Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tips on Learning for Different Types of Learners



Assalamu’alaikum everybody.

Despite our morphological and physiological similarities, we have different types of learning abilities. It is crucial for us to identify our own learning style as it will help us a lot in study.

Learning Type
Tips for Studying
Visual learner:
  •  Need observation
  • Has strong sense of colour
  • Mostly has artistic ability
  • Overreaction to sound
  • Difficulty with spoken direction
  • Troubles following lectures
  • Misinterpretation of words


  • Use graphic to reinforce learning- films, slides, graphs, illustrations, diagrams
  • Colour coding to organize notes and possessions
  • Write out direction
  • Use flow chart and diagram in taking notes
  • Visualizing spelling of words of facts for memorization

Auditory learner:
  • Prefers to get information by listening
  • Difficulty to follow written direction
  • Difficulty with reading
  • Difficulty with writing
  • Inability to read/interpret body language and face expression


  • Use tapes for reading and for class and lecture notes
  • Discussion is super effective
  • Always ask and answer orally with peer rather than just simply answering written question
Kinaesthetic learner:

  •  Prefers hands-on learning
  • Can assemble parts without reading direction
  • Difficulty in sitting still
  • Learning better when movements or practices (physical activities) are involved
  • May be very well coordinated and has athletic ability

  • Experimental learning (doing lab work, making model, role playing)
  •  Frequent breaks in study periods
  • Trace letters and words to remember facts
  • Use computer to reinforce learning ability by typing
  • Memorize or revise previous learning information while walking or exercising
  • Express ability while doing works or exercising
 
Hope that this will help you a lot.

By :
Academic Bureau
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Sunday, March 10, 2013

Ten Tips to Help Your Memory Improve

Before you study for your next exam, you might want to use a few strategies to boost your memory of important information. There are a number of tried and tested techniques for improving memory. These strategies have been established within cognitive psychology literature and offer a number of great ways to improve memory, enhance recall and increase retention of information.


1. Focus your attention on the materials you are studying
Attention is one of the major components of memory. In order for information to move from short-term memory into long-term memory, you need to actively attend to this information. Try to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music and other diversions.

2. Avoid cramming by establishing regular study sessions
According to Bjork (2001), studying materials over a number of session’s gives you the time you need to adequately process the information. Research has shown that 
students who study regularly remember the material far better that those did all of their studying in one marathon session.


3. Structure and organize the information you are studying
Researchers have found that information is organized in memory in related clusters. You can take advantage of this by structuring and organizing the materials you are studying. Try grouping similar concepts and terms together, or make an outline of your notes and textbook readings to help group related concepts.

4. Utilize mnemonic devices to remember information
Mnemonic devices are a technique often used by students to aid in recall. A mnemonic is simply a way to remember information. For example, you might associate a term you need to remember with a common item that you are very familiar with. The best mnemonics are those that utilize positive imagery, humor or novelty. You might come up with a rhyme, song or joke to help remember a specific segment of information.

5. Elaborate and rehearse the information you are studying
In order to recall information, you need to encode what you are studying into long-term memory. One of the most effective encoding techniques is known as elaborative rehearsal. An example of this technique would be to read the definition of a key term, study the definition of that term and then read a more detailed description of what that term means. After repeating this process a few times, your recall of the information will be far better.

6. Relate new information to things you already know
When you are studying unfamiliar material, take the time to think about how this information relates to things that you already know. By establishing relationships between new ideas and previously existing memories, you can dramatically increase the likelihood of recalling the recently learned information.

7. Visualize concepts to improve memory and recall
Many people benefit greatly from visualizing the information they study. Pay attention to the photographs, charts and other graphics in your textbooks. If you do not have visual cues to help, try creating your own. Draw charts or figures in the margins of your notes or use highlighters or pens in different colors to group related ideas in your written study materials.

8. Teach new concepts to another person
Research suggests that reading materials out loud significantly improves memory of the material. Educators and psychologists have also discovered that having students actually teach new concepts to others enhances understanding and recall. You can use this approach in your own studies by teaching new concepts and information to a friend or study partner.

9. Pay extra attention to difficult information
Have you ever noticed how it’s sometimes easier to remember information at the beginning or end of a chapter? Researchers have found that the position of information can play a role in recall, which is known as the serial position effect. While recalling middle information can be difficult, you can overcome this problem by spending extra time rehearsing this information or try restructuring the information so it will be easier to remember. When you come across an especially difficult concept, devote some extra time to memorizing the information.

10. Vary your study routine
Another great way to increase your recall is to occasionally change your study routine. If you are accustomed to studying in one specific location, try moving to a different spot to study. If you study in the evening, try to spend a few minutes each morning reviewing the information you studied the previous night. By adding an element of novelty to your study sessions, you can increase the effectiveness of your efforts and significantly improve your long-term recall.


By :
Da'wah & Tarbiyyah Bureau
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