend to interpret everything as a smell or taste. Haptic learners touch everything and learn from textures.
Haptic Learners
Kinesthetic learners learn best when using large muscles and whole body experiences. These students have a physical or emotional feeling about the words and skills they learn. They are in constant motion while reading or listening, they need frequent breaks or changes of pace to help them focus their attention. They often sit near the door, window, or end of the row. They often study with background music and snacks. They like to volunteer for demonstrations. They may use their hands or gesture while talking, move or tinker when bored, and communicate by touching. They tend to jump right in, not waiting for instructions. They use the trial-and-error method rather than a step-by-step approach. Their lockers and desks are disorganized, they are good scroungers and often packrats. They are natural experimenters, take risks and are process-oriented rather than data-oriented. They are often involved in their "life work": during extra-curricular activities or jobs outside of school.
Haptic learners are least addressed in the public school curriculum. Most teachers are visual or auditory learners, and their teaching styles reflect this preference. Haptic learners have the lowest correlation of IQ with grades, and are placed in remedial classes more frequently than other types of learners. Haptic learners make up 40% of the population. Most high school dropouts are haptic learners. Haptic learners learn best using manipulatives, physical games, constructions, experiments, field trips, simulations, dramatic role playing, pantomime, dancing, cooking, and other exploratory activities.