Trying to make the most of your revision time? Identifying the best learning style for you can make studying simpler. Some students find they prefer a single style of learning, while others like to mix-and-match. Take a look at the tips below, to see which ones are best suited to you.
Are you a Visual Learner?
- You remember what you read, not what you hear.
- You learn best from seeing things written out or drawn.
- Colours help you organise information.
- You like taking detailed notes.
- You find spoken directions hard to remember and are easily distracted by noise.
- You need to ask a lot of questions.
Revision tips:
- You learn best using visual tools such as flashcards, post it notes and mindmaps.
- Where appropriate, ask for handouts from the lectuers to revise from.
- Try closing your eyes and visualizing concepts to help you remember them.
- Use lots of colour in your notes.
- Draw what you are visualising.
- Utilise to-do lists.
Top tip for visual learners: Keep your study space uncluttered and quiet.
Are you an Auditory Learner?
- You are good at explaining ideas out loud.
- You are skilled at presentations.
- You follow verbal instructions well.
- You are able to work through complex problems by talking out loud.
- You benefit from group discussions.
- You recall spoken information with greater ease than written.
Revision tips:
- Read out loud when studying.
- Quiz a study buddy.
- Record yourself reading your notes.
- Listen to music while studying.
- Repeat facts with your eyes closed.
- If you do make flashcards read them out loud.
- Teach someone else your notes, whether this is a friend, family member or a pet.
Top tip for auditory learners: When possible, read questions out loud.
Are you a Kinaesthetic Learner?
- You need to be actively engaged in your learning.
- You have an excellent motor memory and can duplicate something after doing it a few times.
- You learn best through the process of doing.
- You can easily become bored in a traditional classroom setting.
- You prefer to stand up or pace when revising as your are more engaged and connected to the learning process.
Revision tips:
- Combine study with exercise.
- Test yourself and bounce a tennis ball for each question you answer correctly.
- Draw flowcharts and use post it notes.
- Write your own notes by hand rather than type them.
- Revise in a group.
- Design your own practice tests.
- Use lots of examples in your notes.
Top tip for kinaesthetic learners: Take regular breaks to move around/exercise.