Reading Week begins today (phew) and I think it’s safe to say that we are all in badly need of a break from school! Unfortunately for us, it only lasts one week and soon enough we will be thrown back into the world of textbooks, essays and exams. Don’t stress too much though! One way you can improve your study and work habits is by getting a better understanding of your personal learning style preference.
Although there are many types of learning styles, there are four that are the most common: visual, auditory, read/write and kinaesthetic . Here are some helpful study practices for each of them!
Visual learners need to see and visualize information. They learn best through responding to and creating images that connect to meaning.
Study Tips for visual learners:
1. Sit at the front of class.
2. Make handwritten notes and include as much detail as you can.
3. Create mind maps, charts, graphs and diagrams.
4. Use videos, illustrations, slides and other visual aids.
5. Color code your notes by highlighting and/or underline different types of information.
6. Make flashcards.
7. Study in a quiet, decluttered and visually pleasing environment.
Auditory learners prefer to hear
rather than read information.
Study Tips for auditory learners:
1. Read your textbook and lecture notes aloud to yourself as you study.
2. proofread any assignments or essays out loud.
3. If permitted, record your lectures and listen later.
4. Use word associations or mnemonic devices to remember material.
5. Study with a friend and quiz each other on the material.
Read/write learners have a preference for engaging with textual information (print or online).
Study Tips for read/write learners:
1. Make handwritten study notes which helps with memory retention.
2. Make lists!
3. Paraphrase information in writing.
4. Write out definitions.
5. Keep a journal.
6. Read over your textbooks and notes multiple times.
7. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite!
Kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing and engaging in hands-on experiences.
Study Tips for kinesthetic learners:
1. Create practice tests and then have others quiz you.
2. Reflect on content while doing physical activities like walking or exercising.
3. Take frequent break as needed and be sure to change your scenery.
4. Make flashcards.
5. Study in a group that engages in active learning strategies such as games.
6. Include real life examples that relate to the material when taking notes.