Study, Work and Organization Tips for the visual learning style.

So, now you’ve identified the visual learning style as one of your top approaches to learning. Now what? This post will guide through the different ways a visual learner can maximize this style for better learning and grades.

Characteristics of Visual Learning Style:

• Visualizes and easily imagines what they hear – turn words into images
• Remembers things, places, people and ideas through images – can “imagine” them.
• Strong connection with color
• Strong spacial ability (good sense of space and alignment)
• Benefit from and enjoy visuals, charts, diagrams, and slides when listening to lecture or discourse.
• Highly observant and can notice visual differences between objects, people and places.
• Is easily distracted when only listening to information.

How to Maximize Your Visual Learning Style

A majority of people have a Visual learning style in their learning toolbox. Still, those who have Visual as a primary form of learning can understand information better using the following strategies:

In Class

Take Notes and use a structured note-taking method. Clear note-taking connects to your natural spatial ability when listening to a lecture. Structured notes will appeal to your strong sense of visual alignment and make it easier to find and process information. Plus, writing while listening supports the visual learning style.

Color-code your notes. choose a clear color-coding format (highlighting is best, but underlining works too). Color -coding makes it easy for your eyes to identify headings, big ideas, specific details, and sub-details. Use the same color-coding consistently for the highest benefits.

Add visual/drawing elements when taking notes (even if you can’t draw). Elements like arrows, red flags, emoji faces, etc. to help your brain connect the image to what you hear. This will also make it easier to understand what you wrote.

Use/create diagrams and lists. Circular, Venn, Pro-con, Flow-chart, Pyramide, Arrow, and Timeline (among others) can be a huge help when you’re processing information. Inserting these diagrams in your notes helps with your understanding of what you hear. If you don’t have time during your note-taking, then go back and add some diagrams later for better retention.

Watch your teacher. The best way to do this is to sit upfront. Most people in a class tend to sit in the middle – the “safety” zone. A visual learner though should make the teacher their main focus. Sitting up front makes it a cinch to watch your teacher carefully while they speak. Paying attention to movement, hand gestures, and facial expressions will improve your understanding of the material.

Studying:

1. Study Alone: visual learners are easily distracted by sound, whether it is background noise, people talking, and even music. For full concentration, visual learners need silence. Always choose a quiet place at home or a silent nook in your local or school library to study.

1. Take notes of your notes. This may sound super-repetitive but it really works! Writing key ideas of your notes on flashcards, for example, appeals to your visual sense. Outlines and conceptual maps are also helpful. These also make it easier to check information and “test” your self later.

1. Draw your notes. For those with a highly developed artistic talent, drawing out on their notes can be a powerful tool. These hand-made visuals “stick” in your brain and help you remember. For those who can’t draw a straight line (like me), stick figures and charts work just as well.

1. Watch a video. A video will never replace what your teacher taught you in class, but it can be an impactful support tool. A video can help you visualize what you’ve learned. Make sure the video has strong visuals related to the content (a mini-documentary filled with images or drawings. This is a good example) and it is not just a person speaking.

1. Look at the images of the text. Spend time on visuals/images included in any text. If your text doesn’t have any, then draw some for your self. Also, you look up some images on the topic you’re reading to help you visualize as you go.