Study Tips For Different Types of Learners
- amandabek
- Apr 14, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Many people believe that they fall into 1 of the 4 categories of learners: visual, auditory, reading/ writing and kinaesthetic. While it is beneficial to use multiple types of learning techniques and our preferences may change (Nancekivell et al, 2020), these are some study tips for you if you prefer visual learning methods!
Active recall
Using flashcards can be useful to help retain information better. Flashcards can allow you to better make associations between concepts (Podoliak, 2021), and have been found to be effective in helping people pick up technical words (Yüksel et al, 2020).
Summaries
Making visual summaries can also help consolidate information. Mindmaps or flowcharts that are colour coded allow you to easily see the interlinking ideas. Combining key words and diagrams make mindmaps an effective memory tool as it highlights the main point of each concept effectively. Mindmaps may also increase interest and motivation in learning, and even improve critical thinking (Wu & Wu, 2020) and metacognitive skills (Astriani et al, 2020).
Colour coding
You can consider assigning a specific colour to each topic/ subject to help you categorise your information more effectively. Colour coding may also be applied to previous strategies such as the flashcards and mindmaps. Colour coding allows you to see relationships between concepts more clearly, as colours act as a categorisation tool (Baumgartner, 2019). Colour coding can also be used to flag important concepts for quick reviews, as it captures attention and is stimulating for visually-inclined learners (Liu et al, 2021).
This list is non-exhaustive, and remember to use what is good for you! Happy studying!
Written by: Grace
02/2024
References
Astriani, D., Susilo, H., Suwono, H., Lukiati, B., & Purnomo, A. R. (2020). Mind mapping in learning models: A tool to improve student metacognitive skills. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(06), 4. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i06.12657
Baumgartner, M. (2019, December). 5 tips for color-coding your notes | study.com. https://study.com/blog/5-tips-for-color-coding-your-notes.html
Liu, Y., Ma, W., Guo, X., Lin, X., Wu, C., & Zhu, T. (2021). Impacts of Color Coding on Programming Learning in Multimedia Learning: Moving toward a Multimodal methodology. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773328
Nancekivell, S. E., Shah, P., & Gelman, S. A. (2020). Maybe they’re born with it, or maybe it’s experience: Toward a deeper understanding of the learning style myth. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(2), 221–235. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000366
Podoliak, M. (2021). Unconscious memory in acquiring new vocabulary using flashcards. East European Journal of Psycholinguistics, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.29038/eejpl.2021.8.2.pod
Wu, H.-Z., & Wu, Q.-T. (2020). Impact of mind mapping on the critical thinking ability of clinical nursing students and teaching application. Journal of International Medical Research, 48(3), 030006051989322. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300060519893225
Yüksel, H. G., Mercanoğlu, H. G., & Yılmaz, M. B. (2020). Digital Flashcards vs. Wordlists for Learning Technical Vocabulary. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(8), 2001–2017. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1854312
This is a really helpful and well-referenced post, especially for students who are still figuring out how they learn best. The emphasis on active recall, visual summaries, and colour coding shows how small changes in study techniques can significantly improve understanding and motivation. These strategies are particularly useful for students preparing to study abroad, where adapting to new teaching styles is often a challenge. At GraddingHomes, we not only guide students in selecting the right courses and universities overseas but also support them with comfortable student accommodation in Buckingham, creating an environment where learners can apply these study methods effectively and stay focused throughout their academic journey.
Every learner absorbs information differently, so choosing the right study method is key to success. Visual learners benefit from charts, videos, and mind maps, while auditory learners learn best through discussions, podcasts, and recorded lectures. Reading/writing learners should focus on notes and summaries, whereas kinesthetic learners need hands-on practice and real-life examples. For language exams, combining styles works well—practicing with an ielts speaking mock test online free helps build confidence, improve fluency, and adapt strategies to your learning style effectively.
Everyone learns differently, so tailoring your study approach to your learning style can make revision more effective and enjoyable. Visual learners benefit from diagrams, color‑coded notes, and mind maps that turn information into eye‑catching visuals.
Identify your dominant style by noticing when information sticks best, and mix techniques for comprehensive retention. Regular breaks, realistic goals, and consistent routines help all learners stay focused and avoid burnout. Exploring diverse academic environments, like the university of greenwich, can also expose you to supportive resources and varied study strategies. With self‑awareness and adaptable habits, you’ll maximize your learning potential and achieve stronger academic results.
These study tips for visual learners are really helpful! For students planning to study abroad, having a comfortable place to focus and stay organized is just as important as using effective learning techniques. If you’re heading to the UK for your studies, finding the right student accommodation in Leicester can make a big difference in your academic success: https://www.graddinghomes.com/uk/student-accommodation-in-leicester"
Great article! Tailoring your study techniques to your learning style—whether visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic—can make a huge difference in how effectively you absorb and retain information. Mixing active strategies like mind maps, flashcards, and timed practice sessions really helps build deeper understanding and keeps motivation high. This kind of self‑awareness and strategy is also incredibly valuable when preparing for real‑world experiences like anglia ruskin university placements, where adaptability and strong learning habits can boost both academic and professional success.