Unlock your learning style

Unlock your learning style How To Unlock Your Learning StylePosted February 7, 2014, by Molly Wiltshire-BridleAbout to hit the books?Unleash your learning potential and get the most out of your course by figuring out what your natural learning style isWhether its mnemonics, flash cards, study groups, or hands-on training that works best for you theres a study strategy for every learner out there. Being in tune with your natural learning style can make a helluva difference when it comes to improving your study habits, and can help you minimise time spent procrastinating and maximise your course marksWhat are the main learning styles?There are lots of theories out there, but most authorities agree that your preferred method of learning is likely to fall into one of the following categoriesVisualAuditoryKinaesthetic/tactileTaking some time out to really hone in on your learning style will help you put your best foot forward as soon as your course kicks off.By developing a more clearly t hought out revision strategy, you may even be able to improve your knowledge retention, productivity and information recall when youre sweating through your next exam.1. Visual LearnersIf youre a visual learner, try these strategies to up your study gameOrganise your study notes using graphs, tables, chartsUse illustrations to remember contentUse flashcardsTranslate core concepts into diagramsUse stickies and highlighters to colour code your notes2. Kinaesthetic LearnersIf you love getting stuck into a project and prefer to learn by doing then youre a kinaesthetic learner To make the most of your learning style, try the following study strategiesGet hands-on with activities and always take up an opportunity to participate in practical training, excursions and workshopsUse puzzles and games to learn new conceptsStudy in short bursts and take plenty of breaksUse models and build things wherever possible3. Auditory LearnersIf you absolutely kill it when it comes to presentations, debat es and speeches then chances are youre a natural auditory learner. To maximise your study time tryReciting key points aloud while youre learningGet involved in group discussionsRecord your classes so you can listen back to them later onRemove auditory distractions like music or loud noises when workingStudy with others and make it a point to discuss topicsWhat sort of learner are you?Let me guess. You could identify with any number of the alleged characteristics from each category? Surprise, surprise learnings really not that simple.In fact, the visual/auditory/kinaesthetic subdivision of learners has been widely criticised for over-simplifying something thats intricately complex. Like everything else that comes with being human, your individual learning style is beautiful and uniqueGenerally speaking, I prefer to tackle new subject areas by reading about them and writing out notes, but I also benefit from teaching others, think quite linearly and gravitate towards the back of the classroom. And, as most people whove driven with me in the passenger seat can attest, maps are no friends of mine. Does this make me some kind of learning mutant? I prefer to think not.The factors that can affect learning styleThe ways in which we learn new things can be influenced by all manner of things, not limited toSubject areaExternal factors light, temperature, soundPresence of authority figuresTime of dayPersonal motivationTo help you get the most out of your course, try mixing and matching a combination of these factors to figure out what works best for you. Learning new skills can does absolute wonders for your career (and your brain). So go on, claim your natural learning style and supercharge your studiesAbout to start an online course? Follow these simple strategies to make online study work for you ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGene ral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchestips for first year university studentstips for surviving university lifewhat does ai mean for your careertips for online learners11 top tips for effective time management CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire angeschlossen Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMolly Wiltshire-BridleRelated ArticlesBrowse moreWORKFORCE TRENDSStudying university degrees by distance is more popular than everThe distance education sector in Australia continues to surge, with figures showing an explosion in revenue in the industry from $827 million in 2004 to $2.74 billion in 2009.CAREER ADVICEJob hunting tipsHow to Find the Right RecruiterGoing on a job-hunting journey using a recruiter can hopefully find you a job quicker, reducing the ups and downs of the job search process... but how do you find the right recruiter? 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