Are you a kinesthetic, auditory, or visual learner? If you aren’t sure, it might be helpful to take a quiz to figure it out. When you know what type of learning style you have, you can determine the best learning techniques to use. There are various techniques that apply to all types of strengths. By using the proper techniques, you can improve your chances of remembering things you learn. Read more about the different types of learning styles and techniques to use with each style as well.
Kinesthetic Learning Style
Are you a kinesthetic learner? Kinesthetic learners retain information best when they can touch the materials or manipulate their materials. If you are a kinesthetic learner, there are some learning techniques that may benefit you. Some of these learning techniques include:
- Creating Flow Charts – Kinesthetic learners retain information through doing. If you can build and create flow charts for the notes you take, your mind is more capable of comprehending information and noticing patterns as well. The flow charts give you a visual of the information, instead of just having it written out in lines. Post-its are great for making note flow charts. You can use a whiteboard to place your post-its on.
- Studying Through Activities – Kinesthetic learners can retain more information when they are partaking in an activity. If you walk while listening to recorded notes, you may be more likely to retain the information. You can use a treadmill or go for a walk outdoors.
- Moving your Fingers – When kinesthetic learners are trying to retain information, it might be helpful for them to move their fingers while they study. If you trace keywords with your fingers while repeating definitions, for instance, this could help.
These are some of the best learning techniques for the kinesthetic learning style. If this is the type of learner you happen to be, try these tips the next time you study.
Auditory Learning Style
Are you an auditory learner? Auditory learners retain information more when they hear the information. If you are an auditory learner, there are some learning techniques that may benefit you. Some of these learning techniques include:
- Recording the Lectures – In order to teach students the lessons, professors and teachers often give lectures. If you are an auditory learner, you may need to listen to this information later, rather than just reading notes. You could start recording the lectures. When you are studying, you can go back and listen to the recordings again. The recordings also make sure you didn’t miss any information when taking notes.
- Saying Answers Out Loud – Auditory learners may need to say the answers to questions out loud. If you have a worksheet or a study guide, it might help to say the question and answer out loud, before writing it down. If you are studying, it may help you to work with a partner, where each of you answer questions out loud.
- Word Associations – If you have an auditory learning style, it might help you to make word associations when trying to retain information. Making up rhymes or songs, also known as mnemonic devices, is a great way to learn.
These are some of the best learning techniques for the auditory learning style. If this is the type of learner you are, try these tips the next time you study.
Visual Learning Style
Are you a visual learner? Visual learners need pictures, maps, or colors to best retain information. There are some great learning techniques that might help with this type of learning style. Some of these learning techniques include:
- Taking Notes During Lectures – If you have a visual learning style, it may be difficult for you to remember everything the teacher talks about. This is why notes are extremely important. As a visual learner, you can keep looking at and studying your notes, to best retain the information.
- Writing an Outline – If you are a visual learner and need to study for an exam, creating an outline for the material might be best. This could help you to organize information and see it repeatedly. You can focus on the patterns of information you create in the outline to best retain the information.
- Marking the Material – Highlighters are excellent for visual learners. If you have a few different colored highlighters when taking notes, you can mark your material. You can then go back and read the information you highlighted. Seeing the information in color may help you to best retain the information.
These are some of the best learning techniques for the visual learning style. If this is the type of learner you happen to be, try these tips the next time you study.
Things Not to Do While Studying
Now that you know what learning techniques you can use, depending on your learning style, there are some things you shouldn’t do while studying as well. Some of these things include:
- Drinking Before Studying – Alcohol is not a good combination for studying. Substances, such as a alcohol, will make you more forgetful. Even if you think you are retaining the information, it is likely you will soon forget it.
- Studying in Bed – No matter what type of learner you are, studying in bed isn’t a good idea. While it is good to feel comfortable while studying, most people will feel too relaxed if they are studying in their bed. This could cause tiredness which could lead to not retaining enough information.
- Multi-Tasking – You should never try multi-tasking when you are studying. This will only cause you to forget information or get answers wrong. You may even retain the wrong information because you are focused on too many things at once.
These are some of the things you shouldn’t do while studying. If you want the best chance of studying success, avoid doing these things at all costs.
Now that you have learned about the various learning styles, you can figure out which type of learner you are. If you already know what learning style you have, you can use the tips above to get studying. Be sure to avoid the things on the bottom if you want to succeed in your studies.
Author Bio: Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them.
