Page 107 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

You may have found that you have a variety of learning styles, and that each style is
connected to the subject you are trying to learn. It’s helpful for college students to re-
alize that instructors have different learning styles as well, and that these styles affect
teaching methods. Have you noticed a variety of teaching styles in your classes? Some
instructors are auditory learners, for example, and may not write as much on the board
as you’d like. If you’re a visual learner, you could ask your instructor to write more.

Now that you understand what your learning style is, let’s spend a few minutes thinking about how you
can make your unique style work for you! Even though a teacher may use a certain teaching method that
doesn’t match your style, you can employ learning strategies that work for you to ensure your success.

Table 4.1 Making Your Learning Style Work for You

Kinesthetic/Tactile Learner Strategies Visual/Verbal Learner Strategies

• Take frequent study breaks • Read material out loud, make it dramatic and varied
• Move around to learn new things (e.g., read while on an exercise • Write a story or create a meaningful connection to a problem by

bike, take a walk alone to think through an idea) illustrating it
• Chew gum or eat popcorn while studying • Employ self-talk (talk through a problem or record content for
• To stay focused, take notes of important information and use
repetition)
bright colors to highlight reading material • Use rhyme and rhythm when possible or set some key points to a
• Listen to music while you study
• When studying, walk back and forth with textbook, notes, or familiar song or jingle
• Use mnemonics for recalling lists of information –make up
flashcards in hand and read the information out loud
• Think of ways to make learning tangible (i.e. use manipulatives phrases using the items to be memorized
• Scripting is also a powerful tool – record scripts using a tape or
like dice to learn a probability concept) or make a model to
illustrate the key concept digital audio recorder (such as an MP3 player) and use it later for
• Make use of the computer to reinforce learning through the sense review and repetition
of touch– use a computer game, spreadsheets or graphics, or an • Work with others, using role-playing or collaborative problem
interactive online web site solving–these verbal exchanges will assist with recall

Visual/ Nonverbal Learner Strategies Auditory Learner Strategies

• Focus on and use visual materials such as pictures, charts, maps, • Read text out aloud into a recorder for later use
graphs, etc. • Record lectures, speeches and other verbal presentations in order

• Use a video or web site that provides visual cues to explain to play them back for greater retention
material further • Create musical jingles to aid memorization
• Discuss ideas
• Use color to highlight important points in textbooks and notes • Use verbal analogies and storytelling to demonstrate your point
• Take notes and use different color pens to create an outline or • Put formulas to a rap song to aid in memorization

some way to make the information visually organized
• Decorate ideas or problem solving techniques using pictures

before writing them down
• Use multi-media (e.g., web sites, PC computer games, videos,

and filmstrips)
• Study in a quiet place away from noise
• Use material with a lot of illustrations
• Visualize information as a picture to aid memorization
• Draw diagrams that illustrate the ideas being presented

Chapter 4 — Learning to Learn 101