Learning Styles

Making the Best of Your Particular Learning Style

Identifying your particular learning style is only the first step toward your goal of becoming a more successful mathematics student. Next, you need specific learning and studying strategies that will make your learning style work to your advantage.

Visual Learners

Sit near the front of the classroom
Copy what's on the board
Make flashcards of important information to memorize
Color code notes and flashcards using highlighters of contrasting colors to highlight different kinds of information
Use the margins of your textbook to write key words, diagrams, etc to help you remember
Use charts or "mind maps" to organize information
For problems involving a sequence of steps, draw a series of boxes (or a flowchart) with each box containing relevant information.
Write explanations of information presented in charts and graphs
Watch videos of topics covered in class

Auditory Learners

Sit near the front of the classroom so you can clearly hear without distractions
Join a study group or get a "study buddy" and explain mathematical concepts to each other
Read information out loud when studying
Participate in class/group discussions
Immediately after reading your textbook, recite out loud what you just learned
To learn a sequence of steps, write them out in sentence form, then read them out loud
Use mnemonics
Verbalize formulas, definitions, etc that need to be memorized
Restate, in your own words, concepts you are trying to understand

Kinesthetic Learners

Sit near the front of the classroom and take notes throughout the class period
Take notes while reading your textbook
Study in a comfortable position, not necessarily at a desk/table and chair
When studying, instead of placing your book, notes, flashcards, etc on a table or desk, hold them in your hands, walk back and forth, and read the information out loud
Work on memorization while exercising
To learn a sequence of steps, write each step on a separate flashcard. Then practice putting the cards in the proper order.

Conclusion

It is important to realize that there is not right or wrong or best learning style. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages. When you know your learning style, you can apply the most effective learning and study strategies for your unique style. By expanding your existing learning and study strategies, you empower yourself for maximum success in mathematics.

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