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Figure out what learning style suits you best to maximize your academic potential
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Everyone learns a little bit differently. Some people learn best by listening, while others are visual learners. Most people learn best with a combination of learning styles. Whether you are a student or just someone trying to expand your knowledge base, we'll help you learn everything there is to know about learning styles—and, most importantly, what yours could be.
Things You Should Know
- There are 7 different types of learning styles: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, verbal, logical, social, and solitary.
- Take a self-assessment like wikiHow's learning style quiz to figure out what your learning style is.
- Apply your learning style to your studying and schoolwork to get the most out of your sessions.
Steps
Section 3 of 3:
How to Use Your Learning Style
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Study more effectively. Knowing your learning style can help you retain information in a more effective manner. If you choose the best way for your brain to learn, you will pick up on concepts more quickly. Arrange your study sessions around your learning style.
- Forming a study group can be helpful for many types of learning styles, except for solitary learners. Ask classmates to join you at a set time and location each week to work together. It's best to study with people who have a similar learning style to your own.
- Social learners learn best in group settings outside of school, too. For example, a social learner would do best to take a group cooking class rather than reading a cookbook.
- If you are a solitary learner, plan your study sessions for times when you know you will be alone. If necessary, work out a schedule with your roommates or family members to ensure you'll have the alone time that you need.
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Combine learning styles. Most people learn best by using a combination of learning styles. Don't be afraid to use different methods to approach one topic or lesson. Combining learning styles can really accelerate the rate at which you learn. [10] X Research source
- Use different methods to take notes. If a skill seems like it is best recalled with words, just paraphrase the lecture. But if a picture would help, don't hesitate to draw a diagram in your notes to help you process the information.
- If you are a verbal learner, you probably rely mostly on words. Sometimes, it can be helpful to use an alternate style.
- For example, if you are trying to learn to play the piano, you will definitely want to listen to recordings and practice getting a feel for the keys.
- Using a wide variety of resources may be more effective than limiting yourself to one learning approach. When teaching, try to give your students a lot of different ways of learning. For instance, in class you can do both group work and lectures, and for homework you can give students books and have them watch videos or read online. You can even have drop-in office hours in case a student has questions. [11]
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Expert Source
Nathan Fox, JD
Academic Tutor Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.
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Use your senses. Once you have identified your learning style, you can begin using all of your senses to increase your knowledge. For example, if you are an auditory learner, you will learn to value your hearing. Try using a tape recorder to record lessons instead of just writing things down. [12] X Research source
- Physical learners learn best when moving. Try mentally reviewing your vocabulary list while going for a jog.
- You could also benefit from standing up when reading or writing. Physical learners retain more information when not sitting still.
- If you are a visual learner, try drawing a picture of any concept you want to master. You can also post sticky notes around your house with information. Seeing information regularly is key for you.
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Know your strengths. When you are trying to grasp a new concept, look for the most effective way to convey the information to your brain. Choose a method that fits your learning style. Don't be afraid to utilize more than one method. [13] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source
- If you are a solitary learner, find a quiet place to study. You can try a library or a coffee shop that isn't very busy.
- Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Supplement your solitary learning style by asking questions or comparing notes with a classmate.
- It's important to play to your strengths, but it's also a good idea to flex your mental muscles. You should occasionally try to switch up your method of learning. This is especially important so that you can learn well in multiple settings, including a traditional classroom. Though many teachers attempt to teach using various learning styles, it's important to be flexible so you can learn well in any setting.
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Learn more efficiently. Once you have identified your learning style, you will likely see a change in your mental capabilities. It will likely take you less time to learn a new concept. You will also likely retain information better. [14] X Research source
- If you adapt your habits to fit your learning style, you will eventually have to spend less time studying each topic. This doesn't mean you will spend less time learning--it just means you can learn more information in less time.
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Gain confidence. If you feel more comfortable learning new skills or information, you will be more confident. Confident learners tend to learn more quickly and effectively. You will be more likely to seek out new information. [15] X Research source
- Confident learners are more likely to speak up and ask questions. This is a great way to add to your knowledge base.
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Enhance your performance. Knowing your learning style can help outside of school, too. Use your knowledge to help improve your job performance. You will be able to become more productive and increase your value to your employer.
- Maybe you are a visual learner. If your job is in sales, make sure to track your output using charts and graphs. You'll be able to easier spot trends and ways to improve.
- If you are an auditory learner, ask your boss if she minds if you record your performance review. You can listen to the feedback again later and better absorb the information.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI don't want to write. I want to read only. What do I do?Community AnswerAuditory learners learn best through listening with their ears. They don't take notes, and they best retain information through listening. If it's allowed, then auditory learners record spoken lectures in class, if recording devices are allowed. If you love reading, then you are probably a verbal learner. They learn best through reading, so you're probably a half auditory half verbal learner.
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QuestionHow do I know about my students' learning style?Community AnswerObserve them while you are teaching. For example, if you are teaching them photosynthesis, some of them would draw a diagram of a plant/ they would write the key points/they might record your audio and lots more things.
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QuestionWhat are some tips for a visual and verbal learner?Community AnswerTry using flashcards, flowcharts and diagrams. Check out a channel by Ellen Kelley. She's a visual learner and she also explains about her various methods of studying.
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Tips
- You may be suited to a combination of different learning styles. For example you may like to read the material out loud as well as taking notes. This means you are partly a visual and partly an audio learner.Thanks
- Usually, hands-on learners are partly visual or auditory learners as well.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/auditory-visual-and-kinesthetic-helping-children-succeed-through-different-learning-styles
- ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blog/2020/08/auditory-learning-style.html
- ↑ https://www.houghton.edu/current-students/center-for-student-success/academic-support-and-accessibility-services/study-advisement/general-study-information/kinesthetic-learning-style/
- ↑ https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/page/view.php?id=152108
- ↑ https://materchristi.libguides.com/c.php?g=169439&p=1114549
- ↑ https://rehoboth.wa.edu.au/effective-study-tips-solitary-learners/
- ↑ https://www.webtools.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/
- ↑ https://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html
- ↑ https://www.umassd.edu/dss/resources/faculty-staff/how-to-teach-and-accommodate/how-to-accommodate-different-learning-styles/
- ↑ https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/2-4-learning-styles
- ↑ Nathan Fox, JD. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/science/continuum/Pages/sensesworking.aspx
- ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/articles/different-learning-strengths-what-you-need-to-know
- ↑ https://help.open.ac.uk/emotional-intelligence
- ↑ https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2019/04/26/5-ideas-develop-confident-learners/
About This Article
Article Summary
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Discover your learning style by trying out different approaches to see which ones you like best, such as by drawing a picture of a concept to test out your visual learning abilities. If you take in more information by listening to a lecture or reading a book, you may be a verbal learner. Think about whether you learn more in a group setting or by yourself to decide if you're a social or solitary learner. For tips on combining learning styles, and how to take a test to find out what your style is, read on!
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