Although an entire class can sit through the same presentation, not everyone receives the information in the same way. Do you know which way you learn best? Identifying this can help you improve your learning technique and can even improve your grades.
There are three main styles of learning, and most students fall into one of these three categories: auditory learning, tactile/kinesthetic learning, or visual learning.
Auditory learners are more receptive to presentations that are oral. Do you find that the information in class is easier to absorb if the teacher stands at the front the room and talks about a subject? Do you find that you are quicker to understand information given on audio tape or MP3? If so, one way of making your grades better would be to record yourself reading from the text book of any subjects that you find particularly difficult, and then listening to the spoken word – because of your learning style you may find that it makes the subjects easier to understand.
Tactile/kinesthetic learners on the other hand learn best in a hands-on environment. They understand the physical form and being able to touch the material allows them to understand the subject matter easier. Unfortunately this isn’t the easiest of learning styles to work with in a school setting as many subject areas don’t easily lend themselves to a tactile approach – and school resources may limit those subjects that do. Consider how you can make a tactile model for subjects you find difficult and then use this to increase your understanding of it.
Visual learners are best with things they can see. They much prefer the written word or illustrative diagrams to listening to a teacher speak. Books and charts are the best educational tools for those of you who have this learning style, and therefore you ought to do well in a school environment. Classes that provide handouts, or use an overhead projector will be your best classroom experiences, but for those where handouts aren’t given, your own notes should provide the best source of information for homework.
If you aren’t sure which learning style you have, pay attention to how you learn next time you’re in a classroom. Familiarize yourself with each style beforehand, and then try to follow each style in turn to investigate which one of them gives you the easier learning experience. Once you identify it, and can use this style more thoroughly in your school work, you’ll find that you’ll understand things faster and consequently should see an improvement in your grades.