There are many different ways to learn and process information, including specific ones that work well for some people, and not so much for others. Everyone is the most comfortable learning information presented in certain ways. Which type of learner are you, and how can you use this knowledge to improve your studying? Continue reading to find out!
There are 4 main types of learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing learners. However, there are more specific subcategories, such as social and solitary learners. You can discover more details about those more specific types of learning, and possibly find a combination of what works for you! For now, here are the four main categories of learning styles:
Visual Learners
Visual learners are identified as having more spatial intelligence, meaning they learn more when they observe concepts with images and visualizations of the information. Rather than learning through words, seeing pictures are more helpful for them to understand new ideas. These people are usually artistic, creative, and organized.
Tips for studying: Using graphs, tables, diagrams, symbols, and colors will work best for visual learners. They also study best in quiet spaces because they can get easily distracted by noisy surroundings. In addition, color-coding and doodling can be very helpful for visual learners, and videos are preferred over reading textbooks. Using whiteboards are a great method to abide to this type of learning.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners can have verbal and/or musical intelligence. This means they are better at processing information that is delivered through sound, such as verbal lectures and discussions. They are usually talkative, good at verbally explaining things, and enjoy music.
Tips for studying: Reading out loud, engaging in discussions, and giving/listening to presentations are the best ways for auditory learners to process information. Using song melodies and collaborating with other students to study or work on projects is also helpful for them to exercise their strength in this sense. Repeating phrases and words out loud also helps them memorize information.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners have bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, and learn best from experience and performing concepts physically. Getting their hands involved helps them learn things, as they can physically play with the concepts they are trying to learn. They are usually physically active, energetic, and sometimes have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time.
Tips for studying: Performing hands-on experiments, building things through trial and error, and other forms of physical concepts are best for these learners to understand. They learn more when they move around rather than staying still, which can be endorsed through acting out concepts and ideas. In addition, taking frequent breaks is often needed to boost concentration.
Reading/Writing Learners
Reading/Writing learners have linguistic intelligence, and learn best when reading information in written language. They usually enjoy reading, expressing themselves by writing in diaries and journals, and doing their own research.
Tips for studying: These types of learners are most accommodated for in-traditional school, where most assignments involve textbooks, essays, and research. By doing those assignments in a timely manner and searching for their own resources when they need more information, they should be good to go for exams and essays!
Do any of these learning styles resonate with you? Or maybe a combination of several? Hopefully you can apply these tips to improve your study habits! Good luck!
References:
“Auditory Learning Style.” Time4Learning, 23 Oct. 2019, www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/auditory-aural.html.
“Kinesthetic Learning Style.” Time4Learning, 23 Oct. 2019, www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/kinesthetic-tactile.html.
Malvik, Callie. “4 Types of Learning Styles: How to Accommodate a Diverse Group of Students.” Rasmussen College, 17 Aug. 2020, www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles.
“Visual Learning Style.” Time4Learning, 13 June 2020, www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/visual-spatial.html.
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