How to Harness Your Learning Style in College
Most people like to think of themselves as being unique, special and one-of-a-kind. But when it comes to learning, they struggle with their irregularities. They don’t want to be the weird one who can’t seem to understand the course material.
Each student has a unique learning style, even in college. You have to learn how to harness your learning style to help you succeed. So, how do you figure out your learning style? Discover your learning stye and harness this learning superpower.
3 Things You Should Know About Learning Styles
1. What are learning styles?
First thing’s first: what does the term “learning styles” mean? A “learning style” is essentially the way you absorb, process, organize and apply information in the learning process. You may learn about a topic best when seeing the information, hearing the information or doing a class activity.
Your learning style is like a superpower. (I know. This sounds strange, but stick with me.) When you don’t understand your learning style, you’ll probably find yourself feeling defeated and powerless to change. But, once you figure out what learning style helps you succeed, you will feel unstoppable.
Side note: No student learns exactly like another student, and each class has its own unique challenges. Be patient with yourself in this quest to discover what is your superpower and what is your kryptonite.
2. What are the different types of learning styles?
The basic learning styles can be categorized into 3 different categories: visual, aural (or auditory) and kinesthetic (or tactile). So, what do these different learning styles look like?
A visual student learns best when he sees pictures or words. This kind of learner can often literally picture the information. The visual learner may need to have an image or presentation slide to reinforce what the teacher is saying. So, when taking a quiz or test, this person may close his eyes to picture his notes. He may literally visualize the words written in his notes.
An aural student learns best when listening to information. Instructions are better understood when spoken rather than read. This learner prefers to read aloud, not silently. So, when taking a quiz or test, this student is more likely to recall words or phrases from the class lecture than from his notes.
A kinesthetic student learns best when doing an activity. Hands-on experiences help this learner understand the material. So, when taking a quiz or test, this student may remember concepts or terms by remembering activities from class (rather than the other way around).
Some students learn by using a combination of these styles. Others adapt their style differently to each class. But every student tends to learn in at least one of these three ways.
3. How do you use your learning style?
What is your learning style? You may have already identified which style sounds like you, or maybe you’re still unsure. Try this free assessment if you want to identify your learning style.
Now that you’ve discovered your learning style. How do you actually use it? In other words how can this information help you?
If you’re a visual learner, you need to avoid visual distractions. This means that you need to sit closer to the front of the class. This also means that you need to study in places that aren’t distracting. Try studying away from windows and people and in a quiet location like your college’s library.
When in class:
Take good notes. Just sitting there and absorbing the material will truly hurt your grades.
Include colors, graphs, timelines, pictures, etc. in your notes.
Handwrite your notes if your laptop notifications or Wi-fi access constantly distracts you.
When outside of class:
Rewrite your notes. This will help you visually process the information in a different way.
Search for images and videos that discuss the course content.
Make flashcards, but don’t get too carried away. You don’t want to spend 3 hours making flashcards when you could use that time better another way.
If you’re an aural or auditory learner, you need to avoid noisy distractions. Don’t study in loud places like coffee shops, dorm rooms or outdoors. You’ll find yourself easily distracted. Try listening to relaxing music to block out any distracting sounds. Studying in a library or a study room may help you stay focused.
When in class:
Focus on your professors actual lecture, not the presentation slides.
Sit somewhere where you won’t be distracted by the sounds of chatter, typing or eating.
Record lectures after getting permission from your professor’s permission.
Ask questions in class or after class when you don’t understand the material.
When outside of class:
Listen your class lecture recordings. You may even want to record yourself reading your notes aloud. Listen to these recordings in your spare moments—when commuting to work or exercising.
If you have reading material for class, look for an audio version of the book. Reading along with the audiobook may help as well.
When classes are heavy on memorization, try creating or finding songs to help you remember the material.
Participate in group discussions and debates about the topics discussed in class.
Speak your notes back to yourself in a lecture style, imagining that you’re the teacher.
If you’re a kinesthetic learner, you need to avoid sitting still. Don’t study somewhere that requires you to be quiet or still (like a library). Try studying outdoors or in a public place like a coffee shop. Choose somewhere where you can move around and talk aloud without distracting others or getting kicked out.
When in class:
Ask permission to record your lectures. During the lecture, keep your hands active. Whether you draw something related to the topic or write notes in your own style, keep yourself engaged.
Sit near a door or the back of the classroom. Be sure you can move around without distracting people around you.
Type your notes instead of writing them. This will help you keep your hands busy.
When outside of class:
Create 3D models or charts based on the content.
Do activities that are related to your course content. For example, if you’re in an art history class, go to a museum or find a book with pictures of the specific paintings.
Make flashcards and use them when studying by yourself and with others.
Take frequent breaks. Try studying for 20 minutes and then going on a walk to the water fountain and back. You’ll find this will help you study better.
Study in groups, exchanging notes and discussing the content.
Listen to your class recordings and add extra notes or highlight important parts of your notes.
Harnessing your learning style can be your superpower, but it won’t be if you don’t know what your learning style is or how to use it. Eliminate your learning kryptonite by avoiding distracting situations. Strengthen your learning superpower by using these study tips in your everyday routine.
