Methods for Successful College Learning
Learning is a unique journey for everyone, and understanding your learning style can significantly enhance your study experience. According to Neil Fleming's VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) learning model, study tips tailored for each learning style can help you process and retain information more effectively.
Visual Learners
Visual learners thrive on seeing information. Effective study strategies for visual learners include:
- Using images, diagrams, maps, charts, and graphic organizers to help process and retain information visually.
- Watching videos or demonstrations to supplement text-based learning.
- Colour-coding notes to highlight key terms, difficult concepts, important rules/patterns, and reoccurring themes.
- Drawing mind maps to organise ideas and visualise how they come together, especially when writing papers.
- Illustrating notes with flow charts to help visualise a process in biology or a chain of events in history.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners benefit from hearing information. Effective study strategies for auditory learners include:
- Listening to lectures, discussions, or podcasts.
- Reading notes aloud to reinforce the information.
- Explaining concepts to others to reinforce understanding.
- Participating in group discussions to engage with the material.
- Using mnemonic devices that involve sound or rhythm to help remember complex information.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners prefer hands-on experiences and movement. Effective study strategies for kinesthetic learners include:
- Engaging in experiments, role-playing, or building models to learn complex concepts.
- Writing or drawing ideas by hand, as this allows for physical interaction with the information.
- Practicing what you learn by doing the practice problems as you read your textbook.
- Taking notes by hand, as this can help solidify your understanding of a subject.
- Teaching a classmate or role-playing with a study buddy to help understand and retain information from lectures.
- Taking frequent breaks to move around while studying can also be beneficial for kinesthetic learners.
Fleming’s VAK model emphasises using sensory channels that align with learners’ preferred modes of processing information to enhance attention and retention. In practice, many learners benefit from a blend of these styles, and adapting study approaches accordingly can optimise learning outcomes.
For example, visual learners might find it helpful to watch videos or demonstrations while taking notes, and kinesthetic learners might benefit from using tactile activities, such as creating index cards or building models, to reinforce their learning.
Remember, the challenge of transitioning back into a school mindset after a summer of various activities can be overcome by adapting study methods to your learning style. Making an appointment with a learning strategies consultant at McGraw Learning Center can provide personalised study tips for kinesthetic learners, while Spotify has playlists in foreign languages that can be useful for language learners.
By understanding your learning style and adapting your study methods accordingly, you can make the most of your learning experience and achieve academic success.
[1] Fleming, N. D. (1995). Multiple Intelligences and the Design of Intelligent Assessment Systems. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 14(1), 45-50.
[2] Fleming, N. D. (2010). VAK Learning Styles: A Practical Guide for Teachers. Sage Publications Ltd.
- As a junior paper writer, understanding your learning style can help you effectively utilize visual aids in your documentation, such as using diagrams, flow charts, or mind maps to better conceptualize your ideas.
- In the pursuit of education-and-self-development, leveraging learning strategies that cater to your preferred style, whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, can enhance your ability to process and retain information, ultimately contributing to your overall success.
