Different people learn using different 'styles.' Some people need to read printed material in order to memorize it, while others prefer to 'picture' what they are studying by creating images in their mind. You may retain information more easily if you can associate it with an action or you may feel more comfortable when information is conveyed through sound, either voice or music.

There are many classifications for the different styles of learning. Some definitions refer to the senses of sight, hearing, and touch. Learners may have a sight-based style: they memorize best using their eyes, either reading written material or seeing an action performed. If you have a hearing-based approach, you are more focused when you hear information. Other learners use movement and the sense of touch to commit to memory and recall information.
Other theories speak of different kinds of 'intelligence.' Besides those based on the senses, for example, there are an 'interpersonal' intelligence and an 'intra-personal' one. These definitions distinguish between a 'social' kind of learning and a 'private' style. Interpersonal intelligence favors communication and works best in one-to-one or group relationships: in this case, you learn best by interacting with other people and could benefit from study groups. On the other hand, intrapersonal intelligence tends to use introspection and reasoning: you probably learn best alone, find it easy to concentrate and are attracted to the spiritual side of things.

How do you learn best? You need to answer this question to devise a learning method that works well for you. For example, think of someone's name. Do you remember reading the name or can you see it 'printed' in your memory? Do you remember the sound of the name when it was spoken or do you remember the name better if you move your hand as if you were writing it? If you consider how you like to learn, you can understand how your brain prefers to receive information and how it can process it more efficiently.

Sight

If you are a 'visual learner,' try to concentrate your practice on the sense of sight. If you remember written information more easily, try to use printed resources, and create additional texts writing by hand or using a word processor. Make notes of books, presentations, lectures, mathematical problems, experiments, graphics, etc. Try to transform whatever material you have into written information. You can first write detailed explanations, and then review them by writing summaries. Make use of color too. Besides highlighting important information using color pens, you can use different colors for different subjects (e.g. white paper for maths, yellow paper for history, blue paper for English, etc.) or types of information (black ink for facts or figures, red ink for problems or questions, blue ink for points in favor of a theory, green ink for points against a theory, etc.)
If you remember visual information better, try using pictures and videos. Transform what is written or spoken into visually striking material like graphics, diagrams, and symbols. Create your own images and charts to summarize the information. Use color and shape. Because you find it easy to create designs and patterns, use your imagination to create mental pictures of the subject.

Hearing

If you are an 'auditory learner,' try to concentrate your practice on the sense of hearing. Try to use audio material for your studies, such as books on tape or recordings of classes you attended. Transform written material into sound by reading the texts aloud and recording yourself. Study by talking aloud too: read and repeat aloud, and speak aloud when going through a process (e.g. solving a mathematical exercise, carrying out an experiment, writing information, etc.) It may also be a good idea to partner with a fellow student to promote spoken communication. If you join or form a study group, you can both speak aloud and listen to others.
If you are sensitive to music, you can also try to incorporate rhythm into your studies. For instance, you can choose a tune you are familiar with and repeat the information aloud according to the melody.

Touch and Movement

'Kinetics' is the science that studies movement. If you are a 'kinesthetic learner,' you should use movement when you study. If you are a 'tactile learner,' try to concentrate your practice on the sense of touch. You can 'rework' the material you have available to transform it into the kind that suits your learning style. Take notes of what you hear, draw pictures and graphs, re-enact a class, walk when you revise, recite the contents of a book, etc. Use drama and singing, if you feel comfortable with it. Simply moving your hands may help. Scientific studies have highlighted that people remember speech better when it is accompanied by gestures. Study outdoors if you can, and do field work. For instance, you can visit a place that is connected with the subject of your studies. Use a lab, if appropriate, or practice making things with your hands. You can create a model or devise a game. Think of hands-on activities that fit in with what you are learning.

Conclusions

• Understand how you learn best. Think of the way you like to receive and manipulate information. Consider how it is easier for you to understand and memorize. One or more of your senses may be dominant, but there may be other abilities you have and can use to study effectively.

• An active approach makes your practice more memorable and therefore more effective. Choose the approach with which you feel more comfortable and that you think can work best given your aptitude.