The VSL Learner
You are a learner with a visual, solitary, and left-brain-dominated learning style. You are best able to in take information and content when you are given a diagram or visual demonstration. You like to study alone to block out distractions, making you a motivated and effective learner. You are organized and structured, preferring to complete analytical tasks in a step-by-step manner that follows a clear progression of logical thinking.
General Study Tips
1. Use symbols or pictures to replace certain words or phrases as they are easier to remember later.
2. Highlight different concepts in different colours to help you easily transition from topic to topic.
3. Write out definitions and formulas on flashcards and spend time each day memorizing them.
4. Find a place in your home that is fully dedicated to study as this trains your brain to hyperfocus.
5. Set frequent goals and create a study schedule that is rewarding to gives you motivation.
6. Figure out how to explain concepts and definitions in your own words to improve memory capacity.
7. Create an organized schedule and to-do list so you can stay on top of your learning.
8. Break down large tasks into smaller steps so they are more manageable from a short-term perspective.
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9. Ask your teacher for clear rubrics and guidelines so that you know exactly what to work towards.
Suggested Strategy: SQ3R Method
The SQ3R Method is a study technique designed specifically for textbook reading. Begin with S by skimming over the chapter and looking at only the headings, diagrams, and pictures, and then read the chapter summary. Then for Q use general questions such as “What is ____?” and “Why is ____?” to guide your understanding of the reading. The first R stands for the read section where you go back and thoroughly look through the chapter answering the general questions you created. The second R is recite, where you will recall the questions you created and attempt to answer them by heart. Finally, the last R is for review which calls upon you to go back and look at the material within the next 24-hour period.
The SQ3R Method challenges learners to take an active approach to reading, rather than a passive one. Having students constantly engaged in the reading it enables them to better recall the information thus increasing long-term cognitive performance. Furthermore, this method breaks the reading down into manageable sections with no one section being exhaustive for the student. Altogether, the SQ3R method should be your go-to strategy for text analysis and general comprehension.
Why SQ3R: The SQ3R Method caters to visual learners through its emphasis on scanning, questioning, and reviewing text. The solitary study supports individual focus, while left-brain dominance aligns with the logical, step-by-step approach of this method.