HOW DO YOU LEARN?

Learning styles are individual ways of learning. There are several learning styles, each based on characteristics of individuals personality. The objective of learning style is to offer a set of educational methods and practice methodology by which the individual learns the best. Most people prefer an identifiable method of interacting with, taking in, and processing an information. This information could be visual or audio. It could be also information obtained by doing.

Are you an Auditory Learner? Auditory Learners learn best when information is presented in an auditory language format. Do you seem to learn best in classes that emphasize teacher lectures and class discussions? Does listening to CDs help you learn better? Do you find yourself reading aloud or talking things out to gain better understanding? If YES, you are probably an Auditory Learner.

Are you a Visual Learner? Visual Learners learn best when information is presented in a written language format or in another visual format such as pictures or diagrams. Do you do best in classes in which teachers provide clear handouts, and make extensive use of videos? Do you try to remember information by creating pictures in your mind? Do you take detailed written notes from your textbooks and in class? If YES, you are probably a Visual Learner.

Are you a Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner? Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners learn best in hands-on learning settings in which they can physically manipulate something in order to learn about it. Do you learn best when you can move about and handle things? Do you do well in classes in which there is a lab component? Do you learn better when you have an actual object in your hands rather than a picture of the object or a verbal or written description of it? If YES, you are probably a Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner Your learning style is your strength. Go with it whenever you can. When you choose a major and future career, keep your learning style firmly in mind.

Once you have figured out the way you learn, you will need to use specific strategies to fit into your way of learning. For example, if you are a visual learner, you could use a highlighter when reading a text book. The bright color would appeal to your artistic sense and help you concentrate on the reading.

Here are some more practical suggestions that may be helpful:

Visual Learners:

1. Use visual materials such as pictures, charts, maps, graphs, etc. 2. Have a clear view of your teachers when they are speaking so you can see their body language and facial expression. 3. Use colour to highlight important points in text. 4. Take notes or ask your teacher to provide handouts. 5. Illustrate your ideas as a picture or brainstorming bubble before writing them down. 6. Write a story and illustrate it. 7. Use multi-media (e.g. computers, videos, and filmstrips). 8. Study in a quiet place away from verbal disturbances. 9. Read illustrated books. 10. Visualize information as a picture to aid memorization.

Auditory Learners:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Participate in class discussions/debates. Make speeches and presentations. Use a tape recorder during lectures instead of taking notes. Read text out aloud. Create musical jingles to aid memorization. Create mnemonics to aid memorization. Discuss your ideas verbally. Dictate to someone while they write down your thoughts. Use verbal analogies, and story telling to demonstrate your point.

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners

1. Take frequent study breaks. 2. Move around to learn new things (e.g. read while on an exercise bike, mold a piece of clay to learn a new concept). 3. Work at a standing position. 4. Chew gum while studying. 5. Use bright colors to highlight reading material. 6. Dress up your work space with posters. 7. If you wish, listen to music while you study. 8. Skim through reading material to get a rough idea what it is about before settling down to read it in detail.