Identify Study Strategies that Work for You: How to Pass the Test on the First Try!
There are a variety of study strategies individuals use when learning something new. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to learn. The best strategies should be based on how an individual learns best based on their preferred learning style. Most people are not aware of these strategies and have never identified their preferred learning style. Identifying your learning style and knowing HOW you learn best will help make the most of the time you have to study for your exam. There are many study strategies available based on each learning style. The 3 adult learning styles are Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic (Tactile).
How can I find out which learning style applies to me?
There are several online assessments you can take which will require you to answer a series of questions. Some websites will charge a fee for the results. The following link will lead you to a free assessment that will calculate immediate results:
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml
I have identified my learning style(s) – Now what?
Once you identify you learning style(s), and there may be more than one style that applies, you can adapt your method of study for a more effective learning approach. Using the following study strategies will help play to your strengths when it comes to comprehension and retention:
If you are a Visual Learner:
Visual learners learn best by reading and using pictures to understand and remember things. Specific study strategies for visual learners include:
- Creating an outline from your study manual
- Underlining and highlighting reading materials with different colors
- Creating your own flashcards
- Developing charts, diagrams and graphs to organize the content
- Drawing pictures to explain new concepts
- Watching videos or attending a live class
- Taking notes and color coding key words, definitions, and terminology
Visual learners may want to avoid distractions and noises by studying in solitude.
If you are an Auditory Learner:
Auditory learners learn best by hearing and listening. Specific study strategies for auditory learners include:
- Reading from your book out loud (to yourself or anyone else)
- “Teaching” or describing what you have learned in your own words to someone else
- Participating in group discussions
- Closing your eyes when listening to a lecture or videos
- Creating your own recordings of your summarized notes
- Listening to music or creating your own songs to help remember information
- Reading questions and answers out loud when taking practice tests
Auditory learners may find it helpful to study in a group setting allowing other auditory learners to verbally share information
If you are Kinesthetic Learner:
Kinesthetic learners learn best by touching, doing, or moving. Specific study strategies for kinesthetic learners include:
- Applying the content to real-life experiences and creating real-life examples
- Using the interactive components of the A.D. Banker online course or online practice exams
- Presenting concepts using role play
- Writing and using practice questions, games, and activities as a study tool
- Doodling during a lecture or while watching videos
- Study while standing or moving, holding onto something or tapping your foot
- Using flashcards to arrange and group similar terms and concepts
- Take short frequent breaks during reading or studying periods
Kinesthetic learners may find it helpful to study while standing or moving, holding onto something or tapping their foot. They may also need to take short frequent breaks during reading or studying periods
Once you identify your learning style, you can adapt your method of study for a more effective learning approach!
Topics: Study Tips
