Students often find themselves studying hours for a test but not getting the desired grade. If this situation sounds familiar, you might not be learning in the most beneficial way for you. To effectively take in information, it is helpful to know the best way you learn and retain information.
Visual learning
If you are a visual learner, you learn best through pictures, symbols and colors. While taking notes, try drawing pictures to help you remember rather than writing words. Some helpful tools are flashcards, highlighters and different colored pens. Using methods such as mind maps, flowcharts, one-pagers and diagrams to take notes are helpful to retain information. Additionally, color-coding your notes can help the brain associate particular words or concepts to a certain color, which can help in recalling information. You can also put up sticky notes around your workspace as visual reminders about upcoming tests and deadlines.
Reading/Writing learning
As the name suggests, you are probably a reading/writing learner if you learn best through words. While this sounds similar to visual learning, the reading/writing learning style centers more around written words than pictures and symbols. Some methods to help you learn a concept is through writing down what you understand in your own words and referring to textbooks or written content while studying. You can also translate visual aids such as diagrams and flowcharts into your own written words. Rewriting your notes and creating your own study guides and questions help you understand the content at a deeper level.
Auditory learning
If you are an auditory learner, you learn best through listening. Unlike visual and reading/writing learning, the auditory style does not involve much writing or drawing. Studying could be through listening to lectures, group discussions and taking notes from what you have heard rather than from a textbook or presentation. To ensure that a concept sticks, read the text aloud or record yourself explaining the topic to refer back to, such as on the way to school or just before a lecture.
Kinesthetic learning
If you learn best through hands-on activities and using your five senses, then you are likely a kinesthetic learner. Some ways to study is to explain a concept out loud in your own words, as if you are teaching someone new to the topic. Come up with an example by relating it to your own personal life. Incorporating real-life examples and using physical objects to model a situation can additionally aid in grasping challenging topics or concepts. Working in different places rather than sitting in one place can also help to retain information due to the frequent change of environment.
Figuring out what type of learning best suits you saves time while also increasing productivity. It is possible that you are a combination of two or more of these styles, so do not limit yourself to following just one method.
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