How to Choose the Best Learning Style for You (and Actually Retain Information)

Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people absorb information best by reading, while others need to hear it explained or engage in hands-on practice. Understanding how you learn most effectively can make studying easier and help you retain knowledge for the long term.

Figuring out your ideal learning style isn’t just about preference—it’s about improving efficiency. By tailoring your study techniques to suit how your brain processes information, you can avoid frustration and make learning more enjoyable.

Here’s how to identify the best learning style for you and actually remember what you study.

Understanding Different Learning Styles

Everyone processes information differently, which is why some teaching methods work well for some people but not others. Knowing your learning style can help you structure your study habits more effectively.

This concept applies to many areas of education. For instance, students often compare universities to find the best fit for their academic needs and career goals.

In the same way, understanding how you learn best can help you choose the right study techniques, materials, and even courses that align with your strengths.

The most commonly recognised learning styles include visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic. While some people strongly identify with one category, others benefit from a combination of methods.

Visual Learners: Seeing is Understanding

Visual learners process information best through images, diagrams, and written notes. If you find that you remember things better when you see them, you likely fall into this category.

To optimise your learning, use charts, mind maps, and infographics. Colour-coding notes and watching educational videos can also make complex concepts easier to grasp.

Rather than just reading text, try summarising information in a visual format to reinforce what you’ve learned.

Auditory Learners: Listening for Retention

Auditory learners absorb information best through listening and speaking. If you find yourself remembering details from lectures, discussions, or podcasts, this might be your preferred learning style.

To make studying more effective, try reading notes aloud, discussing topics with others, or using mnemonic devices. Listening to recorded lectures or audiobooks can also help reinforce concepts.

Explaining what you’ve learned to someone else is a great way to test your understanding.

Reading and Writing Learners: Learning Through Words

Some people retain information best by reading and writing. If you enjoy reading textbooks, taking detailed notes, and rewriting key concepts, this could be your dominant learning style.

To maximise retention, summarise information in your own words, create written study guides, and use lists or outlines to organise concepts.

Writing essays or journal entries about what you’ve learned can also help reinforce new knowledge.

Kinaesthetic Learners: Learning by Doing

Kinaesthetic learners need hands-on experience to retain information. If you learn best through practical application, experiments, or real-world examples, this may be your strongest learning style.

To improve your learning, try role-playing scenarios, using physical objects to represent abstract ideas, or engaging in interactive exercises. Even simple activities like walking while reciting information or using gestures to reinforce memory can be beneficial.

Mixing Learning Styles for Better Retention

While most people have a dominant learning style, using multiple approaches can enhance retention. Combining visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic techniques allows your brain to engage with information in different ways, making it easier to remember.

For example, if you're studying a new concept, you could watch an educational video (visual), discuss it with a friend (auditory), and then apply it in a real-world scenario (kinaesthetic). This multi-sensory approach strengthens understanding and prevents boredom.

The Role of Environment in Learning

Your surroundings can impact how well you retain information. Some people focus best in quiet spaces, while others thrive in environments with background noise.

Finding a study space that matches your learning style can improve concentration and efficiency.

Experiment with different settings to see what works best for you. If you’re an auditory learner, listening to instrumental music may help. If you’re a kinaesthetic learner, studying in a dynamic environment where you can move around might be more effective.

Learning Should Work for You

Choosing the best learning style isn’t about fitting into a category—it’s about discovering what makes learning easier and more effective for you. Once you understand how you process information best, you can adjust your study methods to suit your strengths.

By experimenting with different techniques and environments, you can create a personalised approach that helps you retain information more efficiently. Learning should feel natural, not like a struggle.