Learning_Styles

Learning Styles/Study Strategies Narrative

In what ways do you learn best?

I learn best visually. I use four strategies. Colored pens are my favorite method.  Binders keep things physically organized.  Weekly agendas for homework are very effective. As well as researching the topic/assignment to make sure I understand the instructions.   

Summarize and explain the study strategies you employed based on identification of your learning style(s).

Being that I am a visual learner, organizing my notes in different colors can help me to remember the information better. For instance, I can write the subject in black, my teacher’s notes in blue, and my thoughts in purple. Therefore, when I study I can go over all the blue notes to make sure I stay on task with the teacher. Binders keep my class work separate. The binders I use are 1 ½in. width, not too big, with clear sleeves in the front and the back. I place my syllabus in the front to remind me of the upcoming assignments with my grades written next to them.  I have tried many different agendas and I have never been able to keep up with any. However, using a single sheet of notebook paper, I write down the seven days of my present week and list exactly what I need to get done on each day. Then at the end of the week after everything has been crossed off, I have the satisfaction of throwing it away and starting again. Last is my research. I have always had a hard time staying on point with my assignments. I then realized that I was not comprehending the instructions. Like this assignment, “ write a narrative”, my first move would be to understand what exactly a narrative is. Then find an example and I  then would  have a better idea of what is expected.

What were the positive effects of using these study strategies? (Provide specific examples.)

Using different colors has helped me especially in math. I write my equation in black, my notes in blue, and steps I really need to remember in red. When I’m taking a test and come across a tricky question, I think back on my red notes and usually remember what to do. My binders keep me posted on how my grades are. I anticipate putting an “A” next to a completed assignment. My agenda makes my homework look as easy as a grocery list. Retrieve and cross off.

What were the negative effects of using these study strategies? (Provide specific examples.)

                

           Although using different colored pens can be very effective, it is time consuming switching pens every 30 seconds. Sometimes I get too busy organizing my notes that I don’t give the instructor my full attention. My binders also take up a lot of space, not only in my backpack but on the desk as well. As far as my research, it can also be time consuming especially considering how much information is available on the internet.

Would you use these study strategies again? And, how will your understanding of your Learning Style(s) inform your study strategies in your other courses?

                

            I will definitely use these study strategies again. I understand my learning style is visual. If I stay on course with these strategies all of my classes both now and in the future will produce at the very least passing grades.