Learning Styles – How Do You Learn Best? Academic Success Workshop Series

Let’s Find out Your Preferred Learning Style Three Primary Learning Styles; Secondary Styles Visual – learn best by seeing Auditory – learn best by hearing Tactile or Kinesthetic – learn best by doing Reading & Writing –less common; often associated with visual learning Mixed Modality Learning Style – learn with a little of all styles – no strong preferences

A Movie Theater Experience Exercise – You are in a crowded movie theater and after some time into the movie you begin to smell smoke. Suddenly you notice smoke billowing up by the stage. What would you most likely do first? Start yelling “Fire!” (Auditory) Quickly look for the fire exits (Visual) Start running towards the exits, grabbing others while you run (Kinesthetic) While you may do all three of these things at some point, your first reaction is most likely your preferred learning style.

Learning Style Inventory Complete the Learning Style Inventory What now? How do I use my preferred learning style to be a better learner and student? There are many things you can do to accommodate or work with your preferred learning styles. Here are some suggestions:

Study Tips Visual Style Visual Study Tips Use colors often when studying; e.g. write with colored pens, highlight important concepts/definitions (Note – the brain remembers Red the longest. Write important facts, words, definitions in red. Draw maps, charts, diagrams Use bright colored ‘sticky notes’ Post where you will see them often. Create flash cards with colored pens for review Avoid visual distractions in study environment

Auditory Study Tips Attend all lectures, discussions – to hear the important information. Study in a quiet environment – avoid auditory distractions. Read aloud - your brain will remember the sound longer Use a tape recorder to record lectures, etc. (ask your professor for permission to tape the lecture.) Study with others.. Auditory learners benefit the most from group study.

Tactile/Kinesthetic study tips Make your study time more physical: walk when you study; read on a treadmill/elliptical machine; chew gum; squeeze a stress ball; consider studying at a standing desk, or on an exercise ball. Vary your activities e.g. review notes, read textbook, rewrite concepts on flashcards, etc. Study in small chunks. Take frequent breaks. Use as many senses as possible

Study in a way that works best for YOU! Everyone learns a little differently from everyone else. You have a unique way of learning. If a study method is not working for you, try something different. Try background music. Try studying alone, or with a study partner. Try studying early in the day, or later in the evening. Mix it up until you find what works best for you. If you are still struggling – ASK for help! There are many programs and resources available for you. Please utilize every support available.