1st December 2024
How can understanding your learning style help with revision?
I used to roll my eyes when my children came home from school with spellings homework, and non-negotiable instructions to learn them with the ‘look, say, cover, write, check’ method. Now maybe that method works for some children, but I have never seen the point of it. First, you might learn how to spell your 10 words of the week, but what does that achieve? Maybe the child can spell those words in isolation, but will they be able to use the spellings in free writing? Second, given that the average adult in the UK has upwards of 20,000 words in their vocabulary, if you learnt 10 words a week by this method, it would take you nearly 40 years to learn the spelling of all the words that you use frequently. Clearly the ‘look, say, cover, write, check’ method does not work in isolation and there are other, more effective methods, working alongside to support children in learning how to spell. As children approach GCSEs and A Levels, it is increasingly important to delve deeper into understanding different ways of learning, and then, crucially, to identify the strategies which work best for each individual child.
I want to be explicit, that not every method I look at will suit every child. There are some strategies that are generally seen as good and effective, but there will always be a minority who will benefit from learning in a different way. Apologies for using my own children as an example, but their learning styles differ hugely. I have one child who is an auditory and kinaesthetic learner. He revises by talking into a Dictaphone and then walks around the house listening to his recordings (for hours on end!). One of my other children is a read/write learner and I am constantly replenishing the stocks of index cards and coloured fine liners. Both are very successful at revising and learning content, but they have to do it their own way.
So what exactly do I mean by learning styles, and how do you find out what kind you are?
Learning styles refer to the idea that different people process and retain information in different ways. The concept suggests that if people study in a way that matches their preferred learning style, they are more likely to understand and remember the material. Most people will probably demonstrate markers of more than one learning style, and in different circumstances may rely more heavily on one style than another. Regardless, understanding your predominant learning style is very useful for finding effective study methods.
The most commonly recognised learning styles are:
1. Visual Learners
Visual learners absorb information best when it is presented in a graphical or pictorial format. They often benefit from charts, diagrams, videos, and written notes. These learners may struggle with verbal instructions but thrive when they can see the information organised in a clear, visual way.
2. Auditory Learners
Auditory learners prefer listening to information rather than reading it. They tend to retain information better when they hear it, whether that’s through lectures, discussions, podcasts, or even reading aloud to themselves. Auditory learners often excel in environments where listening and speaking are central, like classrooms or group study sessions.
3. Kinaesthetic Learners
Kinaesthetic learners are hands-on learners who understand best when they physically engage with the material. These learners benefit from activities like role-playing, building models, or using physical objects to represent abstract concepts. Kinaesthetic learners often have a lot of energy and may find it difficult to sit still for long periods.
4. Reading/Writing Learners
Reading/writing learners process information through written words. They excel when they take detailed notes, write summaries, and read textbooks or other written resources. This style is often characterized by a preference for reading, writing essays, and making lists or outlines to help organize information.
How can I identify my child’s learning style?
There are numerous free learning styles quizzes available online. Some claim to identify more in-depth information about personality styles as well, but I think this aspect needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as I’m sceptical that fundamental personality judgements can be made from a couple of dozen multiple choice questions done online.
Here are a couple of links to some learning styles quizzes that are available. I’ve tested them all and they give pretty consistent results, and ones that resonate. None of them require a sign-up either, which is always a bonus!
How Can Understanding Your Learning Style Help with Exam Revision?
Once teenagers understand their learning style, they can adapt their study techniques to match how they process information most effectively. Here’s how knowing their learning style can make revision more efficient for every child:
- Increased Focus and Engagement
When you revise in a way that matches your learning style, you’re more likely to stay engaged and focused. For example, if you’re a visual learner, you might find it easier to concentrate on studying with mind maps or color-coded notes rather than listening to someone explain the topic.
- Better Retention of Information
Studying using methods that align with your preferred style can help reinforce memory retention. For auditory learners, listening to podcasts or explaining material out loud might make it easier to remember key facts. Similarly, visual learners often find that reviewing diagrams or watching video tutorials helps reinforce the material.
- Efficient Time Management
Knowing which study techniques work best for you can save time. Instead of wasting time with ineffective methods, such as trying to memorize everything by rote or sitting through long lectures that don’t work for your learning style, you can focus on activities that make the best use of your strengths.
- Boosted Confidence
When you study in a way that suits you, you’re likely to feel more confident about your ability to retain information and perform well on your exams. Confidence can have a big impact on exam results because it reduces stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on applying your knowledge.
Study Tips for Each Learning Style
To make the most of your revision, try these strategies based on your learning style:
Visual Learners:
- Use Diagrams and Charts: Create mind maps, flow charts, or diagrams to visually organize the information you need to know.
- Colour-Code Notes: Highlight key concepts in different colours to make important information stand out.
- Watch Educational Videos: Platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy offer visual explanations of complex topics.
- Posters and Flashcards: Create flashcards or posters with key information and place them around your room for quick review.
Auditory Learners:
- Record Yourself: Record summaries or explanations of topics and listen to them repeatedly.
- Join Study Groups: Discussing the material with classmates or teachers can help reinforce concepts.
- Listen to Podcasts: There are many educational podcasts that cover a wide range of subjects, allowing you to learn on the go.
- Read Aloud: Try reading your notes or textbooks aloud, as hearing the information can improve recall.
Kinaesthetic Learners:
- Use Hands-On Activities: Engage in practical experiments or use physical objects to help understand abstract concepts.
- Role-Play or Teach: Pretend to teach the material to someone else or act out historical events or scientific processes.
- Take Breaks and Move Around: Study in short bursts, and take regular breaks to stretch or walk around. This can help maintain focus and reduce restlessness.
- Write Things Out: Instead of just reading, physically writing down the material or practicing problems can be more effective.
Reading/Writing Learners:
- Take Detailed Notes: Write comprehensive notes during classes or while reviewing textbooks, focusing on summarizing key ideas.
- Create Lists and Outlines: Organize your revision into structured lists or outlines to ensure you cover all important points.
- Use Practice Essays: Writing essays or long-form answers on potential exam questions will help you prepare for written exams.
- Read and Re-read: Make sure to read and reread your notes, textbooks, and online resources to reinforce your learning.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your child’s learning style isn’t about labelling them or limiting their study methods—it’s about using what works best for them to maximise study time. By tailoring their revision techniques to their preferred learning style, they can improve focus, retention, and confidence, making the exam preparation process more effective and less stressful.
Remember that many people use a combination of learning styles, and it’s perfectly normal for preferences to evolve over time and even for different subjects. The key is to experiment with different techniques and find the ones that work for your child. So, as exams approach, take the time to understand your child’s learning style, adapt their revision strategies, and set them up for success.
I would recommend that you prioritise investigating your child’s learning style as soon as possible. They may well find that one of the descriptions above resonates strongly with them, or they may need to do the quizzes to find out more, especially if their education to date has been very directed and without scope for personal understanding and development. Focusing revision timings and methods on your child’s learning style will ensure that the time spent working is used effectively as information is more likely to be retained.
In my next blog post I’ll be thinking about accountability and motivation. Carrots or sticks? Rewards or punishments? Sticking to the schedule or flexibility? Sometimes the best laid plans go awry, so how do we get our child back on track without World War 3 breaking out?
In the meantime, let me know via our Facebook page how you’re getting on with discovering more about your child’s learning style.
