3 Different Learning Strategies

In my last post, 3 Different Types of Learners, I explained the 3 different broadly accepted types of learners. These are Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic/Tactile.

In this post I will explain and provide different strategies and exercises for the 3 different groups of learners. Remember though, that most people are usually a combination of different learning styles with one that stands out predominantly.

You will find that in certain circumstances, some learners will need to use different learning strategies. For eg. I am a mixture of all 3 learning styles and learn well from reading written notes (visual), but also learn whilst writing out the notes (kinesthetic).

Visual Learning Strategy - studying tips for visual learners to use

• Outlines – if a learner understands how a certain concepts relates to the section/subject as a whole they will grasp it quicker, and have a deeper understanding of the subject as a whole
• Maps – mind maps, organisational charts, diagrams
• Highlighters
• Lists – bulleted points are easy to read
• Colour code sections of work so that the learner relates that colour to that concept
• Use of videos when possible
• Flashcards
• Visual Mnemonics – pictures to remember concepts or steps of a concept. Good for learning languages as the learner can associate a word to an image

Auditory Learning Strategy – studying tips for auditory learners to use

• Word associations and mnemonics
• Mnemonics are rhymes or songs made up to help the learner remember certain things. You can Google this to find tons of different ideas.
• Word association and acronyms - E.g. to spell BECAUSE “Betty eats cakes and uncles sells eggs”
• You can also summarise points this way
• Eg 3 traits of Hitler
• A G E – Autocratic, German, Enigmatic
• Get the learner to explain what you have gone through back to you in their own words
• Get the learner to repeat facts and figures that they have to learn parrot fashion with their eyes closed to themselves

Kinesthetic/Tactile Learning Strategy - studying tips for kinesthetic learners to use

• & Role play
• Get the learner to physically do it themselves - i.e. make their learning tangible
• Take them on a field trip
• Study in short bursts and give them frequent breaks
• Try getting the learner to walk/ tap their foot whilst explaining something back to you or have them play with a yo yo whilst studying. They could also take their notes to gym and read through them whilst on an exercise bike
• This stops their mind from being distracted by wanting to do something else more active. This means that they will be able to concentrate better on studying.
• It provides the stimuli needed to learn

It is essential for learners to have study skills, however it is even more important for them to have study skills relevant to the way they learn. I hope this post helps to get your learner studying smart and not hard!

Please feel free to post comments on other ideas you have for study tips or things that you have found to help you or your child.