Learning Styles and Effective Study Strategies By Courtney Rohrig and Kellie Welsh

What are the differences in High School Vs. College? Class Size No authority figure enforcing school attendance. I.E. Parents Not as much one on one time with professor Participation isn’t always necessary in big lectures Difficulties in paying attention in new setting. Many distractions like meeting new people, parties, etc.

Three Types of Learning Styles? What are they? What do you think each entails?

Learning Styles VisualAuditoryTactile

Visual Learners Learn best by seeing information & are good at seeing the “big picture” For example they often incorporate MapsGraphs Pictures into their notes as visual aids They make “movies in their minds” to further interpret information that they are reading They often construct summaries in hopes to remember details Based strongly off the body language of the teacher. Facial expression, eye contact, stance of teacher

Visual Learners Characteristics Learn through seeing Reader/observer Usually neat and clean Attracted to language rich in imagery Think in pictures and diagrams Can often be distracted by their surroundings, such as things in the classroom, lecture hall, what’s going on outside, etc. Physical appearance is important to how they view others

Studying Techniques for the Visual Learners Flashcards. Organization of notes (color coordinate) Sit in the front row Highlighting important information in texts Visual metaphors Videos Study in a quiet environment Review photographs and diagrams in text. Set-up meetings with teacher to clarify any problems or questions

Auditory Learners Learn best by listening and hearing information. Accurately remember information heard or explained in lectures, conversations and audio books. Strong language skills, meaning a strong vocabulary and love for words. Usually find learning a foreign language easy and are often musical.

Auditory Characteristics Tend to read things out loud to themselves Usually not afraid to speak out in class Good at explaining things to others Often remember names easily Follows directions well Enjoy whole group discussions as well as group work Prefer lecture settings

Study Strategies for Auditory Learners Record class lectures to go back and review lessons Participate in small and large group discussions prior to studying independently Group study Answer questions orally Repetition of material Read out loud

Tactile Learners Learn best by doing. Can use just the hands not necessarily full body activities to learn.

Tactile Characteristics Best in lab settings. Can not sit still for long periods Often does not have great handwriting. Often fidgety during lectures Enjoys studying with loud music.

Study Strategies for Tactile Learners Study in groups. Take breaks while studying and study in new places. Highlight key ideas. Use a mind map, outline or draw information. Make real objects to understand. Ex) studying geography, use a globe. Ex) studying geography, use a globe. Keep desk clear of distracting objects. Chew gum while studying Use memory games. Take field trips such as visiting a museum.

General Study strategies What are some of your strategies for studying?

Strategies ReadingSkimmingOutliningHighlighting Note taking

Different Learning Strategies: Learning to learn: it’s important to know yourself, your capacity to learn and understand your own personal interests. Active learning: actually taking responsibility for your own learning by exploring different learning techniques and seeing which work best for you. Language learning: exploring different options of language that match your strengths and interests: for example listening, reading, writing, memorizing, speaking.

Environment Plays as Major Role Quiet vs. Loud Group vs. individual Inside vs. outside Time of day

Helpful Tips Find an environment you feel is best to study in (library, outside, in your dorm room, near the ocean, wherever.) Find a time that works for you. What time of the day are you most efficient? In the morning, afternoon, night? Figure out if you are more beneficial alone or with a study partner or study group (maybe even both)? Take into account course type and material Ex) learning vocabulary, physics, reading.

Time Management Balance Your Time Studying StudyingHomework Reading Texts Working out Social life Family All of these are important, cant just focus on one of them

Studying for Exams Crunch time Vs. Daily reviewing of notes Reading text as you are learning the new material in class- either before, or after. Attend review sessions (SI, AEC, group collaborations) Do practice problems Review old exams Get a good night rest Eat well (be sure to eat a healthy breakfast) Test type - Multiple choice, essay questions, short answer

Course Type Different classes require different strategies for studying Communication Vs. Engineering Communication courses will spend a lot of time preparing presentations, speeches, papers, whereas engineering major will focus a lot on test taking and problem solving. Study within your learning community

Helpful Sites: Learning Style examples. URI 101 Website

Helpful Places on Campus The Academic Enhancement Center: Tutoring Supplemental Instruction One on one coaching Time management course

Library Not only serves as a place to study but a place to seek information from books, encyclopedias, articles, journals, internet, etc. Constantly surrounded by people so it can be a good place to ask for help. Helpful for those who study best with loud noises. But also includes the quiet floor as well. Good spot to meet for interviews, review sessions and group study. Online resources like The Helin Catalog, curriculum materials library, etc.