How to study better in 2021: Know your learning style

There are dreamers, believers — and then, there are learners. That’s basically everyone. We all learn as we grow. The only difference comes down to how one comprehends, processes and retains information. There are many learning styles — knowing which you are is powerful.

If you know your strengths, you can capitalise on them. Understand your weakness, and you can avoid them. It’s the foundation you need to complete homework faster, finish assignments on time and ace exams — know yourself well enough, and you might just have fun while achieving all these.

There are four different types of learning styles:

Visual learning

Visual learning is when people associate learning with imagery. Source: Shutterstock

The students who best process information when it’s presented to them in a graphic description of meaningful symbols are the visual learners. One of the four different learning styles, this type is an observer. They tend to connect well with images, pictures, objects, and other visual imagery which helps them to retain things better. They are holistic learners who process information best and see educational outcomes with summarising charts and diagrams. 

Auditory learning

The idea of learning styles became popular four decades ago. Source: Shuttersock

Also known as aural learners, they are most successful when they are given the chance to hear information presented to them vocally. Taking notes and writing things down wouldn’t be the best approach for auditory learners since it would be a distraction from the aural way they retain information. They find it best when doing group activities and discuss course materials vocally with their classmates. Reading their written work out loud keeps them thinking about a certain subject — debates and discussions are great too. 

Linguistic learners

Students who enjoy reading and writing do well taking copious notes during classes. This helps them process information and recall them later. They also like rhymes and sounds; have a good memory for general knowledge, names, places; appreciate grammar and meaning and are the firsts to answer word games, jokes, puns, riddles.

Kinesthetic learners

This learning style is very hands-on and made of participatory learners who need to take a physically active role in the learning process. They are also known as tactile learners.

A way for kinesthetic learners to analyse information is through flashcards. Source: Shutterstock

All of their senses are engaged equally in the process of learning. With an active nature, kinesthetic learners face more challenges in the conventional classroom setting, so things like using flashcards for studying are encouraged to engage them. Practical experiments are something they excel in, they learn the most by doing things. What type of learning style do you learn towards?