Visual learners rely largely on what they see. If a teenager seems to enjoy pictures and diagrams, charts and bright colors, then this could mean he is a visual learner. A variety of techniques can be used to help a visual learner improve study habits. Using highlighters of different colors to attract the eye is one method. Videos, charts, graphs and maps also help visual learners. Flash cards are also beneficial as well as symbols in place of words when possible.
Auditory learners learn best through hearing. If a teenager loves speaking, debating and also has an excellent memory for previous conversations, he may be an auditory learner. Auditory learners can improve study habits in a variety of ways. A person could pose questions to the auditory learner to further stimulate memory capabilities. Using a Dictaphone in lessons can also help students retain information. The auditory learner is also helped by word association tasks, mnemonic devices and repetition.
Readers and writers are text-based learners. They learn best by reading materials and copying out notes. Text-based learners often enjoy reading and studying on their own. They enjoy quiet areas and often take lengthy notes while in class. Readers and writers can improve their study skills by taking notes and transcribing handouts. Taking information from maps and charts and putting them in written form is another helpful technique.
Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing. They enjoy working with their hands and are often not suited to many traditional classroom tasks. Kinesthetic learners are often identified by a love for activity. Many enjoy jigsaw puzzles, playing sports and adventure stories or films. To help a kinesthetic teenager improve his study habits, short blocks of study with frequent breaks are best. Kinesthetic learners often need to do some small activity with their hands while studying. Finally, kinesthetic learners often learn best when they study in groups rather than on their own.