What is Auditory Learning?

There are so many different ways in which to learn, all of which have their pros and cons. Most people have a particular allegiance towards one learning style - normally because it helps them to retain information effectively, is at least remotely enjoyable, and enables them to maintain the required level of concentration over a period of time. Whatever approach to learning suits you best, and whatever reasons are behind this, you should play to your strengths. In this article, we take a look at just one of the most popular methods: auditory learning.

You're likely to know that the words 'audio' and 'audible' are connected to sound, noise and hearing, and so naturally, auditory learning is also associated with this. Auditory learners learn and retain information most effectively through listening and hearing, and so find it easier to understand a book that they have read to them opposed to one they have read in silence.

You can quickly discover whether or not you are an auditory learner by checking for some of the most common traits students who favor this style possess. People like this prefer reading aloud, and struggle to understand the content of a text if they read it in their head. They are usually good at explaining things, and find it difficult to get their point across through writing it down.

Personality wise, people who have a strong tendency to use auditory learning approaches are confident and not as intimidated by speaking in front of crowds as other types of learners. They usually relish attention and are outgoing individuals, which is why subjects such as foreign languages and acting may be the ones they enjoy and succeed at the most.

In terms of the techniques they can use to incorporate auditory learning into their revision, there is a magnificent array of options to be explored. Recording lectures or speaking revision notes could prove helpful, and making rhymes or memorable sentences about the topic to memorize a specific statement or block of information is an equally beneficial procedure.

Debates and discussions are another effective way of retaining information about a topic, and proves to be particularly useful when an exam or essay demands you to state your own views on a matter. Videos and flashcards are also handy, as is participating in a role play.

Teachers of pupils who learn best using auditory techniques should give oral feedback to their students, rather than a written report. Of course, they may also want the information to be documented as proof of what was said, but the student in question is likely to take more information on board if it is said to them directly in addition to this.

The ideas given here only begin to demonstrate the flexibility of auditory learning. There are window of opportunities to take advantage of if you prefer using this style, and you may see evidence of the success of revising in this manner upon receipt of your exam results!

Try auditory techniques for yourself to see if they could help maximize your knowledge retention - even in the most troublesome subject areas.