Discover Study Habits That Support Your Learning Style

Discover Study Habits That Support Your Learning Style All students learn through a combination of seeing, hearing, and experiencing. However, for most students, one learning style stands out. Research has shown that students who study in a way that supports their learning style can perform better on tests and  improve their grades. For example, visual learners sometimes struggle during essay exams because they cant recall test material that was presented orally during class. However, if the visual learner uses a visual aid when studying, like a colorful outline of test materials, he or she may retain more information. Read on to discover the characteristics of and ideal learning strategies for each learning style. Visual Learner Characteristics Visual learners are those who learn through seeing. Visual learners typically share the following characteristics: Good at spelling, but forgets first namesFind quiet study time beneficialEnjoy colors and fashionDream in colorUnderstand visual elements and chartsAble to learn sign language easily Learning Suggestions for Visual Learners Draw a map of events in history or draw scientific process.Make outlines of reading assignments.Copy whats on the board.Diagram sentences.Use flashcards.Take notes and make lists.Watch videos.Mark up your notes with highlighters, underlines, and color coding. Test Types for Visual Learners Best test type: Diagram activities, map reading, essay tests, demonstrating a process.Worst test type: Listening tests Auditory Learner Characteristics Auditory learners are those who learn best through hearing. They typically share the following characteristics: Like to read out loudUnafraid to speak up in classGood at giving explanations and oral reportsRemember namesNotice sound effects in moviesEnjoy musicAble to follow spoken directionsStruggle to stay quiet for long periods of timeFocused in study groups Learning Suggestions for Auditory Learners Use word association to remember factsRecord lecturesWatch videosRepeat facts with eyes closedParticipate in group discussionsUse audio for language practiceRead your notes out loud after writing them Test Types for Auditory Learners Best test type: Oral exams and writing responses to lectures.Worst test type: Reading passages and writing answers in a timed test. Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics Kinesthetic learners are those who learn through hands-on experience. Kinesthetic learners typically share the following characteristics: Good at sportsCant sit still for longMay have sloppy handwriting.Learn well through lab and modeling activitiesStudy with loud musicEnjoy adventure books and moviesFidgety during lectures Learning Suggestions for Kinesthetic Learners Study in short blocksTake lab-based classesAct out your study notesTake field trips to reinforce knowledgeStudy in groupsUse flashcards and memory games Test Types for Auditory Learners Best test type: Short definitions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and multiple choice.Worst test type: Essay tests and any overly long tests.