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Understanding Your Learning Style

  • Writer: Serah Sannoh
    Serah Sannoh
  • Jun 14
  • 2 min read

Have you ever wondered why some people can read a textbook and the information sticks easily, while others need to write things out or even listen to audio recordings to help them understand a concept? This is because everyone has a unique learning style that works best for them. Knowing what learning style suits you can help you study smarter, not harder. 


What are the different learning styles? 

The four most common learning styles are referred to as VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading & Writing, and Kinesthetic.


Visual

  • Visual learners absorb information best when it is presented in diagrams, flowcharts, images, and videos. They benefit from organizing the information they’re studying into charts and color coordinating their study materials.  

Auditory

  • Auditory learners retain information best when the information is discussed, either by themselves or in groups. They can benefit from listening to audio recordings or repeating concepts out loud with their peers.

Reading & Writing

  • These students learn best by reading texts . They prefer reading textbooks, taking notes, and rereading their notes to retain information. These students find it useful to review Powerpoint slides, handouts, or other written materials as an effective way to study. 

Kinesthetic

  • These students learn best by being hands on! Rather than learning by seeing, they understand things better by doing. This may look like a science student learning how to do a lab experiment by trying it out, or a history student creating an acting scene when learning about ancient civilizations.


There are four main learning styles, but that doesn't mean that you just need to be boxed into one! Multiple styles could work for you. Trying out each learning style will help you see which one, or ones, work best for you. Finding out your learning style(s) is a great way to tailor your study routine in a way that you’ll be able to understand the information best.  Knowing how you learn can help you be more efficient and ultimately help improve your academic performance!  



Author: Serah Sannoh

Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

 
 
 

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