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Chapter 1: Learning Preferences and Strategies
Auditory Learning Many people have a preference for auditory (or aural) learning. To most accu- rately and quickly grasp new information, these people need to hear it spoken (Figure 1-3). The more complex the data, the more this is true. The most com- mon example of auditory information sharing is a classroom lecture; however, there are other ways to hear information. Auditory learners can use any study or memory technique that allows them to hear information. It can be the spoken word, data set to music, a recording of a lecture, or any other auditory format. Recordings can be valuable study tools because you can listen to them during times when you normally cannot study, such as while on a bus or driving, exer- cising, or performing household chores. Auditory learners are usually verbal learners as well. If this is true for you, then you may learn best when you have the chance for a verbal exchange. The exchange allows you to speak and listen to others. For this reason, you may sometimes prefer studying with a partner or in a study group. You can also combine verbal and auditory learning by making a recording of your own voice. Speak into the recorder as if you were teaching the information to another per- son. Record a self-quiz by leaving a 5-second silent pause before you state the correct answer to each question. This allows you time to pull the information from memory and answer it aloud before hearing the recorded answer. Like the visual learner, you may find mnemonics helpful, especially if they include rhymes or are catchy and fun to say aloud. Verbal Learning It is sometimes said that some people must think (first) in order to speak. For those who prefer verbal learning, the reverse may be true: They feel compelled to speak in order to think. That is, speaking aloud helps them process information and think things through (Figure 1-4). This is especially true when the informa- tion is complex or the situation is stressful.
FIGURE 1-3 People who like to hear the information prefer audio learning strategies.
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