YOUR LEARNING PREFERENCE
Knowing how you learn best is the first step in developing effective study habits.
Every student approaches the task of learning differently. Every student has a
unique and personal learning style or a preferred channel through which learning
comes more easily.
Ask yourself the following: Am I more inclined to remember something better when
I see it, when I hear it, or when I experience it or do something active with it?
Depending on how you learned the activity or game, you will have a fair idea of
what learning channel – visual (by sight), auditory (by hearing), or hands on (by
doing)—you prefer to use.
We all use all three learning channels. In fact, we use all our senses in learning about
the world around us, but each of us has a tendency to lean more heavily on one of
the three learning channels – visual, auditory, or hands on. You can improve your
study habits by developing all three learning channels.
TO IMPROVE AS A VISUAL LEARNER…
visualize what you are studying
use color in your notes (colored pens, highlighters, etc.)
visualize what the instructor is lecturing about
draw pictures and diagrams
use mind maps in your notes
use picture and graphics to reinforce learning
learn from videos
TO IMPROVE AS AN AUDITORY LEARNER…
listen to tapes of recorded assignments
tape record your own textbook reading
read out loud
talk over ideas from class and what you are studying with other students
participate in class discussions
listen to audiotapes on the subject
TO IMPROVE AS A HANDS ON LEARNER…
stand up and move around while you are studying
take frequent breaks while studying
make use of your hands and write things down as you study
use the computer to reinforce learning
be physically active; experiment with objects
memorize or drill while walking or exercising