Everyone is different and everyone learns differently. Some students retain information simply by listening (auditory learners), while some prefer to learn by taking down notes (visual learners). And some students fall into more than one category.
Learning is a complex process. It requires both memory and attention. If you are an auditory learner, you can learn by hearing and listening. Visual learners may require to take notes, follow diagrams and charts to understand better. So, if you know your learning style, you can use it to your advantage and make the most of your study time to achieve great results.
Today, we will discuss some valuable study tips for visual learners who process and retain information best when they see it. Do you find lectures boring? Do you understand lectures when they are explained with the aid of charts and illustrations? Then you are a visual learner and merely listening to a lecture might not help you.
Here are some best study tips for Visual Learners that will help them understand lessons better and prepare for the upcoming exams.
- Take good notes.
Develop the habit of taking notes during classroom lectures. Not text-heavy notes, try to combine both text and visuals to remember information that is shared. Use graphics, connectors or even color codes to understand and comprehend the information quickly and easily. Writing down information will help you remember it long-term.
- Create charts, graphs and diagrams.
Drawing out flowcharts, graphs and visual illustrations will help you easily recall information, organize concepts and articulate what was being taught. Charting out information will not only provide a better understanding of the concept but will also present a big-visual picture of what you have learned. These can be your go-to-study material before exams.
- Use color coding.
Color coding is an effective method of remembering information. Use highlighter pens of contrasting colors to highlight important points, definitions, examples and key concepts. Color coding not only will help you to organize concepts and draw attention to important points, but its visual effect will allow you to learn and memorize information easily.
- Look at the person who is speaking.
When you are sitting in a lecture, look at the teacher who is speaking. Try to catch her facial expressions and body language when she is teaching. Putting an image to the words can help you retain information later.
- Watch video lessons.
Watch videos about topics that are being taught in class. Try to learn from the videos. Take notes and visualize the concepts in your mind. Watch video lectures first and then read the chapter from your book. This will help you retain information and connect points easily.
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- Use flashcards.
Flashcards can be a great way to learn. Write out limited materials on the flashcard and categorize them from most to least important. While studying, visualize the concept and create a mental picture of the information. Don’t forget to flip through them once in a while each week.
- Avoid any audio-visual distractions.
While studying, concentrate on what you are reading or watching. Do not let any external noise or inappropriate videos distract your attention. Stay focused. Choose a quiet place to study.
- Visualize spellings.
When hearing or learning any new word that you want to remember, visualize its spelling. This will help you memorize words faster and easier.
- Leave white spaces when taking notes.
Leave white spaces in between sections of notes so that you can add any extra point, comments or important information related to the topic, while studying or re-reading the notes. This avoids overcrowding of words and helps your note feel more spaced out and easy to read.
- Study often.
Study regularly. The more time you will spend studying the information, the more you will retain. Prepare a study schedule and allocate specific time for specific subjects.
These study tips for visual learners will help you improve your grades and achieve academic success. Understand your learning style and get started without wasting your study time.