Everybody learns through sensory perception such as touch, sight, hearing, taste, and feeling etc. However, generally we have a preference for absorbing and retrieving information in one of these ways. What that means is that, the format of the information stored will be represented in our minds visually, auditorily, or kinesthetically. For instance, if an auditory (hearing sense) learner listens to somebody talk they will remember the sound of the voice and what was said, while a visual learner might see the person saying the words.

People who tend to process information better when it is visually represented are said to have a visual preference or visual learning style. These people will also represent information in pictures in their minds, and 'see information'. Perhaps they may see a page of notes when remembering the content, or see a picture of people talking when remembering a conversation.

Intake strategies

For intake strategies for lectures, research, reading and discussions, it is a good idea to use highlighters, mind maps, fishbone diagrams, flow charts, venn diagrams and any other means of representing what you hear, see, read or sense in a visual way. This will help recall and, comprehension more specifically. In essence, try to translate anything you need to remember into a diagram of sorts. This will help you understand and commit what you need to remember to long-term memory.

Output Strategies

For output strategies in exams, presentations, essay planning and writing, it is good to use all of the above to maximize your performance. Mind maps work well for planning essays because you can see your response and there is a quick storm and reference system if you mind map effectively. This goes hand-in-hand with knowing your secondary study style too! Basically, the key to success is good mind mapping skills. This will enhance your output potential.

For writing, focus on turning your revision pictures and symbols into words and keep your paragraphs short, discussing only one point. This is essential to maintain clarity and speed during your examinations. Writing can be quite challenging for visual learners, so the more practice with specific study skills, the better.

There are many strategies and techniques for the visual learning style which can really boost your comprehension and performance. It is important to keep developing your own personal learning style based on sound, effective, and leading study skills.

To find out your secondary learning preference or to get another perspective, check out the free learning style test. I have been involved in both learning and teaching for the greater part of my life and have put together a learning style program that helps students master specific study skills for their learning style and get the best grades quickly. To have a look at the program and for more free information, visit http://studystyleskills.com.