Every learner is unique.   An important step to becoming an academic stand out is to recognize that there are a variety of ways to learn.  Students who learn to use a variety of learning styles, combined with their own unique combination of strengths, are empowered to achieve their desired grades or test scores. Although many students don’t begin to focus on learning styles until college, Vogel Prep encourages our students to learn as much as they can about their own learning style, as early as possible.

Loosely defined, a learning style is the way a person approaches, absorbs, understands, expresses and remembers information. Still need help?  Take a look at some common learning styles below.  Try determining the two styles that you most identify with (one primary and one secondary).  Consider your preferred daily rituals, hobbies, and methods of relaxing to help identify the type of learning style that best matches your experience in learning. 

The Visual Learner

The visual learner learns best with visual aids.  For example, acquiring knowledge or information is usually best absorbed when information is written, drawn, mapped, or graphed.

The Auditory Learner

The auditory learner learns best by hearing information in the form of a song, lecture, discussion or recording. Audio books or having content read aloud is helpful for auditory learners.

The Kinesthetic Learner

The kinesthetic learner learns best through active movement. This can be accomplished by walking around while studying flashcards, creating a dance to memorize times tables, or acting out a history story in order to absorb information

The Tactile Learner

The tactile learner learns best by engaging his or her sense of touch. Learning can be facilitated through hands-on projects that include touching, modeling, sculpting, or building.

Once you or your student has identified whether they are primarily a visual, auditory, kinesthetic or tactile learner, it’s time to use the technique to your advantage.  Many students find they have both a primary and secondary learning style.  These students are able to apply different techniques to different courses by using their primary learning style and/or invoking their secondary learning style when necessary. 

Using primary and secondary learning styles to study improves learning retention, but like any skill it must be practiced consistently.  Here are some ideas to try:

If your primary learning style is....

Visual – When studying or preparing for a test, draw pictures, review graphics, and read the text that explains the graphics.  Visualize a story that you will remember to make the material visual in your mind.

Auditory – Students who are auditory learners will come to understand that recording what you read (aloud), or what you hear in a lecture, can help you to make the most of your studying.  Consider having conversations with others, to reiterate the new information or knowledge you’re learning.   

Tactile/Kinesthetic – Consider highlighting passages of material that are meaningful to you. Take notes; hold your book instead of laying it on the table and try walking around as you read or review notes.

These techniques will become second nature if applied regularly. Final exams will become easier, as will studying. Grades and scores will reflect efforts in understanding how, as a wholly unique person, each student can maximize learning potential in school, and in life.

Vogel Test Prep offers private tutoring and small classes for students in Phoenix, including those from Scottsdale, Arcadia, Paradise Valley and Fountain Hills, looking to elevate their scores on exams including the PSATs, SATs, ACTs and SAT Subject Tests. With our conveniently located tutoring center at 13951 N. Scottsdale Rd in Scottsdale, Vogel Prep also provides academic advising services to students and their families. 

 Visit www.vogelprep.com, call 480-990-7347 or email info@vogelprep.com