9 Effective Visual Learner Study Tips and Strategies

So you’ve learned about different styles of learning, did some self-reflection, and you’ve established that you learn best by seeing drawings and pictures. People with the visual learning style process information more efficiently when they can see it drawn or written. Whether you have an upcoming exam or just want to build study habits based on your learning style, here are 9 effective study tips for visual learners:

1.) Color code your notes

When it comes to reviewing lessons, nothing could have been more tedious than rereading dull texts and scanning plain white notes. Use colorful pens and markers to highlight important information to make it visually appealing and organized. You can also categorize each info according to its assigned color. This way, you can easily see which bits of information are worth remembering, all while making your notes fun to read!

2.) Make a concept map

Concept maps are diagrams that illustrate relationships between concepts and how they relate to each other. To a visual learner, concept maps lets you see the connections between concepts and enables you to focus on the big picture. Not only will it help you remember more, it will also help you strengthen your understanding of the lesson as a whole.

3.) Recreate your notes with symbols and drawings

The quote "pictures paint a thousand words" proves true especially when it comes to note-taking. You can make your notes with symbols and illustrations as a representation of concepts instead of paragraphs. It also allows your brain to associate these pictures with these concepts, making the info easier to retain.

4.) Create an outline

Organising your own notes is useful, but did you know that organising the lesson you’re studying does wonders too? Creating an outline helps you break down the lesson into individual topics you can easily digest. Organising each lesson into a solid structure with the use of bullet points, lists, and subheadings allows for a more effective study plan.

5.) Organize using charts and tables

Some bits of information don’t usually go well with paragraphs. Instead of listing info and cramming them into one sentence using commas, try using charts and tables to access it more conveniently. This also helps redirect your sight to important details written in these charts, enabling you to remember it more easily.

6.) Use flashcards

Flashcards are your friends when it comes to memorising definitions of concepts as well as vocabulary. Coupled with pictures and symbols, flashcards help your brain create associations between these images, embedding it on your long-term memory.

7.) Watch videos related to the topic

There is a wide selection of educational videos and documentaries all over the internet. Not only does watching help you visualize the lesson at hand, but also trains your hearing and comprehension abilities. Make sure to write down the most essential ideas so you can review them later.

8.) Lessen visual noise

As a visual learner, the last thing you want to do is to get overwhelmed by excessive visual stimulation. Make a habit of decluttering and eliminating distractions in your study area, especially when it’s time to actually study. It helps your brain to focus more on the lesson instead, resulting in a more productive study time.

9.) Visualize the concept in your head

And lastly, a visual learner takes in information primarily by sight. Being able to craft your own interpretation of the concept in your mind’s eye is sure to boost your understanding of the topic you’re studying. Train your mind to "see" the concepts and how they relate to each other.

Where to go from here

So there you have it! The human brain is complex, there is no one technique for every visual learner out there. What might work for one visual learner may not work for you. Therefore, it's extremely essential to try a set of strategies and incorporate them into your study habits altogether. When it comes to studying, it is equally important to know more about yourself— your learning style, what works for you, and which study techniques bring the best results when combined.