By Bethany Narvaez/ reporter

Students have individual learning styles, and understanding those styles will help them improve their study habits, a TR academic advisor said Sept. 14. 

“Once I learned my learning style, that really helped me,” Patricia Whaley told students during her Study Skills presentation.

Individual students use one or more of four learning styles including visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic. Learning styles determine how students learn in class and study outside of class, Whaley said.

Visual learners find pictures, graphs, slideshows and animated speaking presentations most beneficial for in-class learning.

Whaley said highlighting, drawing information on paper, using flashcards and replacing words with symbols are good study tips for the visual learner.

Auditory learners engage in class discussions, participate in study groups and retain information by listening to examples and stories.

Whaley said auditory learners need to turn off outside noise, form study groups or make up songs or rhymes to help them study outside of class. Using a tape recorder is a beneficial tool for in-class learning.

Students who learn by reading and writing, write out their notes, make to-do lists and read notes repeatedly.

Kinesthetic learners use all their senses and engage in learning by moving, touching and doing.

“These learners want an experience tied to their learning,” Whaley said.

Role playing, going on field trips, working in labs and using flashcards allow students to engage in physical movement while studying.

Repetition and a variety of study habits can help students who struggle in particular classes, Whaley said.

“Be proactive in being prepared, but don’t overcompensate so much that the other courses suffer,” she said.

Student Kellie Medrano said the workshop taught her new ways to study, and she found the information helpful.

Whaley suggested visiting the testing center or career services on any TCC campus for further information about different learning styles.