Multi-Sensory Learning

Primary Visual Learners learn best by seeing the information.

• Take good notes in lectures; reorganize them onto small cards for easier review.
• Rewrite your notes.
• Make sure to read your reading assignments.
• When reading a textbook assignment, read the summary and conclusion first to get a general idea of the information.
• Underline main points in bright colors.
• Review your underlined information frequently.
• Use charts, maps, filmstrips, notes, and flashcards.
• Write out everything for frequent and quick visual review.
• Visual aids, computer graphics, illustrations of written text, charts, drawings, maps, and flashcards.
• Ask for a copy of Professor’s overheads.
• Use films and flip charts.
• Color code key points, notebooks, textbooks, etc.

Primary Auditory Learners learn best when they can hear the information.

• Tape your lectures and take your notes from your tape. This gives you a double auditory input.
• Sit in the classroom where you can hear the lecture clearly.
• After you read something, summarize it on tape.
• Verbally review lectures with a friend.
• Read aloud all underlined material in your textbook or read your notes and flashcards aloud.
• Try to form a study group with your classmates so you can verbalize central ideas.
• Participate in classroom discussions (oral participation).
• Participate in small group activities.

Primary Tactile Learners learn best through the sense of touch (fingers and hands).

• Use your finger to trace the words you are learning.
• Keep something in your hand that is malleable.
• As much as possible, translate what you're learning into something that can be touched.
• Typing, writing, drawing, and taking notes are all helpful.
• Facts that must be learned should be written several times.
• Participate in hands-on activities.
• Highlight key points.
• Use flashcards to sort, categorize, flip, and “touch” the information.

Primary Kinesthetic Learners learn best through movement of their large or gross motor muscles.

• Use manipulatives that create whole concepts (skeletal puzzles for anatomy/map puzzles for geography).
• Put your favorite music on the stereo, then try to move on the beat and repeat the information while moving with the music.
• Seek group interactions.
• Rely on the arts (singing, dancing, poetry, art).
• Ask for assignments/extra credit involving experiments and/or constructing things.
• Study and review notes and materials while walking.
• Participate in hands-on activities as much as possible, especially lab situations.
• Create illustrations of written text.
• Stand up while studying.
• Use a flip chart or chalk board when trying to remember terms/concepts.

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