Are you wondering what the Visual Learning Style is and How Can I Use it to achieve academic success? Then this is the article for you!
Do you often find that simply reading or listening to lectures just doesn’t cut it enough for you to fully understand the material?
Does it feel like no matter how much time you throw at it, your learning doesn't ‘stick?’ If so, a visual learning style might be exactly what you need and I'm here to explain why!
Visual learning has long been an effective way for university students to take in and use information more effectively.
As an ex-student and visual learner myself, I know how overwhelming it can be to process information from all those books and course material you're studying.
So if you’re looking for a new way to study or just want some great tips and hacks on incorporating visual formats into existing exam prep methods, my helpful blog is here with all the insights you need!
Keep reading to discover more about what visual learning is and how it can help make coursework easier than ever before!
Ok so let’s get the short answer before we get in for real.
This post is all about Visual Learning Style.
VISUAL LEARNING STYLE
Visual learning involves using images, videos, and spatial organisation to help understand and retain information. Watch videos, use diagrams and mind maps, sketch notes, use colour, create flashcards, and interact with other visual learners in study sessions or a study group setting.
There are many different types of learners, some found in the VARK Model, such as:
- auditory learning style for auditory learners,
- kinesthetic learning for kinesthetic learners,
- tactile learning for tactile learners,
- writing learners (read/write),
- verbal learners and
- visual learning style (visual-spatial learner).
Experimenting with as many different learning styles as possible is the best way for you to find your unique learning style. As students' learning styles may work differently for different students, the sooner you find your preferred learning style the better!
Related Article: VARK READ/WRITE LEARNER: HOW IT CAN SMASH YOUR STUDY GOALS and WHAT IS VARK AND HOW CAN IT LEVEL UP YOUR LEARNING STYLE?
So now we’ve hit the brief, so you can understand more about this visual style of learning, let’s head straight in and find out what it is.
What is a visual learning style?
The easiest way to explain visual learning style is a unique way of learning that generally incorporates the use of videos, images, spatial organisation and other visual aids to help you understand and retain information.
Essentially, visual learners prefer to see information presented in a way that's easily digestible rather than hearing it or reading it.
This style of hitting your study goals is associated with strong visual memory, enabling visual learners to recall vivid details or images from past learning experiences.
People who prefer this type of study style often prefer seeing things in action, and may even enjoy taking detailed notes with information organized in a visual way to enhance their learning.
So where did this style come from?
Where did a visual learning style originate?
Visual learning has existed since the dawn of time! And was first seen in cave paintings and hieroglyphics.
Early humans transmitted their knowledge through the generations by communicating their knowledge in pictures.
Educational practices by early civilisations such as the Greeks and Egyptians used these visual representations by way of maps, diagrams and other illustrations in their teaching material.
Visual learning then became widely adopted by these early educators who harnessed the power of visual communication in the learning process.
During the Age of Enlightenment, visual learning styles began to gain increasing recognition with the emergence of the natural sciences and significant advancements were made in learning theory.
Educators
The work of Swiss educator, Johann Pestalozzi marks a critical point in the history of this learning style when he developed a study method that included the use of pictures in education to explain concepts visually.
The VARK methodology also used visual learning as one of its core concepts.
As new technologies emerged such as cinema, television and photography, it marked another significant point in the history of visual learning styles.
Computer age
The computer and the internet have completely revolutionised visual learning styles yet again.
This technology provides numerous visual resources such as interactive diagrams, videos, and other modern imagery that enhance student learning and reaches out to their learning preferences.
The technologies drastically changed the learning and teaching landscape, with both instructors and learners having a wealth of visual
Information at their fingertips.
So are you a visual learner? And if not, how can this learning style help you smash your academic goals?
Identifying your learning style
The first step in using visual learning effectively is to find out if this type of learning style is your vibe!
Do you find it easier to understand information if it is presented to you in a visual way? Or do you perhaps use mind maps or enjoy creating diagrams to help you study?
If the answer is yes, then there’s a good chance that you are a visual learner.
To see if this style vibes with you then while you are studying take notes on how you seem best able to remember material so you can level up and study smart.
You could resonate more with a read/write learning style or a combination of both. So do a little personal research and discover more about how you learn best.
So if you do find your tribe with visual learners, what are the benefits?
Benefits of a visual learning style
There are many benefits to visual learning, including:
- Improved comprehension
- Better retention of information
- More efficient study time
Visual learners are more likely to understand complex ideas if they can see them as a graphic representation or physically in action.
So, if you're a visual learner, think about incorporating more visual aids into your study routine. I will take you through a few ways later on in the blog.
What type of learning do visual learners enjoy?
Using colours, diagrams, and other visual aids can help to simplify and organise complex ideas, making them more manageable.
So it’s not surprising that visual learners typically enjoy activities like drawing, creating mind maps, and visualising concepts to help them understand information.
Visuals learners will also benefit from accessing online tutorials of watching videos as this may help you retain information much better than simply listening to lectures or reading textbooks.
Visual learning isn’t limited
It's essential to understand that visual learning isn’t limited to those who "like to see things."
This learning style can help anyone, regardless of their preferences.
For example, including diagrams or images in either essays or articles, can help Uni students to make connections between different concepts and more easily grasp complex ideas.
If you want to maximise your learning potential as a visual learner, paying attention and taking cues from your environment is key.
“It's essential to understand that visual learning isn’t limited to those who "like to see things."
So let’s find some of the best ways you can incorporate a more visual learning approach during your study time.
How to maximise your learning style with these 5 Strategies
The following tips are creative ways to help you use visual learning strategies to learn new things more easily such as new ideas, new concepts, and new information in general.
- Utilize videos and other visual aids: When studying, try watching videos that explain the concept you're learning. Seeing someone else explain it visually will help you retain the information better.
- Use diagrams or mind maps to make notes: Take what you have read or heard and create a diagram or mind map to visualise the connection between the information, such as using visual images and visual cues.
- Sketch out your notes: If you're in a lecture or seminar, try to sketch out the main points and key concepts. The act of drawing can help you better retain the information when reviewing your notes.
- Using colour: Using different colors in your notes can help highlight the importance of information.
- Flashcards for revision: Create flashcards that use images and short descriptions to help you remember information.
Take advantage of platforms like YouTube or social media for visual representations of concepts or ideas you're struggling with.
Also, try to interact with other people in group settings. Especially those who share your learning style where you can exchange visual concepts and ideas together.
Visual Learning Style: What Is It And How Can I Use it? - To end
So to wrap up, it's important to recognize that there are various learning styles out there that you might find works for you.
Even if you don't think you identify as a visual learner, incorporating more visual elements into your studying whether it be in the form of videos, online flashcards or diagrams is still going to help you study smart.
Most importantly, work out what works best for you individually so you can make the most of your study time.
Remember that visual learning is a great way to level up your knowledge and also give structure to information.
Pairing that with other techniques like writing summaries and self-testing will help with stronger learning.
Lastly, don’t forget to check back for my helpful weekly blog! 100% guaranteed to help you smash all your uni goals!
This post was all about Visual Learning Style.
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