Tips for Visual Learners
- Write down anything that you want to remember, such as a list of things to do, facts to learn facts for a test, etc.
- Try to write down information in your own words. If you don't have to think about the material and restate it in your own words, you won't really learn it.
- Underline or highlight important words you need to learn as you read.
- When learning a new vocabulary word, visualize the word.
- When you have a list of things to remember, keep the list in a place where you will be sure to see it several times a day. Suggestions: bulletin board by your desk at home, in your notebook, on the mirror in the bathroom, etc.
- Try drawing a picture of any information you want to learn. Try making a diagram, a chart, or actually drawing people, things, etc.
- Always read any material in the textbook before going to class so you have a chance to visually connect with the information before hearing it.
Tips for Auditory Learners (Oral, Interactive)
- Use a tape recorder to record notes when reading instead of writing facts down. Play it back while you are riding in the car, doing dishes, washing the car, jogging etc.
- Subvocalize that is, talk to yourself about any information you want to remember. Try torecite it without looking at your notes or the book.
- Discuss with others from your class and then quiz each other on the material. Really listen to yourself as you talk.
- When learning a new vocabulary word, say it out loud. Then spell it out loud several times. See if it rhymes with a word that you know. You could even try singing the word in a song.
- To learn facts, say them out loud, put the facts to music or read them into a tape recorder. Then listen to what you have recorded often.
- When writing, talk to yourself. First tell yourself what you will write, say it out loud as you write it, and then read aloud what you have written or tape record it.
- Always read material in your textbook to be learned after hearing the information first in the class lecture, (unless the instructor assigns the reading first before class so you can participate in class discussions).
Tips for Physical Learners (Tactile, Kinesthetic)
- Try to study through practical experiences, such as making models, doing lab work, or roleplaying.
- Take frequent breaks of 5-10 minutes when studying.
- Trace words and letters to learn spelling and to remember facts.
- Use the computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch.
- Memorize or drill while walking, jogging or exercising.
- Try expressing your abilities through dance, drama, or sports.
- Try standing up when you are reading or writing.
- Write facts to be learned on3"x5"cards, with a question on one side and the answer on the other. Layout the cards, quiz yourself, shuffle them, lay them out again and quiz yourself again.
- When working with a study group, think of TV quiz games (Jeopardy, etc.) as ways to review information.
Read/Write Study Strategies
Intake
To take in information:
- lists
- headings
- dictionaries
- glossaries
- definitions
- handouts
- textbooks
- readings - library
- notes (often verbatim)
- teachers who use words well and have lots of information in sentences and notes
- essays
- manuals (computing and laboratory)
SWOT – Study without tears
To make a learn-able package:
- Convert your "notes" into a learn-able package by reducing them (3:1)
- Write out the words again and again.
- Read your notes (silently) again and again.
- Rewrite the ideas and principles into other words.
- Organize any diagrams, graphs ... into statements, e.g. "The trend is..."
- Turn reactions, actions, diagrams, charts and flows into words.
- Imagine your lists arranged in multiple choice questions and distinguish each from each.
Output
To perform well in any test, assignment or examination:
- Write exam answers.
- Practice with multiple choice questions.
- Write paragraphs, beginnings and endings.
- Write your lists (a,b,c,d,1,2,3,4).
- Arrange your words into hierarchies and points.
Source: American River College
