Potential Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 10

test prep study strategies

LEARNING STYLES

BY SAVANNA PRUITT
Picture this : Sally and Andrew are studying for the “ Big Test ” together . They review the same material , take the same notes , and even make identical flashcards . After the “ Big Test ”, Sally is shocked- Andrew passed with flying colors , but she scored so poorly that her teacher couldn ’ t even look her in the eyes ! What did Sally do wrong !? It ’ s simple : she tried to study like Andrew , but she should have studied like Sally . How can you avoid repeating Sally ’ s tragic , yet common , mistake ? Take this quick quiz and find out what type of learner you are !
I learn best when I ..

1A . hear someone tell me how to do something . B . watch someone show me how to do something . C . try to do something on my own .

When studying , I ’ m most easily distracted by …

2A . people talking loudly . B . movement around me . C . an uncomfortable study area .

When trying to solve a test question , I …

3A . talk myself through the problem in my head . B . draw diagrams and write down key information . C . use objects or move around to think .

When giving someone directions , I …

4A . tell them the names of streets they ’ ll make turns on . B . give them a description of landmarks they ’ ll pass C . suggest that they just follow me to the destination .

When reading a book , I ’ m most interested in … 5A . dialog and conversations between characters . B . descriptive scenes and strong imagery . C . intense action scenes .

Mostly A : Auditory Mostly B : Visual Mostly C : Tactile
AUDITORY
An auditory learner thrives on sound and spoken instruction . Therefore , this type of learner should study with the aid of sound and speech . One way auditory learners can study is by way of flashcards ; reviewing and reading each card out loud will help commit the information to memory . If permitted , try recording your lectures or test review sessions . Auditory learners often benefit greatly from study groups — talking and hearing others talk about test material is a great way to process information .
TIP : Try listening to classical music while studying — it is scientifically proven to help you focus and more easily recall information !
VISUAL
Visual learners learn best by seeing . This type of learner should study with visual aids and diagrams . If you ’ re a visual learner , take good notes ! Writing things down will help you recall the information when it ’ s testing time . Make good use of diagrams and charts in your notes , and be sure to highlight key points in bright colors . Visual learners can benefit from color coding notes- highlighting certain information in certain colors can aid in recalling test material . When reading or listening to a lecture , try to visualize things you hear .
TIP : Visual learners study best when they are alone in a clean , organized space . Time to clean your room !
TACTILE
If you prefer to learn with a hands-on approach , you are probably a tactile learner . This type of learner learns best by doing . Try walking around while reading notes or reciting information . Holding something in your hand , such as an eraser or small stone , can help you focus and recall information more effectively . Small movements such as shaking your foot or tapping your pencil ( quietly ) can also increase your focus . Most tactile learners can also be categorized as either visual or auditory learners .
TIP : Chew gum while studying . Then , when it ’ s testing time , chew the same flavor of gum- you may be able to remember the information more clearly !
Source : www . educationplanner . org
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