What kind of learner are you?

When it comes to learning we react in different ways to different techniques.

Whilst books and text suit some individuals others are likely to learn better though lectures, audio recordings or face to face interaction. The key to effective study is to find what works best for you.

Technically, your learning style refers to the preferred way in which you absorb, process, comprehend and retain information. Everyone learns differently and that’s why it is so important to have access to a range of resources when studying – not everyone can get by with just books. Identifying your learning style can provide a huge boost to your studies and ensure you get the most out of your study time. The key learning styles can be broken down into the following categories:

Visual

If you prefer to use pictures, images, diagrams, colours, and mind maps to take in information then you could be a visual learner and can benefit especially from videos explaining key accounting concepts and interactive quizzes to test your knowledge.

Aural

If you favour learning through listening then you might be an aural learner and would benefit most from tutor led classes, whether that is through live online classes or audio recordings to catch up on or classroom study.

Verbal

Do you like to write down your notes and also speak to others about what you are learning? Then you could be a verbal learner, retaining information best when you read your notes aloud to yourself. Verbal learners prefer to learn through reading case studies and e-books or telling others what they have learned in student forums or study groups.

Social

Do you prefer learning in groups and heighten your learning by bouncing your thoughts off other people? Then the ideal study option for you could be the online tutor group study method combining the flexibility of online learning with the supportive nature of classroom study, providing a structure to progress through your course with a group together. You will benefit from a supportive group environment, motivating each other throughout your course.

Individual

Do you prefer to learn alone through self-study and feel you can motivate yourself? Then you could be a solitary learner. Self-paced study could be ideal for you, study at your own pace and get qualified as quickly as you want to.

Some topics will naturally lend themselves better to certain styles and a combination of multiple styles can help to solidify a good grasp of the subject.

The benefits of studying online include an approach that encompasses a plethora of learning styles, including videos, reading, audio, exercises, social forums and study buddies, making it a great way to discover which method works best for you.

It is important to keep in mind that each style has advantages and disadvantages and there is no right or wrong learning method. Your individual style is not supposed to restrict you, but to help you get the most out of your efforts.

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Read more on learning and revision below;

• Revision techniques: how to stay cool in the heat
• Top study apps and new technology to help you revise
• 6 apps to help boost productivity and avoid procrastination

AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.