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Many students feel more comfortable incorporating knowledge in an auditory way, that is, listening more than reading; maybe that’s your case. If your best way to capture information and understand concepts is by listening to them, this guide is for you. Below we list some ideas that may be useful to you to make the most of the time you have to study and even enjoy the learning process.
1. Ask for permission to record the classes
Find a practical and reliable recording device and record your classes so you can listen to them more closely later. Not all teachers are comfortable being recorded, so it’s important to make sure you ask for permission first. Check that everything is in order by doing a recording test before starting the class.
2. Participate
By being involved in the class you are actively listening to what is going on, which can be very dynamic and help you grasp the information. Participate in class by asking and answering questions, presenting topics, being part of discussion groups, etc.
3. Study with audiobooks
Today it is possible to find many books in recorded version; the same authors may have recorded the audio version. This is a wonderful opportunity for auditory learners , allowing them to listen to books while driving or on the go, using a wide variety of audio devices.
4. Read aloud
Reading texts aloud, whether you’re alone or reading to someone else, will help you retain the information, since you’ll be hearing your own voice. It can also help you improve your reading pace. Remember that you will need a private place to study out loud.
5. Study in a quiet place
If music or other sounds are distracting, find a quiet place to study, whether at home or away. An excellent option is always to study in a library, where they have places to isolate you from noise. You can also use special noise-canceling headphones, or put white noise (a sound that has all frequencies without a set sequence) into your normal headphones.
6. Study with a partner
Studying with a friend can make learning easier and a lot more fun. Just having someone to talk to about the subject you are studying will improve your understanding. They can take turns explaining the concepts they are learning.
In general, teaching what you’ve just learned is one of the best ways to anchor the ideas you’ve incorporated from a new text. Explaining out loud what you learned will help you see if you really understand it.
7. Ask for verbal instructions
For those who learn better by ear, the written instructions can be a bit confusing. There’s nothing wrong with asking someone to explain aloud how something works, or even read the instructions with you.
8. Look for software that reads to you
Today there are many software that read texts aloud. A good idea is to find one that is comfortable for you and write notes while listening to the text.
9. Use mnemonic associations
Mnemonic procedures are mental associations that will help you remember topics of particular interest; They are phrases or rhymes that help to remember theories, formulas, descriptions or any other topic that is important in your learning.
10. Use music to learn
Some people may associate different types of music with certain themes. If music helps you remember new ideas, try listening to the same type of music each time you study a certain topic.
Other ways to use music to learn are:
- Sing your notes . If you like to sing and you’re somewhere where you don’t bother anyone, try singing your class notes. This could be a lot of fun or a complete disaster; you’ll find out.
- Put rhythm to the study . Giving rhythms to mnemonic associations can be a lot of fun and will make memorization easier.
11. Talk to yourself
You might look a little strange walking around talking to yourself, but whispering what you’re reading or memorizing can help you retain the information you need. Of course, be careful not to disturb others.
12. Present your reports orally
When teachers give you the opportunity, present your reports in class to your teacher and classmates. This is your strength: the more you practice public speaking, the better your presentations will be and your ability to understand the topics you present will also improve.
13. Develop tales and stories
Historical records, tales and legends, and even life anecdotes, constitute a theme that is undervalued by many students. However, they are particularly useful for those who are more comfortable with oral communication. There is a lot of information that you can learn more easily by viewing it as a story, especially in historical or literary subjects. Make sure you understand the journey of the character you’re studying, not just the sequence of events. Incorporate stories into your oral reports; tries to help others tell their lives.
Sources
- Jesus Beltrán Llera, José A. Bueno Álvarez (1995). Nature of the strategies . In Marcombo, ed.Educational Psychology, 1995.
- JL Riva Amella. How to stimulate learning . Editorial Ocean, Barcelona, Spain., 2009.
