.

Learning Styles

You may have noticed that you may prefer to learn in a different way to those around you. For example, you may learn best from listening to an explanation, reading information or you may prefer watching a demonstration.

'Learning styles' are the different ways in which people may learn, the ways in which they prefer to process and organise information. There are a number of learning styles, the principal ones being:

  • Visual: sight
  • Auditory: hearing
  • Reading and Writing
  • Kinaesthetic: involves doing things/moving and touching

It must be emphasised that there is not a hierarchy of learning styles and that you are very likely to use a range of styles. It is in your interest to realise which style you prefer, as this will enable you to make the most effective use of your revision time.

The following link is to a simple test to diagnose your learning style; it will help you choose which learning style you prefer.

Diagnose your learning style using the following link:

http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

 

Learning Development Centre
Maximise your Potential @ the LDC!

Study tips for visual learners

  • Colour (colour combinations) for different topics/issues
  • Highlighting can help visual learners remember key words/topics
  • Scale/image size - in accordance to the importance of a topic/to mark contrast
  • Associate images of objects with topics and labelling parts
  • Use a clear lay out
  • Pictures/charts (graphs/flowcharts)/maps - may help understanding
  • Mind mapping helps organise topics/ideas visually
  • Gradually reduce your notes into bullet points, then key words and/or images
  • Write the notes using as few words as possible as this forces you to process the information

 http://www.studyskills.soton.ac.uk/studytips/learn_styles.htm

Study tips for auditory learners

  • Record your notes and listen to them while walking/doing everyday tasks
  • Make up and chant/sing songs/rhymes to help you remember processes or information
  • Talk to yourself/imagine you are teaching somebody else this information - with and without your notes at hand
  • Discussing things with another person or a group of people can help
  • Ask somebody else to read aloud to you
  • Some people find it easier to work with background music

Study tips for people who prefer reading and writing

  • Use lists/headings/dictionaries/glossaries
  • Read handouts/textbooks/notes

Study tips for kinaesthetic learners

  • Some people find it easier to move around as they are revising. Rather than sitting at a desk, kinaesthetic learners may prefer to walk while reciting their notes
  • It may help you to mentally review your notes while carrying out a physical activity such as jogging or swimming
  • Using models/machines - the equipment involved in processes that you may be revising may also be useful

The tips above were formed using Cotterel, S. (2003) and http://www.studyskills.soton.ac.uk/studytips/learn_styles.htm