Study Tips for Learning Styles

By | September 27, 2013
learning styles
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Learning styles are nothing but the way in which individuals store information or knowledge to recall at a later point in time. There are 3 basic learning styles namely Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic. On a general note most individuals usually use a combination of these that range from 2 to 3 styles respectively. Based on the basic styles are tips to aid these individuals while learning.

learning-styles

The Visual Learner (eyes; imagery): if you are visual learners then you probably learn best when you see the information so you need to make the maximum use of diagrams, images, associations, graphs, charts, presentations, maps and flash cards will be a good start.

Tip 1. Use Diagrams: to memorize biological information or descriptive material such as the parts of the brain, neurons, body or the solar system or machine parts try to visualize the information along with the diagram while positioning them in their respective places.

Tip 2. Use Images: if one needs to remember the path to the laboratory take mental pictures of the path taken to reach the laboratory.

Tip 3. Use memory improvement techniques: namely mnemonics such as rhymes, acronyms, acoustics, chunking, method of loci etc. To remember information such as the days in a month one can make use of the popular rhyme, form an acronym for the colours of the rainbow, form acoustics to remember the notes on a guitar, to remember a phone no. 9867534219 divide it in to smaller manageable chunks; visualize the items of a grocery list while placing them along a familiar route etc. are some examples of these techniques.

Tip 4. Form Associations: students can relate to the matter studied by associating the points to information that they have already learnt.

Tip 5. Use Graphs: students can make use of graphs such as line or bar graphs to recall statistical data as and when required.

Tip 6. Use Charts: create flow charts to remember topics that have processes involved in them. Or students can also use hierarchical.

Tip 7. Use Flash cards: flash cards come in handy when you have to remember information or details about famous personalities.

More Tips:

  • Write down quotes, lists, etc.
  • Look at speakers while they are talking to stay focused.
  • Work in a quiet place.
  • Study both by yourself and in study groups.
  • Take a lot of notes, and leave extra space to add missed details.
  • Copy over your notes. Rewriting helps recall.
  • Use color to highlight main ideas in your notes, textbooks, handouts, etc.
  • Write notes in the margins of your textbooks, documenting questions, etc.
  • Before reading an assignment, set a specific study goal, and write it down. Post it in front of you. Example, “From 7:00 to 7:30, I will read the first chapter.”
  • Preview a chapter before reading it by first looking at all the pictures, section headings, etc.
  • Sit toward the front of the class, if possible.
  • Write vocabulary words on index cards with short definitions on the back. Look through them frequently, write out the definitions again, and check yourself.

Auditory Learners (ears, hearing): these individuals learn better while listening. Therefore these individuals memorize matter during lectures and via recordings of the matter that has to be studied.

Tip 1. Lectures: while the topic is taught in class you need to pay careful attention to what is taught.

Tip 2. Recordings: ask permission to record the lectures and replay them when studying.

Tip 3. Highlight Topics: use highlighting markers to highlight important topics or students can also use pencils to highlight the important topics by underlining them.

More Tips:

  • Study with a friend so that you can talk out loud and hear the information.
  • Recite quotes, lists, dates, etc., out loud.
  • Ask your instructor if you can turn in a tape or give an oral report instead of written work.
  • Read or summarize your class notes onto a tape, or ask permission to tape record classroom lectures. Listen to the tapes three times in preparation for a test.
  • Before reading a chapter, look at all the pictures and headings, and then verbalize what you think the chapter will be about.
  • After you read a section, summarize it out loud.
  • Have a friend quiz you on vocabulary words; recite the word and definition out loud frequently.
  • Before beginning an assignment, set a specific study goal, and say it out loud. Example, “First, I will read my history chapter.”
  • Read aloud whenever possible. In a quiet library, try hearing the words in your head as you read.
  • When doing complicated math problems, use graph paper (or use regular lined paper sideways) to help alignment.
  • Use color and graphic symbols to highlight main ideas in your notes, textbooks, handouts, etc.

Kinesthetic Learner (physical touch and movement, learning by doing): these individuals usually learn better by movement and by doing the task.

Tip 1. Pace Around: by pacing around you will learn better.

Tip 2. Practical Exposure: these individuals need to feel the object or need to do the task via exposure therefore they need to get practical exposure if possible.

More Tips:

  • To memorize, pace or walk around while reciting to yourself, looking at a list, or
  • studying index cards.
  • When reading a textbook chapter, first look at the pictures, then read the summary or end-of-chapter questions, then look over the section headings and bold-faced words.
  • Get a feel for the whole chapter by reading the end selection first, and then work your way to the front of the chapter.
  • If you need to fidget when in class, try squeezing a Nerf ball or crossing your legs and bouncing the foot that is off the floor. Experiment with other ways of moving; just be sure you are not making noise or disturbing others.
  • You may not study best at a desk, so when you are at home, try studying while lying on your stomach or back. Also, try studying with music in the background.
  • If you have a stationary bicycle, try reading while pedaling.
  • Use a bright piece of construction paper in your favorite color as a desk blotter. This is called color grounding, and it can help you focus.
  • When studying, take breaks as frequently as you need. Just be sure to get right back to the task. A reasonable schedule is 20-30 minutes of studying and 5 minutes of break.
  • When trying to memorize information, close your eyes and write the information in the air, on a desk, or in the carpet with your finger. Picture the words in your head as you do this. If possible, hear them too. Later, when trying to recall this information, close your eyes, and see it with your mind’s eye, hear it in your head.
  • Move around as you study different topics. That way, you can picture your bed and think of one thing and your desk to think of another.
  • Organize information into charts, graphs, and models. Constructing these physical
  • representations will give you hands-on experience with abstract concepts.
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One thought on “Study Tips for Learning Styles

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