Learning+Strategies

Everybody learns in their own individual style - no two people will learn in exactly the same way. Is this a problem? Not necessarily. The problem lies in that most instructors also have their own teaching style - much like learning styles, instructors tend to be most comfortable teaching in a particular way. If the teaching style of your instructor doesn't match your learning style, it could make learning a little more difficult for you.

What you need to do is find out what your learning style is, and then adjust how you study and approach your courses so that you are learning in the best way for you. How do you know what your learning style is? Take a look at your coursework and note how you prefer to learn.

- Perhaps you will find that you learn best by watching, by being shown how something is done - if so, you would be considered a **visual learner**, and you would probably benefit from using diagrams, charts, pictures, written directions. Between 40% to maybe as high as 70% of people are visual learners

- If you find you learn best by listening to someone discuss an idea or tell a story, you would be considered an **auditory learner**. You would likely benefit from lectures, speeches, debates, instructions read aloud. Somewhere around 20% - 30% of learners tend to be auditory learners

- What if you learn best by touching, feeling, manipulating things? Then you would be considered a **tactual** or **kinesthetic learner**, and would benefit from making models, performing experiments, presenting drama and skits, dancing. Almost everyone begins life as a kinesthetic learner (think of how babies learn about the world), but as they grow, lots of people - particularly girls - begin to shift their learning methods to other styles. There are some online tests you can take that will try to gage the type of learner you are - perform a web search to find a test that will work for you. Once you know your learning style, you can use activities and learning strategies appropriate for your style of learning. Here are some online

**Educational Tools for Auditory Learners **
Auditory learners tend to learn most effectively through listening. Lectures, oral presentations, music and background sounds are just a few of the things that help auditory learners comprehend and retain more info.
 *  [|Free Audio Books] - Audio books can help auditory learners enjoy books and get through their assigned reading. You can get a list of 25 places to find free audio books right here on our site.
 *  [|Audacity] - This easy-to-use audio editing software lets you record and edit audio. It is free to use and works across multiple platforms (Mac OS X, Windows, and GNU/LINUX.)
 *  [|WavePad] - This free sound editing software (for Windows or Mac) allows users to record and edit audio within minutes. Functions are a cinch to use and work with multiple formats.
 *  [|ReadPlease] - This award-winning text-to-speech software can read web pages, translate copied and pasted text to speech and perform other helpful tasks. ReadPlease isn't free, but it is reasonably priced.
 *  [|NaturalReader] - Similar to ReadPlease, Natural Reader is designed to read text that is stored in your computer. Users can get a free version of NaturalReader or upgrade to paid versions that have additional tools.
 *  [|Project Playlist] - This social music experiment makes it easy for auditory learners to access free music to play in the background while they learn. The site features an endless number of songs to choose from and savable playlists.
 *  [|Minomi] - This unique search engine is powered by sound, not text. You can find the music you're looking for by singing, humming or whistling ten seconds of the tune.
 *  [|PodOmatic] - Auditory learners can create, find and share podcasts through this free site. PodOmatic hosts the world's largest selection of commercial-free podcasts.
 *  [|PodcastDirectory] - This website is a great place to search for free podcasts by subject. Users can also search by country, region, city, language and popularity level.
 *  [|ProfCast] - ProfCast isn't free, but it is low-priced and incredibly valuable. Auditory learners can use this simple tool to transform PowerPoint presentations and other slides into podcasts.

Educational Tools for Visual Learners
Visual learners tend to learn best through seeing. Pictures, diagrams, concept maps, symbolism, videos and other visual presentations are just a few of the things that work well in a visual learner's education toolbox.
 *  [|MindMesiter] - This mind mapping tool is great for people who want to be able to visualize what they're learning. MindMeister allows users to create, share and manage mind maps online and offline.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Bubbl.us] - Bubbl.us is a flash-based brainstorming tool that allows users to chart out thoughts, story ideas and homework. The images that can be created though this free web app will help visual learners learn productively and efficiently.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Thinkature] - Visual learners will love this free online tool, which allows users to chat in a visual workplace. Other special features include unlimited workspace and the ability to draw, color code, diagram and edit ideas.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Visuwords] - This online graphically-based dictionary is great for visual learners who want to look up the meanings of various words and concepts. Visuwords connects concepts and words to encourage retention.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|TeacherTube] - TeacherTube works like YouTube, but is dedicated to hosting instructional videos. This free site hosts videos for visual learners on nearly every topic imaginable.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|MyLearningTube] - MyLearningTube is a free website that host educational videos for teachers, students and educators. Videos tackle a broad range of subjects.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Pics4Learning] - This free image library was designed specifically for teachers and students. It hosts thousands of images on a wide variety of topics.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Scooch] - Scooch offers free slide show software that is perfect for visual learners who want to transform text into easier to recall slides.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Picture History] - This site displays 200 years of history in photographs. Great for visual learners who want to learn more about American history.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|KartOO] - KartOO is a unique search engine suited to visual learners. KartOO displays visual images of search results.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Educational Tools for Kinesthetic Learners
<span style="color: #444444; display: block; font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; msoansilanguage: EN; msofareastfontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: left;">Kinesthetic learners almost always learn better by doing. Projects, labs, note-taking and other activities that allow participation and a hands-on approach are the best bets for kinesthetic learners.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Interactives] - This site provides activities, strategies and other concepts that enhance learning skills. Interactives is aimed at grades 6 thru 12, but makes a good tool for kinesthetic learners of all ages.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Google SketchUp] - This free drawing software from Google allows kinesthetic users to create, modify and share 3D models.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|MynoteIT] - Taking notes is a great way for kinesthetic learners to actively participate in what they are learning. MyNoteIT is a free web app that allows users to take, edit and share notes online
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|NoteMesh] - NoteMesh encourages students to collaborate to graduate. Kinesthetic learners can get the most out of this site by volunteering to take notes for their class or study group.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Flashcard Exchange] - Flashcard Exchange is the world's largest flashcard library. Kinesthetic learners can improve their retention ability by making flashcards for this website.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Quizlet] - Quizlet is specifically designed to help students get involved in the learning process. Quizlet users can create their own flashcards and quizzes or study materials that have been made by other students.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|ClassMarker] - Kinesthetic learners can create free online quizzes (with time limits) to test their knowledge of any subject.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Quia] - Quia users can create their own educational surveys, quizzes, games and activities to engage in an interactive learning experience. There is a subscription fee, but all users are eligible for a free 30-day trial.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|SparkNotes] - Kinesthetic learners can get involved in assigned reading projects when they visit SparkNotes online. The site offers free study guides, quizzes and other interactive aids for readers.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> [|Education Place] - Education Place is designed for young (K-12) kinesthetic learners who want to explore various subjects through games and activities.