Auditory learners remember information they hear better than what they read. The "good ear" for such learners makes them good musicians, speakers of foreign languages and oral communicators. They recognize names instead of faces and tend to use language that indicates auditory processing, such as "That sounds good" as opposed to visual processing language such as "That looks good." They may have the ability to repeat conversations verbatim and know all the lyrics to songs they hear just once.
Think carefully about what kinds of activities you prefer. If you are an aural learner, you will listen to a story instead of reading it, follow spoken instructions more easily than written ones, ask for directions instead of looking at a map, talk out loud to yourself or discuss problems with others instead of writing down options, explain ideas verbally instead of writing out instructions and do math problems in your head faster than doing them on paper. A learning styles inventory can confirm your style.
As a student, work with your auditory learning style to make learning easier. Tape record lectures and play them back. Take few notes in class so you can better listen to the information presented. Leave lots of white space in the notes you do take so you can fill in with more detail later. Read the text aloud, and talk to yourself as you study. Find a study group to discuss concepts with; talking and hearing other people's ideas can help you learn. Use auditory memory strategies, such as setting concepts to music.
Teachers should include strategies that teach to each major modality in every lesson. To assist auditory learners, teachers should give instructions in written form and also discuss them verbally. Allow students to give oral responses on exams and assignments. Encourage questions and class discussion. Use group activities. Be sure to have appropriate wait time during lectures to give students enough time to write down concepts and then return their attention to listening. If you use a seating chart, place auditory learners in the front or middle of the class.