Learning styles

We don’t all learn in the same way, as you probably know from discussions in school. This also means that the most effective ways for some people to revise are often not the most effective ways for others to revise. Notes might work for some, tapes for others, diagrams and maps might suit you but using the internet might suit others better.

Visual learners learn best when they can see or visualise their information. This could be in the form of notes, diagrams, symbols, pictures, and so on.

Auditory learners learn best by taking their cues from sounds. Information becomes more meaningful for them when it is spoken out loud.

Kinaesthetic learners learn best through using touch, movement and space. Learning most often occurs through imitation and practice.
Nobody is exclusively a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner, we all have elements of each.However, one style of learning will tend to predominate.

You can complete the questionnaire online or print it out. This is a very simple method to find out your preferred learning style. If the results show that your score is higher in one area than the others then have a look at the lists of revision methods under each of the three headings : Visual, Kinaesthetic and Auditory. It may be that you discover new ways that really work for you! Good luck.

Visual Learners:

• Use visual materials such as pictures, charts, maps, graphs.
• Use colour to highlight important points in text.
• Make notes.
• Use colour coding for notes.
• Use multi-media (e.g. computers, internet and videos).
• Study in a quiet place away from noise and disturbances.
• Use illustrated revision books.
• Visualise information as a picture to aid memorization.
• Watch TV documentaries around the subject
• Make use of interactive whiteboards
• Make a big revision poster e.g. a giant mindmap

• Participate in discussions/debates about the topic you are trying to learn.
• Use role play and drama techniques including ‘hotseating’
• Make speeches and presentations – to yourself if necessary!
• Use a tape recorder to record your own notes.
• Read text out loud.
• Create musical jingles/raps to aid memorization.
• Create mnemonics to aid memorization.
• Discuss your ideas with a group of friends
• Dictate to someone while they write down your thoughts.

• Take frequent study breaks.
• Move around to learn new things (e.g. read while on an exercise bike, or walking).
• Work at a standing position.
• Put the main points on cards then sort in different ways.
• Chew gum while studying.
• Do demonstrations, role plays and acting.
• Use drawings, write things down, draw diagrams.
• Use bright colours to highlight reading material.
• Dress up your work space with posters.
• If you wish, listen to music while you study.
• Use the process of look, cover, remember, write.
• Skim through reading material to get a rough idea what it is about before settling down to read it in detail.