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Use your processing preferences

Click on the highlighted text to see learning tips specific to the different processing preferences.

  1. Visual processing learning tips
  2. Auditory processing learning tips
  3. Kinaesthetic processing learning tips

Some visual processing learning tips

  • As visual learners prefer pictures, diagrams, handouts, films, videos, these are terrific ways to engage in learning.
  • Use written lists to see tasks that you need to complete.
  • Use visual organisation for your ideas. Try out concept map software, or use coloured 'Post-It' notes that you can move around manually on paper.
  • Use colour to compartmentalise information into segments and blocks. Use visuals and colour for memory, the more bizarre the association the better the memory.
  • You can choose desktop backgrounds to organise your files visually on your computer desktop into such categories as To do, Urgent, To File, To read, Current work and so on!
  • Use coloured highlighters for your reading and online colour highlights to distinguish ideas.
  • Before reading any chapter or article, scan it first to see if there is an outline and glance at the diagrams to get a sense of it first.

Some auditory processing learning tips

  • As auditory learners thrive on listening to spoken words and songs, and prefer to communicate their ideas verbally, they prefer to learn by listening and hearing ideas. Sound is the key!
  • If it helps to record your lectures or listen to them online if they're available that is terrific. You can summarise key points orally and then use them for listening revision.
  • You may find using read aloud software valuable. Choose a voice and accent that appeals to you.
  • Talk through your ideas with someone. If no one is around, you can still summarise your ideas aloud to yourself. Being able to explain something to others clearly is a good sign that you have understood the topic.
  • Use auditory mnemonics. For example, if you want to remember the first 20 elements of the chemical periodic table, you can always remember that Hydrogen is first then use this little mnemonic with the laid out periodic table ordering.

    • Helen Little Beryl Brown Chews Nuts On Friday Neights

    NaMgAl SiPS Chlorine After

    Kissing Caboys.

  • Summarise information you need to remember into songs and melodies that you like.
  • When you're at lectures be alert to the lecturer's intonations and nuances.
  • You may also find that listening to iPod lectures and programs in your own private study space useful.
  • Use music to be inspired and to take breaks!

Some kinaesthetic processing learning tips

  • As kinaesthetic learners are tactile, they prefer to use their physical experience to do things. They prefer to 'have a go' than read or hear any instructions!
  • Learning using interactive multimedia content software can be most valuable for kinaesthetic learners. Anything that has an interactivity component is useful!
  • For memory use tactile location to anchor words and ideas, for example, pressing each finger against your thumb can help anchor specific information. Every time you carry your backpack anchor another piece of information. You'll be surprised how much you end up remembering!
  • Use 3-dimensional kits and models to learn.

Did you learn something new about yourself? Go back to do other quizzes, go on to Expand your learning approaches – or visit any of these websites to do a processing preferences quiz.

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