Are You an Auditory Learner? Tips for Auditory Learning Styles

Learning is a universal activity � it's something everyone does. But we all don't have the same learning style. Some people are visual learners, some have a kinesthetic learning style, and some are known as auditory learners.

What is an auditory learner? An auditory learner is a person who absorbs information best by listening. This type of learner might struggle to learn new concepts by touch or sight but has no problem learning by sound.

Each learning style has its pros and cons. If you process information best by listening, discover the strengths of the auditory learning style and explore helpful auditory learning strategies.

What Is the Auditory Learning Style?

The auditory learning style describes people who learn through verbal communication. It is one of four different learning styles. Visual learners take in information through visual aids like graphs and pictures. Kinesthetic learners process details through hands-on experiences. Reading and writing learners take in information through text.

Common characteristics of auditory learners include:

• great listening skills
• preference for spoken directions
• good memory when receiving verbal instructions
• strong oral presentation skills
• great storytelling capabilities
• skilled at understanding changes in tone

Some other characteristics of auditory learners include an ability to explain ideas and confidently express thoughts in their own words.

Strengths of the Auditory Learning Style

Being an auditory learner comes with plenty of benefits. But even if you're not this type of learner, you can use it to your advantage.

Become a Better Listener

Since auditory learners process information by listening, they are naturally good listeners. You can use the auditory learning style to improve your own listening skills. Make a special effort to take in new information by listening only. This can help you practice processing information through sounds instead of written or hands-on learning.

Improve Your Memory

Auditory learners have great memories. They are skilled at recalling words or sounds they hear the first time they hear them. Whenever you decide to use the auditory learning style, you strengthen your listening skills and, as a result, improve your ability to retain what you hear.

Develop Your Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is the process of taking the information you've gathered and evaluating it. Individuals usually have time to spend with information before applying their critical thinking skills. However, auditory listeners are skilled at quickly processing, thinking critically, and explaining what they hear.

Examples of Auditory Learning Styles

Do you wonder if you fall into the category of an auditory learner? Here are some things you might do if you have an auditory learning style:

• listen to audiobooks and podcasts over reading texts
• whisper to yourself when reading
• spend more time in study groups than studying on your own
• participate during group discussions and lectures
• talk a lot to yourself and others

Tips To Best Leverage an Auditory Learning Style

When learning something new as an auditory learner, you should prioritize your top-notch listening skills. Here are some learning tips to maximize your learning style.

Record Lectures and Meetings

Individuals with auditory learning skills are at their best when in settings where verbal communication is the priority. However, lectures or meetings sometimes include visual aids or interactive exercises that suit visual or kinesthetic learners. To make sure you don't miss anything, consider making audio recordings of lectures and meetings that you can review later.

Participate in Discussions

Auditory learners are great listeners and speakers. Whether in a classroom or at work, you can use these skills to create a lively learning environment. Research shows that most students avoid participating in whole-class discussions even though active engagement improves learning. By asking questions and participating in discussions, you can strengthen learning outcomes for yourself and your peers.

Request Oral Guidance

If your instructor or employer delivers guidance through emails or printed instructions, be sure to ask for verbal help. You can request private time to ask questions and get clarity. Also, don't be shy about raising your hand during class or meetings for verbal guidance on the spot.

Create Study and Work Groups

Staying in the know helps you make sure you don't fall behind in class or on the job. If you feel isolated from your classmates or coworkers, consider creating a team of your peers to work on projects together. This way, you can ask questions and stay engaged to enhance your learning experience.

Play Background Music When Studying or Working

Auditory learners often need noise to help them focus when studying or working. If silence doesn't work for you, consider turning on background music or some other background noise to stay productive.