How to Make Your Learning Styles Work for You

In my last blog post, I discussed three learning styles and how knowing your preferred learning styles and the learning styles of those around you can have a positive impact on learning and day-to-day communication…no matter what your first language is.

This post will focus on tips to help you engage and retain information based on your learning style preferences. If you haven’t taken one of the free learning style assessments from my last post, stop here and go take one…it only takes a few minutes. Note that most people have multiple learning styles. Think about which style or styles works best for you and for others in different situations. This knowledge can break down barriers and open doors.

For Auditory Learners:

• Sit where you can hear.
• Use flashcards to learn new words and concepts; read them out loud.
• Read stories, assignments, or directions out loud.
• Record yourself spelling and defining words and concepts, then listen to the recording.
• Have test questions read to you out loud.
• Study new material by reading it out loud.

Remember that you need to hear things, not just see them.

For Visual Learners:

• Sit near the front of the classroom to have a clear view of the presenter and any visual aids.
• Use flashcards to learn new words.
• Try to visualize things that you hear or things that are read to you.
• Write down key words, ideas, or instructions.
• Draw pictures to help explain new concepts and then explain the pictures.
• Color code things.
• Avoid distractions during study times.

Remember that you need to see things, not just hear things, to learn well.

For Tactile Learners:

• Participate in activities that involve touching, building, moving, or drawing.
• Do lots of hands-on activities like completing art projects, taking walks, or acting out stories.
• It’s OK to chew gum, walk around, or rock in a chair while reading or studying.
• Use flashcards and arrange them in groups to show relationships between ideas.
• Trace words with your finger to learn spelling (finger spelling).
• Take frequent breaks during reading or studying periods (frequent, but not long).
• It’s OK to tap a pencil, shake your foot, or hold on to something while learning.
• Use a computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch.

Remember that you learn best by doing, not just by reading, seeing, or hearing.

“Knowledge itself is power”~ Sir Francis Bacon