Study Techniques for Different Learning Styles
VISUAL / SOCIAL / AURAL• Use pictures, graphs, charts, diagrams, maps, drawings, paintings, models, computers, PPTs
• Use mind maps to plan essays
• Use mind maps to summarize
• Use symbols/underlining to focus on key concepts
• Use color to separate concepts (highlighters)
• Skim materials before lectures
• Make “mental pictures” of words/lectures
• Pay attention to visual aids
• Use a note-taking system
• Ask for available visual resources
• “Translate” images into words
• Put textbook/notes in own words
• “Illustrate” your notes with
• Draw “comic strips”
• Watch demonstrations/videos/TV programs
• Use flashcards, sticky notes / • Work in groups
• Find a “study buddy” in each class
• Contribute your ideas to group discussion
• Ask for others’ opinions & respond to them
• Help each other clarify, expand, understand
• Be responsible/prepared as part of a study group
• Set up goals; who will do what and by when?
• Engage in active listening (rephrase what has been said, even if you do not agree with it)
• Stay focused on the subject at hand
• Conduct a debate
• Role-play
• Play charades
• Ask for help from others
• Explain things or give help to others
• Read in “accents” or “voices”
• Play games to review (Jeopardy, etc.)
• Use interactive technology (chat, Skype) / • Listen to movies, songs, shows about the topic
• Have a debate with someone
• Make an audio tape of your notes and listen to it
• Create jingles or chants to help with memorization – the crazier the better
• State “problems” and “solutions” out loud
• Say words in syllables
• Make up rhymes to remember dates, etc.
• Study with a partner and discuss topics
• To learn a sequence, write it out first and then say it out loud
• Use mnemonic devices
• Read in “accents” or “voices”
• Listen to podcasts
• Make up chants or songs
• Explain things out loud to yourself or others
• Use previous knowledge (relate to similar-sounding words/ideas)
VERBAL / LOGICAL / PHYSICAL /
• Read notes aloud
• Hear yourself talk
• Explain charts, graphs, images out loud
• Talk to yourself as you read; ask questions to guide your focus and then answer them
• Summarize sections of chapters in your own words
• Generate a list of “study questions” as you go (complete with page numbers)
• Create songs, rhymes, jingles, tongue-twisters as memory aids
• Read and discuss topics with classmates
• Repeat it
• Debate/discuss
• Make up a poem or chant that incorporates information you are studying
• “Teach” someone else / • Look for organizational patterns of chapters, processes, topics
• Develop an outline by using context clues (titles, section headings, etc.) and fill in details as you read
• Make notes of key points at the end of each section of a chapter
• Know the exactly what kind of tasks you’ll be asked to do
• Use numbers, figures, or data whenever possible
• Understand all of the details
• Make ordered lists
• Categorize, organize
• Map things out (mind maps)
• Write out a specific “procedure” to follow (steps in writing a sentence, working a problem, etc.) / • Use your finger to point at things as you read
• Stop and physically write out notes as you go along (summarizing small sections)
• Draw diagrams or charts
• Take breaks and get up and move
• Use your body (gestures, movements) as you study
• Get up and walk as you study (carry notes, books, etc.)
• Hold something in your hand that you can manipulate while you study (stress ball, etc.)
• Tap to a rhythm as you study
• Eat, drink, chew gum while studying
• Type or rewrite your notes
• “Write” words with your body
• “Illustrate” your notes with images and graphs
• Try to involve your senses /