July 24, 2013 | Quebec

There Is No Single Right Way to Learn

Why do some concepts seem easy to remember while others require much more effort? Why does one study method work well for one course but much less effectively for another?

You may have heard that all you need to do is determine whether you are a “visual,” “auditory,” or “kinesthetic” learner to find your ideal learning method. The idea may sound appealing, but learning is much more complex than placing yourself in a single category.

The same person may benefit from reading an explanation, representing a concept with a diagram, explaining it aloud, or putting it into practice, depending on what they are trying to learn.

The goal is not to discover a single learning style, but rather to identify the strategies that help you understand, remember, and effectively apply new knowledge.

Start by Looking at How You Study

Before changing your methods, take a closer look at the ones you already use.

When preparing for an exam or trying to understand a new concept, what do you do? Do you reread your notes several times? Write summaries? Complete exercises? Make flashcards? Try to recall the material without looking at your notes?

Most importantly, ask yourself what happens after you study.

Can you explain the concept in your own words? Can you answer a question without looking at your notes? Can you apply what you learned to an exercise or a different situation?

A method can feel effective simply because it makes the material familiar. Recognizing information when you reread it, however, is not necessarily the same as being able to retrieve and use it without help.

That is why it can be more useful to evaluate your study methods based on their results rather than your preferences.

Match Your Study Method to What You Need to Learn

Not every subject needs to be studied in the same way.

To remember certain terms or definitions, you may need to test yourself regularly. To understand a complex process, a diagram may help you see the connections between different steps. To develop a technical skill, you will generally need to practise it.

The right question is not simply “How do I like to study?”, but also “What do I need to be able to do with this information?”

If you need to explain a concept, practise explaining it. If you need to solve a problem, work through problems. If you need to perform a task, practise doing it.

This approach allows you to choose a strategy based on your objective rather than automatically using the same method for every course.

👉 Learn more: How Can You Remember What You Learn and Study More Effectively?

Try Different Learning Strategies

Finding the methods that work for you requires some experimentation.

For example, you can try to:

• explain a concept in your own words;
• test yourself without immediately looking at your notes;
• create a diagram showing the connections between several concepts;
• explain a concept to someone else;
• complete practical exercises;
• summarize the essential points after a class;
• revisit the material at different times instead of studying everything in a single session.

You do not need to choose just one of these strategies. Several can be combined depending on the subject and the skills you are trying to develop.

After a few study sessions, ask yourself what you can actually do without your notes. This will help you determine whether the strategy you are using is genuinely helping you make progress.

Don't Confuse Preference With Effectiveness

It is normal to have preferences.

You may prefer studying alone rather than in a group, taking notes on paper, or using diagrams, which can be particularly useful in some situations. These preferences can make studying more enjoyable and help you stay organized.

But an enjoyable method is not necessarily the most effective one for every type of learning.

Rereading a chapter several times, for example, may feel easier than closing the book and trying to explain its contents. The second activity, however, can quickly reveal what you have actually understood and what you still need to review.

The key is to remain flexible. The way you study can change depending on the subject, the difficulty you encounter, and the objective you need to achieve.

Understanding Why You're Learning Something Can Also Help

Motivation also plays a role in studying.

It can be more difficult to devote time and energy to a concept when you do not understand why you need to learn it. Whenever possible, try to connect what you are learning with a concrete objective.

Why is this skill part of your training? When might you need to use it? How does it connect with the knowledge you have already acquired?

This can be particularly useful in career-focused training. A concept that initially seems abstract may become more meaningful once you understand how it can be applied.

Create Conditions That Support Learning

Your study method is only one part of the equation.

Your concentration, fatigue, the distractions around you, and the amount of time available can also affect how well a study session goes.

A strategy that usually works well may become much less effective if you try to use it when you are exhausted or constantly interrupted.

Try to identify the conditions in which you work best. Some people need a very quiet environment. Others may need to put their phone away or plan shorter study periods that make it easier to maintain their attention.

The goal is not to create perfect conditions, but to create an environment where you can genuinely focus on what you are trying to learn.

Be Willing to Change Your Methods

Going back to school or starting a new training program can require a period of adjustment.

The methods that worked for you in the past may not necessarily be the ones that work best for you today. The expectations may have changed, along with your responsibilities, schedule, and the type of material you need to learn.

You may need to experiment before finding an approach that works.

Instead of quickly concluding that you are “not good” at a particular subject, ask yourself whether the way you are studying it actually matches what you are expected to do.

Sometimes, changing your strategy can significantly improve the way you learn.

👉 Learn more: Going Back to School: What to Expect as an Adult

Learning How to Learn Is a Skill You Can Develop

There is no universal method that makes everything easy to learn.

You can, however, become more aware of how you study, the results you achieve, and the adjustments you can make.

Try different strategies. Check what you actually remember. Match your method to the task. Revisit what is not working as well.

Over time, you can build your own set of strategies and become better at choosing the ones that fit what you need to learn.

FAQ

1. Is there one best way to learn?
No single method works for every situation. The most appropriate strategy depends on the subject, the task, and what you need to do with the knowledge you acquire.

2. How can you tell which learning methods work for you?
Try different strategies and then check what you can explain, retrieve, or apply without looking at your notes. The results you achieve are a better indicator than simply preferring one method over another.

3. Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner?
You may have preferences, but it is better not to limit yourself to a single category. Depending on what you are learning, you can benefit from different strategies and different ways of working with information.

4. Should you always use the same study method?
No. A method that works well for memorizing terms may not be the best way to understand a process or develop a practical skill. It is better to adapt your strategy to the objective.

5. Can you improve the way you learn?
Yes. By observing your habits, trying different strategies, and evaluating the results, you can gradually develop more effective ways to study.

Explore Further

👉 How to Successfully Complete Your Training in Quebec: What You Should Know

👉 How Can You Stop Procrastinating While Studying?

👉 Going Back to School: How Can You Tell If It’s the Right Decision?

👉 How Can You Set Realistic Goals to Succeed in Your Studies and Career?