Learning Styles - How Knowing How You Learn Helps You!

Everybody has their own way of learning things, also known as a learning style, and knowing which learning style works best for you can help you succeed as a student and retain information better for classes.

There are five major learning styles, and most people are a combination of the five, with strengths in one or more categories. If one of these styles sounds like you, there are some tips and tricks to help people with certain strengths retain information better and have a more enriched learning experience overall.

Verbal Learners - Verbal Learners have the habit of writing everything down. From dates, times and places so they remember to go someplace to every little thing a teacher says in class, verbal learners are lovers of the written word. People who are verbal learners will often copy their notes again and again to make sure they retain the information represented within them. 

If this sounds like you, then you learn best when listening to lectures, reading books and writing down notes in class. Reading things for class or notes you have written again and again for class will benefit you greatly in preparing for class discussion or tests.

Visual Learners - Visual Learners learn best when charts, images, maps, models and visual aids are used to teach information. These people have a habit of being artistic, doodling all over their notes in class or having an affection for colorful things. A visual learner would be extremely stimulated by the changing color of this text and would find it more engaging because of the color transitioning and love color in general. Visual learners often have a great spacial sense and can picture things readily in their minds. Visual learners will often find themselves picturing a problem or assignment in their head before getting it out on paper. 

If this sounds like you, then using color when taking notes, making doodles around great ideas, creating diagrams and charts of assignments and making visual aids for concepts you are having problems with are great ways of enhancing your learning experience. 

Aural Learners - Aural Learners are people very focused on sound. These people often love music, play a musical instrument or find themselves retaining information from class just by listening - no notes required. If you find yourself fixated on music and you aren't sure where you end and your earbuds begin, you could be an Aural Learner. 

If this sounds like you, turn off that iPod in class and listen closely to what the teacher is saying - literally. Also consider bringing along a digital tape recorder and ask your teacher if it is okay to record the lectures. Listening to them again is a great way to review for tests if you are an Aural Learner. If your teacher would rather you not record the lecture, try carrying a digital tape recorder with you anyway and record your own take on the class after it happens to listen to and review later. 

Physical Learners - Physical Learners often find themselves with great physical memory. These people often are fast learners when it comes to sports and are very athletic or find themselves good at dance. People with a physical learning style will often find themselves taking walks or runs to relieve stress or to clear their minds. 

If this sounds like you, there are many ways to incorporate your physical learning style into classroom learning. When reading in class, use your finger to follow along in the text. The sense of touch will help you retain information better. Going to the gym and reading a book while on the treadmill will also help physical learners to retain information.

Logical Learners - Logical Learners often find themselves involved in math or science majors. These people follow logical patterns, can easily make connections between seemingly unconnected things and like to divide things up into classifications. Logical Learners also like to work out problems, create procedures, itineraries, budgets and often pick apart the logic of other people's arguments or work (which not everyone enjoys all the time).

If this sounds like you, knowing the rational behind what you are learning is key to retaining the information presented. Also, organizing notes from class and arranging the material taught in a logical pattern can help a logical learner concentrate on the material at hand.

Hopefully this has helped you figure out what your learning style is and how to use it to your advantage in classes. Remember, people often times have more than one learning style, so if you identify with a few try using multiple techniques to help you succeed in your classes.

Feel free to come visit us in the Fullerton College Writing Center with your next writing assignment. We are open Monday through Friday. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call ahead and make your appointment today! The Fullerton College Writing Center phone number is (714) 992-7153.