Kristie Overstreet Ph.D., LPCC, LMHC, LPC, CST
When you are learning new material, do you read it aloud? Is it helpful to hear the information read to you? Do you prefer learning through lectures and discussions versus reading? If these ways of learning are useful, you may be an auditory learner. If your learning style is auditory and your study program is 90% visual, then you will less likely remember the information for the exam.
Each person learns information differently. As you prepare for your exam, it is helpful to identify how you learn and retain information. There are three major learning styles which include auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Over the next few weeks, we will explore each of these. This post will explore everything you need to know about auditory learning.
What is an auditory learner?
An auditory learner finds the most benefit from listening to study material and questions. Also, they are better able to retain information if they read it out loud and then listen to the recording. For example, someone with this learning style will find it helpful to read the exam questions out loud and answer them. Speaking the information helps them remember it better.
Someone who is an auditory learner doesn’t mean that they don’t also learn information from visual and kinesthetic styles. Auditory learners can absorb and recall information better when it is delivered through hearing. Knowing your learning style can cut down on test-taking anxiety and frustration.
You may be an auditory learner if
- You find it helpful to have someone ask the question, and you verbalize the answer to them
- You like someone to tell you directions versus reading directions
- You discuss answers versus write out answers
- You use rhymes to remember information
- You read questions out loud then you provide the answers
Tips to help auditory learners
- Listen to recordings of exam questions and study material
- Read each exam question out loud then verbalize the answer
- Record your reading of questions and answers in a voice memo app
- Describe information in detail including steps and processes
- Participate in group discussions of exam material
Finding your learning style is crucial to your exam preparation. You invest time and money to prepare for your exam so be sure to get the most out of your study material.TSM has provided every narrative definition in our program with an accompanying audio file for auditory-supported learning. Check out TSM’s research-based packages that help each of the different learning styles.