Learn how you learn

Studying hard but nothing sticks? It pays to know how you learn best. Especially if you're a student. So we've broken down the different approaches to learning, with some tips and tools to help you find the method to your madness. 

You might even have a few different learning styles. Lucky for some. But if you're not sure what fits, take the VARK QUIZ to find out. 

Visual

"Look at this" All-eyes-Annie

When you're an All-eyes-Annie, you learn best using pictures, videos and visuals.

Whatever your tutor's teaching style, take what they're telling you and make it aesthetic. Use a variety of fonts, colours, and diagrams when you're studying.

You might struggle when someone tries to explain something verbally. So tell them to hold their breath.

Tips

• Use charts and diagrams.
• Visualise as you listen.
• Create aesthetic notes.

Tools

• MindMeister - A space to create, share and manage mind maps online.
• Visuwords - A visually interactive dictionary, thesaurus and lexicon.
• Sketchbook - A free digital sketch app that uses your phone's camera.

Aural

"Listen up" Ray-it-by-Ear

When you're a Ray-it-by-Ear, you learn best when things are explained verbally.

You like to talk things through, ask questions, and aren't afraid to speak up. You're THAT student who doesn't take notes during lectures. Eyes locked, ears pricked, hand in the air waiting to ask a question - that's how you get the clarity you need. Furiously scribbling notes is not your style.

Tips

• Use a sound recorder.
• Get in on the discussion.
• Block out the noise.

Tools

• Podcast Directories - List of sites packed full of podcasts on every topic.
• Audible.com - A subscription giving you access to thousands of audiobooks.
• Rainy mood - Sounds for switching off from the world so you can focus.

Reader/Writer

"Read all about it" Paige Turner

When you're a Paige Turner, you learn best by well...reading and writing.

You feel most organised using lists and taking notes. A summarising pro, you know how to neatly package information into tight sentences.

To help you make sense of something, read it out loud. Then do it again. And again. Because when you're a reader/writer, repetition is your friend.

Tips

• Write as you listen.
• Use your own words.
• Annotate visuals.

Tools

• Evernote - A note-taking app designed for optimal organisation.
• Visuwords - A visually interactive dictionary, thesaurus, and lexicon.
• Google Keep - Add digital post-its alongside your Google Docs.

Kinaesthetic

"Do it yourself" Alex-Perience

When you're an Alex-Perience, you learn best through hands-on experience.

You use all five senses to conquer every angle of a topic, relishing in the lessons gained through doing as opposed to traditional studying. But if you can't learn through experience, living vicariously through others could also work. Try reading case studies or watching autobiographies.

Tips

• Use REAL examples.
• Explore your senses.
• Learn beyond the library.

Tools

• Ted Talks - Information wrapped in a story makes thing stick.
• GetRevising - Create revision resources to make studying more interactive
• Anki App - Make interactive flashcards with text, sounds, and images.