Everyone has a different way of learning. Many experts believe that we use one of our senses more than the others when we learn and that by learning in a way which suits us we can learn things faster and more effectively. The idea is that we learn best in one of four ways: visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), kinesthetic (moving) or tactile (touching). Use the questions below to work out what kind of learner you are and which tips will work best for you.
Are you a visual learner?
Do you enjoy looking at pictures and graphic displays? Do you use lists to organize your thoughts? Do you recognize words when you see them displayed? If so, you are a visual learner and these tips will help you study more effectively:
- Draw pictures of vocabulary words and diagrams of grammar rules
- Use flashcards to review new words
- Visualize a conversation with the new words you’ve learnt
- At EF English Live, watch the movies and do the simulation activities for each lesson
Are you an auditory learner?
Do you enjoy listening to dialogues and discussions? Do you like to hear spoken instructions? Do you use rhythm and sounds to help remember information? If you answered ‘Yes’ to these questions, you are an auditory learner and these tips will help you learn English faster:
- Sing vocabulary words, memorize songs or make rhymes to remember grammar rules
- Read out loud as much as possible
- Record yourself speaking English and play back the tapes for review
- At EF English Live, focus on the listening activities, conversation classes, voice chat rooms and other listening activities
Are you a kinesthetic learner?
Do you find it difficult to sit in front of the computer for long periods of time? Do you learn best when trying something for yourself? Do you use movement to help you remember things? If this sounds like you, here are some ways to make it easier for you to learn English:
- Don’t sit at the computer for too long
- Take breaks often
- Chew gum while you’re studying!
- Mentally review your lessons while exercising
- At EF English Live, stay active by attending conversation classes regularly
Are you a tactile learner?
Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you remember words by writing or typing them on the keyboard? Do you learn well through practical activities like projects and games? If you agree with these questions, you are a tactile learner and this is how you should be studying:
- Participate in role-playing and drama activities as much as you can
- Use objects to help you remember vocabulary words
- Print out EF English Live’s flashcards and take them with you when you’re out
- You learn by doing, so practice English as much as you can!
So, now you know what the best ways are for you to learn, it’s time to get started. Give each of the tips a try and if you have any more that suit your learning style, share them with your friends on Facebook or Twitter.
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