Auditory Learners

Auditory Learners learn best while they are actively listening.

Auditory Learners can find conventional study practices, like making notes directly from a textbook, not terribly effective. They may prefer to consume information through audio or video or by discussing a topic. They might not be great note-takers in class, but they are able to take in what they need simply by listening intently.

Combine this with a tendency to want to talk, auditory learners can sometimes appear disruptive or uninterested in class. Auditory Learners should try to incorporate study techniques that have them listening to information and repeating it out loud.

Are you an Auditory Learner?

  • Tend to have good memories for past conversations (including jokes)

  • Have a great memory for music and lyrics

  • Enjoy discussions, debates, and talking to others

  • Enjoy listening to music, and sing/hum/whistle to themselves often

  • Prefer to give oral presentations over written reports

  • May read more slowly

  • May have difficulty interpreting complicated graphs, maps or diagrams

Tips for Auditory Learners

  • Ask questions

    At school Auditory Learners should aim to ask questions during class. They’re more likely to remember the lesson when the teacher puts an idea into words. Plus, this makes you actively invlved in the lesson which is massive help for information processing and retention.

  • Record yourself

    Once you’ve written out some study notes, record yourself reading them out loud and listen to the recording over and over again — just like your own podcast! Remember to write study notes in your own words so that when you listen to yourself reading them they make sense to YOU.

  • Watch videos

    YouTube. Khan Academy. You have more educational videos available to you than you could ever get through, so make the most of them!

  • Use word association

    Auditory Learners make better connections when facts are repeated out loud — especially when in a memorable fashion. Mnemonic devices are a great way to help remember facts and sequences.

  • Participate in discussions

    Take every opportunity to talk to your teacher, your friends and your parents about what you’re learning. If you don’t understand it — even better! By talking things through that you don’t fully understand yet you will learn where the holes in your knowledge are.

  • Avoid auditory distractions

    Some students study well with music, but Auditory Learners might find they are susceptible to aural distraction. A bit of quiet music might help you get in the ‘study zone’ — but be conscious of the noise around you (including music) and figure out what works for you.