EducationPlanner.org offers a learning style assessment that takes only a few minutes to complete. The link to that quiz is provided in the "Resources" section below. Understanding your learning style will not only help with your understanding of anatomy and physiology, but also any subject you may study. According to LDpride.net, there are three learning styles: auditory, visual and kinestetic.
Auditory learners learn most effectively by hearing information. Lectures, conversations and other auditory media are the best way for them to learn new information. Because the study of anatomy and physiology requires you to look at the structures and systems of the body, it would be most effective for you to seek out resources that combine visual study with audio prompts or lectures if you are of this type. If you cannot find any of those resources, try reading aloud to yourself, discussing the information with a classmate, lab partner, or friend, or download podcasts and other audio information on the subject.
Visual learners learn best by seeing. This will help you as you study anatomy and physiology, as most of the material presents a number of photographs, diagrams, illustrations and other visual material. If you're in a classroom, you'll want to sit near the front of the class as you will be better able to absorb a lecture by paying close attention to the instructor's facial expressions, gestures and any diagrams or illustrations provided.
Finally, kinesthetic learners learn by doing. They are also called tactile learners because they also learn by touching and feeling whatever subject they are studying. When studying anatomy and physiology, consider using your own body for help studying the various systems and structures. For example, you can examine the skeletal system by looking at the joints in your hands and feet, and you can understand the muscular system by examining the muscles in your own body. A number of online resources provide 3-D examples of the systems of the human body that you can use to gain a better understanding of anatomy and physiology. You will probably find that the information presented in lab classes are easier to remember than those in a lecture-only course. If that's the case, inform your instructor that you are a tactile learner and are curious about additional resources that can assist you in your studies.
Organizing the information you encounter is extremely important. Most classes and resources on the subjects divide the human body up into its major systems from the skeletal system to the urinary system. InnerBody.com presents a detailed overview of all the systems as divided by function and purpose. For example, the muscular system section presents all the information about the many muscles in the human body, what makes up muscles, and how those muscles work. When organizing your information, organize it in such a way that makes sense to you. You may want to divide your study materials by function, region (for example, all the parts that make up the human hand), or some other system. When studying such a complex and vast subject, it's very important that you pay attention to the way that you learn, and re-arrange the material in such a way that makes sense to you.
In addition to the resources provided at the end of this article, additional resources can be invaluable when studying anatomy and physiology. Depending on your learning style, you can use audio materials, visual materials, or hands-on materials such as anatomical models. Utilize technologies you are comfortable with to supplement your studies. For example, if you have an iPod, iPhone or other MP3 player, you can download lectures, podcasts or other instructional information on the subject through iTunes.com. You should also work with your classmates and peers if you're learning in an academic environment. Having a common goal can make learning more engaging because you are all struggling with understanding the same subject.