If you spend hours studying, you’ll do well on exams, right? Not exactly—the answer may depend on how you study.
Just because you’re studying doesn’t necessarily mean you’re retaining information. Every student has their own best practices for learning, studying, and recalling information. When you spend hours preparing for a test and you don’t do as well as you hoped, it can feel disappointing and stressful. If your study efforts haven’t paid off, keep reading to find out your personal learning style.
What is my learning style?
Top Hat, a student engagement platform used to facilitate learning, defines a student’s learning style as their “preferred way to absorb, process, comprehend, and retain information.” There are four key styles:
- Visual learners prefer to see the big picture—literally. They will use maps, charts, graphs, or any conceptual visual representation to understand a subject.
- Auditory learners prefer to talk things through, debate, or listen to someone explain a subject.
- Reading/writing (Tactile) learners prefer to put pen to paper— written descriptions, lists, or instructions best help these learners.
- Kinesthetic learners prefer to involve all the senses with live demonstrations, models, simulations, or depictions of reality (like videos).
Which one sounds most like you? If you’re unsure which category you fall into, this VARK questionnaire is helpful. Keep in mind that your style could be context-dependent, meaning you retain information differently depending on the subject or situation.
Tips for studying
Now that you know your individual learning style, it’s time to find the best study method for you.
Visual learners
- Try colored pens, markers or highlighters to color-code and separate subjects in your notes.
- Use physical flashcards or an online flashcard-maker to practice quizzing yourself.
- As you review your notes or flashcards, doodle as much as possible. Draw pictures, diagrams or charts to help visualize the concepts you’re reading about. You can also create these visualizations during class as you learn.
- Seek out existing charts, graphs, infographics or other visual representations of a concept from your class or online.
Auditory learners
- If possible, ask your instructor for consent to record the lecture—that way, you can review again by listening instead of reading notes. If your class is held online, lecture recordings may already be available.
- If recording isn’t an option, try using a text-to-speech program such as Speechify to review your notes audibly.
- Once you feel you have a general understanding of the material, ask a friend to quiz you, or explain each concept to them in your own words.
- If you don’t have a friend available, talk out loud to yourself. Explain each concept as if you were teaching it to another person.
- Listen to podcasts and videos of someone else explaining the topic.
Tactile learners
- When you take notes, be sure to handwrite them on paper instead of typing on a laptop or tablet.
- Tactile learners could also benefit from color-coding—use different colored pens or highlighters when you review your notes to “categorize” subjects.
- Annotate as much as possible in textbooks, notes, or lecture slides. Jot down short key words or phrases to connect concepts to the real world or your own life.
- Create physical flashcards.
Kinesthetic learners
- Now is the time to do some arts and crafts! This method combines visual and tactile strategies; make a model using different materials and colors to bring concepts to life.
- Get up and get moving as you learn. Create a live demonstration using yourself or willing friends or family members.
- Actively participate in class discussions. Ask clarifying questions or ask for examples to make sure you’re understanding the material.
- Keep your body busy with a snack, drink, gum, or stress ball while you study.
No matter what your learning style is, make sure to take adequate breaks and care for your body and mind. This means getting enough sleep and nutrition to fuel your brain!
If one method doesn’t hold, try another. Everyone is different and it can take time to discover what works best. For more tips on studying, motivation, exam preparation, test anxiety and more, check out these study strategies from Ohio University. Now kick that school stress to the curb!
About the authors
College 101 is a collaborative series between OhioHealth Marketing and Communications Interns Katie Emmons, Alice Demith, and Erica Wetzler.
Conditions & Care
Categories:
Kids, Teens