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Published on 10th June 2019 by lauram

What kind of learner are you

With ever-present exams and looming deadlines, it’s important to know what type of learner you are so you can devise a revision method that will work best for you.

Scientists and psychologists have theorised many different learning models, including VARK.

The VARK model theorises that there are four different types of learner out there:

  • Auditory
  • Visual
  • Kinaesthetic
  • Reading/writing

Which are you?

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1. The auditory learner

Listening, discussing, questioning and recalling information will all help if you’re an auditory learner.

Try discussing that medical lecture with your course mates or asking your tutor questions about the material you’ve just been taught. Hearing it back will help your brain to process and retain the information.

Listening back to lecture recordings is particularly helpful for auditory learners, as is reading out and recording your notes and listening back to them (if you can get past the cringe-factor of listening to your own voice).

Top tool: Recording apps such as Voice Recorder and Audio Editor.

2. The visual learner

A visual learner will absorb information best if they see it clearly presented in a format that easily illustrates the relationship between ideas. Think charts, diagrams, graphs or flowcharts.

Using different colours for different sections, underlining and highlighting key ideas, and leaving white space between points and lines will all help a visual learner remember.

Yep, those rainbow gel pens won’t just make your notes look great; they’ll actually help you learn!

Top tool: Highlighters, and PowerPoint charts.

3. The kinaesthetic learner

The best way for a kinaesthetic learner to study is through senses, experiences, and practical exercises.

Real-life examples, even those recounted by a lecturer or shown on a screen, help a kinaesthetic learner to memorise information.

Practical learning experiences – being in hospital and meeting with real patients – will work well for you.

When revising, use lots of examples and case studies to illustrate the points you need to remember.

Using pictures to illustrate an idea and talking about your notes with another kinaesthetic learner can also help.

Top tool: Drawing materials, yourself and the world!

4. The reading/writing learner

If you’re a reading/writing learner, the printed word is the most important and effective way for you to absorb information.

Lists are your weapon of choice, and handouts are a key resource for you.

Some other learning strategies that can help are writing out your notes again and again (and again), as well as repeatedly reading them to yourself, rewriting ideas into other words, and converting diagrams and charts into statements to memorise.

Top tool: A large supply of pens and notebooks.

To find out more about the four learning styles, you can take the VARK quiz yourself. Happy learning!

Liberty Living residences are the perfect place for busy medical students and student nurses looking for hassle-free and comfortable accommodation options.

Liberty Living also offer short terms stays and flexible starting dates across 19 UK cities. Find out more here.

Find out more about Liberty Living

Words: Anna Hart (sponsored post by Liberty Living)

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