Learning Styles and Revision Strategies

A great deal of recent research has suggested that people learn in different ways. All of us will have a preferred style of learning. Although using your preferred style of learning will help you revise for exams most effectively it  does not mean we should you should  try and learn and revise in one style all the time. To really get your brains buzzing and get the best out of yourself try to train your brain to receive and remember information using a variety of techniques.
First of all take a short test to find out what sort of learner you are BY CLICKING HERE
When you have completed the quiz print out your results and look for your strengths. Choose you three strongest areas and try some revision of the revision strategies identified below.

These ideas are taken from the Greenfield School website

Visual Style
·        Recopy notes in colours
·        Visually organise or reorganise notes using columns, categories, outline forms, etc.
·        Remember where information was located in visual field
·        Create timelines, models, charts, grids, etc.
·        Write/rewrite facts, formulas, notes on wall-hanging, bedsheet, poster for visual review at any time
·        Facts, formulas, notes on index cards arranged/rearranged on wall, pin-board, floor, bed
·        Use of colour-coded markers or cards for previous two above
·        Use of visual mnemonics
·        TV/video supplements important for understanding or remembering
·        Use of "background" visual activity helps you to concentrate
·        Use of highlighters
·        Near memorisation of chapter/notes
 
Auditory Style
·        Need to discuss concepts/facts/aspects with friend immediately after new learning
·        Frequently does homework with friend(s) via telephone - seems to understand better and retain more
·        Tape records lesson or notes for re-listening later
·        Must say facts/formulas/information over and over to retain
·        Simultaneous talking-walking studying
·        Set information to rhyme, rhythm, or music to aid retention
·        Aural Mnemonics
·        Remember where information was located in auditory field (e.g. tagged to "who       said that?")
·        Use of different voices to study (like creating a script, or acting out a play)
·        TV/video/radio supplements useful for obtaining information
·        Prefer to listen without taking notes
·        Prefer group discussion and/or study groups
·        Use of background music helps you to concentrate
·        Prefer quiet study environment
 
Kinaesthetic Style
·        Copy notes over and over, apparently to make them neat or organised
·        Make charts, grids, timelines, diagrams (usually several times)
·        Trace key words with finger, marker, hand
·        Re-enact situations while studying
·        Constructs things while studying (house of cards, blocks, etc.)
·        Prefers learning by doing
·        Frequently takes things apart, or "tinkers with things" for understanding
·        Prefers on-site visits for understanding
 

You can learn more about learning styles, multiple intelligences and revision techniques using the links form the button bar on the left