How to Learn
Figure out your learning style., Understand the differences.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Figure out your learning style.
In order to start learning effectively, it's imperative that you know how you learn.
There are three types of learning styles and most people fall clearly into one category.
Even if you are about evenly split between two, it's advantageous to know what doesn't work as well.
Visual learners learn primarily by seeing and watching.
They tend to sit in front of the class, are neat and clean, and often close their eyes to remember or visualize something.
They benefit from images, illustrations, videos, colors, and prefer to see the content they are learning.
Aural learners are more successful in learning by hearing and listening.
They often sit where they can hear, but not necessarily where they can see, hum or talk to themselves when bored, find themselves reading aloud and remembering by verbalizing lessons or information.
They'd rather talk than write and relish the opportunity to discuss what they've learned.
Kinesthetic learners learn best by touching and doing.
They need to be active, take frequent breaks, and are often caught using their hands and gesturing while talking.
They enjoy activities that manipulate materials, like cooking, construction, and engineering and will tinker or move around when bored.
Which of these describes you? If you can't tell, do some research online, consult your professors, or read up on learning styles. -
Step 2: Understand the differences.
Each learner needs different things to adequately conceptualize and retain the information they are given.
If a visual learner is told to remember something, they most likely won't.
If a kinesthetic learner watches a movie on how to do something, they might not be able to do it.
Neither is less intelligent than the other--they just aren't tuned into their optimal learning style.
Learning abilities don't stop in the classroom.
Styles even invade the way we talk! Look for key examples found in dialogue:
A visual learner might say, "This looks good." His or her aural counterpart would say, "This sounds good." "I hear you," versus "I see what you're saying." If you are conflicted as to what your style is, tune into your words--or ask others to keep an ear (an eye?) out for you!
Detailed Guide
In order to start learning effectively, it's imperative that you know how you learn.
There are three types of learning styles and most people fall clearly into one category.
Even if you are about evenly split between two, it's advantageous to know what doesn't work as well.
Visual learners learn primarily by seeing and watching.
They tend to sit in front of the class, are neat and clean, and often close their eyes to remember or visualize something.
They benefit from images, illustrations, videos, colors, and prefer to see the content they are learning.
Aural learners are more successful in learning by hearing and listening.
They often sit where they can hear, but not necessarily where they can see, hum or talk to themselves when bored, find themselves reading aloud and remembering by verbalizing lessons or information.
They'd rather talk than write and relish the opportunity to discuss what they've learned.
Kinesthetic learners learn best by touching and doing.
They need to be active, take frequent breaks, and are often caught using their hands and gesturing while talking.
They enjoy activities that manipulate materials, like cooking, construction, and engineering and will tinker or move around when bored.
Which of these describes you? If you can't tell, do some research online, consult your professors, or read up on learning styles.
Each learner needs different things to adequately conceptualize and retain the information they are given.
If a visual learner is told to remember something, they most likely won't.
If a kinesthetic learner watches a movie on how to do something, they might not be able to do it.
Neither is less intelligent than the other--they just aren't tuned into their optimal learning style.
Learning abilities don't stop in the classroom.
Styles even invade the way we talk! Look for key examples found in dialogue:
A visual learner might say, "This looks good." His or her aural counterpart would say, "This sounds good." "I hear you," versus "I see what you're saying." If you are conflicted as to what your style is, tune into your words--or ask others to keep an ear (an eye?) out for you!
About the Author
Alexander Morgan
A passionate writer with expertise in crafts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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