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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