SLK Learning Center

Different learners respond best to specific methods of studying and research. Depending on the learning style—visual, auditory, and tactile—it may not be surprising that we’re geared towards a particular structure or practice. While many of us invoke all three learning styles, we may also privilege, however tacitly, one over the others. Below are some strategies that will benefit all learners and learning styles.

For all learners:

1. Read the chapter overview and summary first to get a general idea of the information before reading a textbook chapter. Then begin reading.

2. Read an assignment for 25 minutes or until you start feeling weary (studies have shown that you can lose 85% of your input after the first 25 minutes.)

3. Underline main points in an eye-catching color—for example, use neon pens to highlight key items.

4. At the end of 25 minutes or so, take a break of one to five minutes. Disconnect totally from your reading—exercise, relax, stretch, snack, etc.

5. Review underlined material after your break. If auditory is your secondary preference, review aloud all underlined materials.

6. Read for 25 minutes and underline as before; take a break; repeat!

Visual learners grasp information through seeing. Graphs, diagrams, maps, and other visual aides help visual learners retain data and demonstrate understanding. Here are some strategies that have been proven to be useful to visual learners:

1. Look at people and professors when they talk. This technique will help you stay focused.

2. Take thorough notes in lectures and when studying textbooks. Review and revise notes after class, preferably immediately after class while you still remember a good deal of the lecture, to reinforce your knowledge.

3. Read assignments in 25-minute intervals (you lose 85% of your input after reading for 25 minutes).

4. Write new vocabulary words on colored index cards (or write in color on white index cards) with short definitions on the back. Carry these with you and review them at odd moments or whenever you have spare time – for example, before class or when waiting in line.

Auditory learners process what they learn through listening—hearing the information and processing it accordingly. Auditory learners focus easily on sounds and have good memory of what they have heard through lectures or on recordings.

1. Try studying with a friend so that you can talk out loud and hear the information.

2. Recite out loud the things you want to remember.

3. Tape your lectures and review your notes while listening to the recording. This gives a double auditory input. Transfer your notes to index cards that you can carry with you and review aloud.

4. Review aloud all underlined materials. If you take notes, in addition to underlining in the book, read your notes aloud as well.

Tactile learners acquire knowledge best through manipulation—doing, touching, hands-on experiences, and writing techniques. When tactile learners identify their secondary learning mode, they are better able to grasp and retain information. Tactile learners may want to utilize the suggestions for either visual or auditory in conjunction with the following tips:

1. Write things down because you remember them better that way.

2. Try studying with a friend so that you can talk out loud and hear the information.

3. When memorizing, pace or walk around while reciting to yourself or looking at a note card, and also try writing the information on a desk with your fingers.

4. Keep something in your hand that is malleable. Knead or tap to a rhythm as you study. As much as you can, translate what you are learning into something that can be touched. Typing is helpful, as is writing your notes. You can type out your notes and paste them onto index cards, if you think that might help. Eating, drinking, chewing gum, and listening to music are also helpful.