Imagine you're in your review class. What stands out the most to you?
Is it the picture (visual representation), the noteworthy words you heard, the book(s) you read or notes you’ve written or is it the application of the lessons you learned?
In this article, we’re going to explore the 4 learning styles according to the VARK model/system and why it’s significant to discover them in your review experience (sidenote: you can have 1 or 2 learning styles at the same time).
1. Knowing your learning style can make reviewing enjoyable.
You might be one of those who are already strained from day in and out studying – with too much load on your plate, and too many books to read; just the thought of reviewing might send some stressful triggers in you, add them altogether and fatigue or burnout might’ve already met you on the way? Are you currently experiencing this?
We understand you and we’re here to help. Learning styles can vary from Visual, Audio, Reading/Writing and Kinesthetic/Experiential. Go back to our first stanza and discover what stands out the most to you. It could be one or two. Take note of that and we’re going to dive into some things you can do. Here are some tips:
For Visual Learners
Being aesthetic in studying can be a key too. Go to aesthetic places like coffee shops, document that and let your mind remember what book you studied here, what topics you studied there and so on. You’re naturally drawn to beauty and you can create beauty. That’s the best way you can enjoy studying!
For Audio Learners
Try reading aloud the information you heard since your mind learns best when you hear information. If possible and you’re in your early stage of studying, maybe you can record your own voice reading the lessons like a podcast. Or if possible, maybe you can ask for your instructors’ permission to record your review classes.
Try investing your time listening to audio books or podcasts related to the topics in your classes. Maybe you can also create songs as suggested by Kendra Cherry (of verywellmind on her article entitled, Overview of VARK Learning Styles) based on what you’ve learned or sing mnemonics of certain terms/topics. You may also discover background music or natural sound that can soothe you like rain or inspirational music and try adding them as you study. Isn’t learning fun?
For Reading/Writing Learners
You might be naturally drawn to libraries, to bookshops where the perfect blend of school supplies dwell (isn’t it a glimpse of heaven?) Since you learn best by reading/writing, try investing in aesthetic notebooks/journals, fountain or colorful/glittery aromatic pens or pleasing highlighters.
If you still have lots of time, try printing your review materials and create wide margins on the side for your personalized/customized annotations. You may also allocate a few spaces before each line so you can create notes/subtexts in-between. If your resources are online and your time is limited, you may also find applications wherein you can virtually annotate or write notes for better review experience. And if you’re looking for an integrated platform wherein you can virtually take notes while watching your instructors’ video lessons, then you’re just in the right place – because our platform can customize that for you or for the review center you’re in! (Send us a message if you’re interested).
For Kinesthetic/Experiential Learners
Studying by just looking or reading might be hard for you, that’s why if you have the opportunity or privilege to do hands-on activities to absorb what you’ve learned, by all means go for it because that will help you a lot! If you’re a Pharmacy graduate, try immersing yourself in on-the-job-training experiences once again; or if you’re a Physical/Occupational Therapy graduate, try doing some therapy on someone who can give you a feedback (a guide from a possible mentor or coach). There’s surely a lot of things you can do – the only thing that matters for you is that you can go out in the field and apply it!
2. Knowing your learning style can ease some burdens on your review journey.
Reviewing is tough and what makes it tougher is the limited amount of time you have to squeeze all the knowledge in your head. We’re not saying that knowing your learning style can superficially fit everything in your head like an AI technology – because you’re a human being and you’re limited and you get tired too. You need rest, right? And you hope that your load can be a little bit lighter at least.
That’s the reason why we’ve created this article for you, reviewees. Because knowing your learning style can help you focus on just one or two learning methods – without thinking that you have to cover every studying method there possibly is. Your time is limited right, and focus is what you need.
If you’re a visual learner only, you may heavily focus on visual learning only.
If you learn best by listening, you may focus heavily on listening only.
If you’re a reading/writing learner, you may heavily focus on taking notes or reading, and if you’re a kinesthetic learner, you may heavily focus on hands-on activities only.
It’s not saying that you have to exclusively neglect everything and take all the odds one out, but this is about delving deeper into the strength/learning style that you already have, and using that to help you unload some of the burden/pressure of having to study it all – in all the methods that are possibly available. You have the capability to choose and you have the capacity to maximize every resource you have right now. Whatever you’re learning style or styles is/are and wherever you learn best – you may just focus on that, all right? We’re trying to help, now, it’s your time to help yourself.
To summarize this article, here’s one application we can leave you with:
Look inwards and assess yourself – where do I really learn best?
Once you discover that, then you’re one step closer to a better review experience.
Reviewees, we hope that you’ll have the best review experience!
If you’re currently looking for a review center to help you be a licensed Physical or Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Medical Technologist, Certified Public Accountant, Psychologist or Psychometrician, or Mechanical Engineer, email us at admin@msmartlearning.com or contact us at 0997-732-3120 and we’ll connect you to our business review center clients. Thank you for reading!
(credit to these Resources:
Cherry, K. (2019, November 27). Overview of VARK Learning Styles. Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/vark-learning-styles-2795156
Gonzales, J. (2022, July 12). How to Study for Boards: Avoid these 10 Common Mistakes PLUS 10 Tips and Strategies. NEJM Knowledge+. https://knowledgeplus.nejm.org/blog/10-mistakes-studying-for-the-boards/)
