The Best Study Techniques for Your Learning Style

As you develop your study habits in law school, it’s important to understand what type of learner you are so you can craft your learning techniques around that. After all, if you can identify techniques that play to your strengths, your chances of remembering information and doing well in school significantly increase. There are three types of learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. If you’re not sure what type of learner you are, take this quiz to find out. In this post, we’ll look at some tips to help you depending on which learning style fits you best. Visual Learner Take Notes in Lectures – Visual learners have a tough time remembering the every word the professor says from the podium. That’s why it is critical to take notes during lectures. Be sure you also write down what is written on the board. Once class has ended, re-read and re-write your notes since that process of reading and seeing the words will help commit the information to memory. Write Outlines – One of the best ways to prep for law school exams is to outline your material. This process is especially useful for those who learn best through sight because thinking through the material – and writing it in outline form – will help you create a visual pattern that’s easy for you to understand and recall clearly for exams. Mark Up Your Materials – Multi-colored highlighters are a visual learner’s best friend because you will remember what you read based on the colors on the paper. Assign each color a value that you’ll need to recall and then use the appropriate colors as you read your case law, class materials and notes. For example, highlight the issue in yellow; the rule in green, etc. Auditory Learner Record Lectures – Your first priority as an auditory learner is to pay attention in lectures since listening is how you will retain information. You will also benefit from recording the lecture on your smartphone. Then make time to listen to the recordings after class and write notes from the information. Talk Out Answers – If you’re an auditory learner, you probably find yourself talking out loud even when you don’t realize it. It’s like you are – literally – hearing yourself think. When you’re studying with sample essay questions, read the questions and answers out loud. Keep in mind you should write the answers on paper as you speak them since your exams are not oral. Use Word Association – Word association is a great way for auditory learners to study and remember facts. Mnemonic devices, such as songs or rhymes, are great to pair with case law and your outlines. Your brain will automatically recall the song and the information it represents. Kinesthetic Learner Create Flow Charts – Since kinesthetic learners study best by doing, building a structure for your notes will help your mind comprehend the information and recognize patterns easily. Create flowcharts and graphs in a visual way when you re-write your notes and outline cases. For example, use different color Post-it notes to create flowcharts on whiteboards and empty walls. The act of creating the flowchart will help you retain the information. Combine an Activity with Studying – Kinesthetic learners retain information best when they are doing activities. Try going for a walk or using the elliptical machine while listening to audio recordings of lectures and notes. Keep Your Fingers Busy While Studying – One way to enhance your learning is to engage your fingers in the studying. For example, trace words and re-write sentences to learn key facts. Typing your notes and using the computer is another great way to reinforce learning through sense of touch. Perfecting these techniques now will not only help you understand the law school material, but also get you ready come exam time. Whether you’re a visual, auditory of kinesthetic learner, try a few of the study tips to see which works best for you.