If you’ve ever reread a line in a textbook for 10 minutes without getting the meaning, you’ll probably know that studying can be boring. But that’s only true if you haven’t yet found your individual learning style. By understanding your own learning style, you can master a subject you’re interested in, without the usual studying pains.
Visual learners learn best through images and spatial understanding. You often find you need to see it to know it. You retain information easily when it’s in the form of pictures, graphs, books, and other visual formats. You might have artistic talent and be less comfortable with spoken instructions.
If this applies to you, you can enhance your learning by drawing pictures, diagrams, taking notes, and reviewing your notes frequently. Use flowcharts to grasp complex concepts, and make flashcards to memorize ideas. As you read, highlight the words, Use a colour coding system to organise your notes, and write out anything you need to remember.
Taking notes, re-reading, and again re-reading can boost your understanding. Once you’ve done your reading for a class, write out an outline, and create your own diagrams if necessary. Visual thinkers need a quiet environment to study effectively, so hit the library or grab some earplugs before settling down to study.
If you’re an aural or auditory learner, you learn by listening. You might also learn by talking, and find visual instructions harder to comprehend than spoken ones. Reading and writing can feel like a challenge.
If this applies to you, try taping your lectures and classes and re-listening to them to retain information more effectively. If you don’t have time to listen to whole lectures, pay attention to your recording counter and make a note when challenging concepts are being explained. This means you’ll be able to go back quickly and listen to only the parts you need.
Seek out study groups where you can talk out the lesson where possible. Find other auditory learners so you can chat about your classes. Try an interview format with questions and answers when studying with classmates, as this can reinforce concepts in your mind.
When reading textbooks, read out aloud or use an app on your computer that reads text out aloud for you. Tape yourself reading questions out loud and answering them, and listen to your recording to enforce concepts in your head. Use word association and rhyming to help with retaining information.
If you find yourself learning most effectively by reading and writing, go through your notes after class and rewrite them in a notebook. It helps to jot down notes when you’re reading, and like visual learners, you can retain information better when you highlight key points. When you finish reading, write out a quick outline to affirm the information in your mind. Use other tools like sticky notes, lists, and PowerPoint slides to write out and visualise what you’re learning.
Kinaesthetic learners learn by doing, so they can benefit from integrating some hands-on activities into their study sessions. You’re likely to have athletic ability. Look for opportunities to make your learning experiential, whether it’s keeping your hands busy as you type or going for a jog while listening to a recorded lecture. You might find you can memorise best when you’re walking or doing some other physical activity.
Other study aids to use include flashcards, read-out-aloud apps for reading, and search engines for research. Visit real-life locations related to your work, and supplement your study sessions with excursions. Make models, draw diagrams, and get active with your learning materials. It’s a good idea to take regular breaks while you study because if you’re a kinaesthetic learner, chances are you don’t like sitting still for long periods.
Whether you’re a visual, aural, or other type of learner, you might also fall into either the social or solitary category. Social learners tend to be great communicators with strong writing and verbal skills. You learn effectively when you work with others and bounce ideas off each other. Solitary learners, on the other hand, prefer studying alone and solving study puzzles by themselves. By paying attention to whether you study best in groups or alone, you can further enhance your study sessions and be a more successful student.
Learning styles can significantly impact how well we learn. You could be strongly one type of learner or have a combination learning style. Finding your unique learning style can help you learn more effectively, enjoy higher satisfaction from your studies, and achieve your academic goals. International Career Institute UK is an accredited distance learning institute helping professionals achieve their career goals. To find out how our courses can help you progress in your career, visit our website for more information.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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