Pick your style
Pick your style
Academic UmmeSalma Mujtaba provides a short guide on how to find a study technique best suited to your personality
What is your learning style?
The Visual/Verbal Learning Style
You learn best when information is presented visually and in a written language format. In a classroom setting, you benefit from instructors who use the blackboard (or overhead projector) to list the essential points of a lecture, or who provide you with an outline to follow during the lecture:
- To aid recall, make use of colour coding when studying new information in your textbook or notes.
- Using highlighter pens, highlight different kinds of information in contrasting colours.
- Write out sentences and phrases that summarise key information obtained from your textbook and lecture.
- Use highlighter pens to emphasise key points on the cards. n Limit the amount of information per card so your mind can take a mental picture of the information.
- When learning information presented in diagrams or illustrations, write out explanations for the information.
- When learning mathematical or technical information, write out in sentences and key phrases your understanding of the material.
- When a problem involves a sequence of steps, write out in detail how to do each step.
- Make use of computer word processing.
- Copy key information from your notes and textbook onto a word document. Use the print-outs for visual review.
The Visual/Nonverbal Learning Style
You learn best when information is presented visually and in a picture or design format. In a classroom setting, you benefit from instructors who use visual aids such as film, video, maps and charts.
- Make flashcards of key information that needs to be memorised.
- Draw symbols and pictures on the cards to facilitate recall.
- Use highlighter pens to highlight key words and pictures on the flashcards.
- Limit the amount of information per card, so your mind can take a mental picture of the information.
- Mark up the margins of your textbook with key words, symbols and diagrams that help you remember the text.
- Use highlighter pens of contrasting colours to colour code the information.
- When learning mathematical or technical information, make charts to organise the information.
- When a mathematical problem involves a sequence of steps, draw a series of boxes, each containing the appropriate bit of information in sequence.
- Use large pieces of paper to create charts and diagrams that illustrate key concepts.
- Use the computer to assist in organising material to be memorised.
- As much as possible, translate words and ideas into symbols, pictures, and diagrams.
The Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning Style
You learn best when physically engaged in a hands-on activity. In the classroom, you benefit from a lab setting where you can manipulate materials to learn new information. You learn best when you can be physically active in the learning environment.
- To help you stay focused on a class lecture, sit near the front of the room and take notes throughout the class period.
- Don't worry about correct spelling or writing in complete sentences. Jot down key words and draw pictures or make charts to help you remember.
- When studying, walk back and forth with your textbook, notes or flashcards in hand and read the information out loud.
- Think of ways to make your learning tangible.
- Spend extra time in a lab setting to learn an important procedure. Spend time in the field.
There is no good or bad learning style. There's a mismatch between your learning style and the instructional environment of the class. As soon as you understand this, you can find ways to adapt your style.
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