Learning Styles: How You Study Best
Take this quick quiz and find out what type of learner you are!
Learning Styles: Take this quick quiz to find out how you learn and study best!
When studying, I’m most easily distracted from learning by…
- people talking loudly.
- movement around me.
- an uncomfortable study area.
When trying to solve a test question, I…
- talk myself through the problem in my head.
- draw diagrams and write down key information.
- use objects or move around to think.
When giving someone directions, I…
- tell them the names of streets they’ll make turns on.
- give them a description of landmarks they’ll pass
- suggest that they just follow me to the destination.
When reading a book, I’m most interested in…
- dialog and conversations between characters.
- descriptive scenes and strong imagery.
- intense action scenes.
Mostly A: Auditory
Mostly B: Visual
Mostly C: Tactile
Learning Styles:
AUDITORY
If you’re an auditory learner, you thrive on sound and spoken instruction. Your best bet is studying with the aid of sound and speech. One way you can do this is with flashcards— reviewing and reading each card out loud will help commit the information to memory. If you can, try recording your lectures or test review sessions. Auditory learners often benefit greatly from study groups—talking and hearing others talk about test material is a great way to process information
TIP: Try listening to classical music while studying— it’s scientifically proven to help you focus and recall information more easily!
VISUAL
Visual learners learn best by seeing— you should study with visual aids and diagrams. Make sure to take good notes, because writing things down will help you recall the information when it’s testing time. Use diagrams and charts in your notes, and be sure to highlight key points in bright colors. Visual learners can benefit from color-coding notes— highlighting certain information in certain colors can aid in recalling test material. When reading or listening to a lecture, try to visualize the things you hear.
TIP: Visual learners study best when they are alone in a clean, organized space. Time to clean your room!
TACTILE
Tactile learners prefer to learn with a hands-on approach. If you’re a tactile learner, you probably learn best by doing. Try walking around your room while reading notes or reciting information. Holding something in your hand while studying, such as an eraser or a small trinket, can help you focus and recall information more effectively. Most tactile learners can also be categorized as either visual or auditory learners.
TIP: Chew gum while studying. Then, when it’s testing time, chew the same flavor of gum- you may be able to remember the information more clearly!
You know yourself better than anyone—the best method is ultimately the one that works for you! If you don’t fit into one of these categories, try blending the techniques until you find your study groove.
Want more test-taking tips? Click here!
