Let’s be honest y’all, studying can really suck sometimes. While it may feel like a means to an end, it doesn’t have to be so terrible all the time! Everybody learns differently, so it’s important to know what learning style fits you best. To keep it simple, let’s stick with the three most of us already know: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Don’t feel pressured to fit yourself into one category, however! I am predominantly visual, but I’m a mix of all three. So when I’m cramming for a big test at the last minute (which I definitely never do), I will use all three at the same time. I’ll walk in circles around my living room (kinesthetic), while reading my color-coated notes (visual), and saying everything aloud (auditory).

Now let’s break down each style of learning, so that you can see what works best for you. If you aren’t sure about which style you are, take the test linked below, then come back! http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles.shtml

Auditory: If you are auditory then you learn best by listening. Here are some tips for you:

• Speak aloud when studying
• Turn your notes into a song or a rap
• Record your lectures (with your professor’s consent) and then listen to them a few times
• Only write down key words in your notes, so you can focus on listening

Visual: If you are visual then you learn best by watching.

• Color-coat your notes
• Keep your notes organized
• Draw pictures and charts
• Watch engaging YouTube videos
• Re-write/type your notes

Kinesthetic/Tactile: If you are kinesthetic or tactile, you learn best by doing.

• Keep moving by walking around, tapping a pencil, etc
• Create hand motions to remember your notes
• Stand instead of sitting
• Study in groups and actively work out problems

Some tips for everyone:

• Study before going to bed! And actually go to bed, instead of studying all night! Studies have shown that students who do so perform much higher than their peers on tests! As you’re sleeping, your brain is processing all the information it received during the day and creating neural pathways that strengthen your memory. In the morning, you’ll be able to recall everything much more than if you had tried to study minutes before your test.
• Study over long periods of time! I struggle with this one for sure. It takes a lot of discipline to study days in advance for a test! Just like sleep, repetition can strengthen your neural pathways and help you remember that one part of the cell that houses DNA. (Hint: It’s not mitochondria)
• Take frequent breaks! You need to be hustling, but not so much that you lose focus. Taking breaks keeps you more engaged and productive while you’re working.

Let me know below what results you got on the test and if you have any study methods I missed that may help someone!