When I first started university at the age of 18, I had no idea how to actually study.
Looking back, it's impressive that I made it through high school with my "just over my notes" revision style.
But after my first semester, I knew I had to get my studying under control - and fast. That's when I learnt about the four study styles and how they help you to study more effectively.
In essence, the four study styles are four categories of learning. Your "learning style" is effectively how you learn best, so it can prove extremely helpful if you're entering a stage of your life where studying and learning is required.
It's never too early to understand your unique learning style.
Learning styles are even introduced to us in nursery and kindergarten, where children are exposed to all types of new processes to learn about the world around them.
As we get older, some of these processes are replaced, but the good news is that there are 4 distinct learning styles that you can use at any age - including through university.
So, whether you're a new student, or even a parent looking to help their child with revision, keep reading to identify your learning style, and gain some tips and insights for each!
The Four Learning Styles
Visual Learners
Seeing is Understanding
If you find yourself drawn to charts, infographics, and videos, you might be a visual learner. People like me who prefer this study method benefit from visualizing information as it helps in creating mental images that are easier to recall.
Tips for Visual Learners:
Use color-coded notes to segment information into digestible parts.
Create mind maps to organize and link concepts visually.
Watch videos or slideshows that explain the topic at hand.
Replace words with symbols or abbreviations wherever possible.
Draw diagrams to understand complex information.
Auditory Learners
Hearing & Listening
Do you remember information better when you've heard it spoken? Then, you're likely an auditory learner. We love to engage with spoken content, finding discussion and lecture-based learning incredibly valuable.
Tips for Auditory Learners:
Engage in group discussions to better grasp concepts.
Use mnemonic devices to remember lists or sequences.
Listen to audio recordings or podcasts when reviewing subjects.
Read your notes out loud to reinforce retention.
Use rhymes or music to make information stick.
Reading (and Writing) Learners
The Power of Words
Some of us process information best through reading and writing. We're the ones who thrive by taking detailed notes and immersing in textual content.
Tips for Reading/Writing Learners:
Write summaries of your study materials.
Make lists to categorize and memorize facts.
Read your materials actively by highlighting key points.
Translate visual or audio information into written form.
Use flashcards for quick, repetitive review of details.
Kinaesthetic Learners
Movement = Memory
If you're someone who can't sit still while studying, you may be a kinaesthetic learner. We learn best by doing—engaging in the material through experiences and simulations.
Tips for Kinaesthetic Learners:
Participate in hands-on activities or labs.
Use physical gestures to symbolize concepts while explaining them.
Take frequent breaks to move around during study sessions.
Relate study materials to real-world physical activities or scenarios. For example, if you're studying biology, engage in a nature walk.
How to Identify Your Study Style
Once I found my learning style, I found it was a lot easier to both make effective study guides and schedules, and actually absorb the information I was tying to cram into my brain.
My learning style is visual, so I spent time to make my revision documents look pretty and include drawing of the important stuff. Unfortunately for me, I majored in history, which meant I spent most of my time trying to draw kings and queens.
But as long as it worked, right?
Sometimes, you may find that you resonate with a couple of these learning styles. In that case - great! These can all be combined to be even more effective.
Visual Study Techniques
For visual learners, pictures and spatial understanding enhance learning.
So, if you're someone who finds it easier to recall information by visualizing your study notes or textbook, visual learning methods are likely your forte.
To decide if this approach works best for you, try incorporating these visual study techniques and assess your recall ability afterward:
Use color-coded notes and highlighters to organize information.
Create mind maps and infographics to visualize connections.
Incorporate diagrams and charts to represent data and processes.
Watch educational videos to see concepts in action.
Employ flashcards with images to reinforce memory.
Auditory Study Techniques
Similarly, if you find that you grasp information better through listening, you're probably an auditory learner.
Determine the effectiveness by introducing these methods and note any improvements in comprehension:
Join or start a study group to engage in vocal discussions.
Record lectures or talks and replay them for better retention.
Use mnemonic devices; create rhymes and patterns to remember facts.
Listen to podcasts or audiobooks to absorb information.
Read aloud or discuss your notes to hear the information.
Reading and Writing Study Techniques
Do you thrive on lists, notes, and written explanations?
If so, reading and writing may be the best study method for you. This method is perfect for those who can understand and remember information after note-taking or reading textbooks.
This style is the style that is favored in the school system, and therefore is the style that most of us are familiar with. However, this does not mean it is the best!
Each style has its place and can be used to excel.
To find out if reading/writing is your study type, try these techniques:
Write summaries and detailed notes.
Engage in extensive reading to grasp complex topics.
Participate in online forums or discussions.
Utilize list-making for key points and concepts.
Translate visual charts into written explanations.
Kinaesthetic Study Techniques
Kinaesthetic learners are the movers and shakers of the study world - literally.
They learn best when they can touch, do, or physically engage with the material.
If sitting still for long periods is challenging and you enjoy building models or simulations, kinaesthetic is likely your study type. However, this can be determined through incorporating the following techniques to see if they resonate:
Engage in hands-on activities or experiments.
Take frequent breaks to move around and stay active.
Relate concepts to real-world experiences for practical understanding.
How know your study type helps outside school
Although they're called study style, the concept simply refers to the way in which you learn. Therefore, they have a place outside of academia and can help you as you move past university and college and into your career.
Visual learners, for example, might be noticed to retain information more effectively with the aid of imagery.
So, if you're someone who tends to remember someone's face but forget their name, you could try drawing a map of where in the office this person sits, or choose a color to associate with their name.
The same goes for auditory learners, who may have to repeat the name out loud multiple times before they can recall it with accuracy.
