When it comes to learning, there is no universal way that people comprehend information. While every student is different, there are a few different types of learners that most people can identify with. These learning styles are not in a box, and many students have a combination of learning styles, but finding out what works best for you will maximize your learning.

1. Auditory Learner

Auditory learners acquire knowledge from listening to information rather than visually or through reading. These learners seem to think more directly and straightforward, and they often repeat what they hear out loud. Many auditory learners speak and read slowly. You may be an auditory learner if you are a good listener, you get distracted by noise easily, you struggle to work quietly and you can easily remember what others say.

How to study if you are an auditory learner:

• Read materials out loud.
• Create or join a study group to discuss with others.
• Give responses audibly when using flashcards.
• Use videos and audio features.
• Record lectures for studying.

2. Kinesthetic Learner

Kinesthetic learners gain the most information from hands-on experiences. These learners perform best when they can partake in activities or when they can solve problems using hands-on methods. Kinesthetic learners may fidget and become impatient when they are forced to sit or stay still for long periods of time. You may be a kinesthetic learner if you excel at building, creating, sports, drama and art, you have trouble staying still and you have to fiddle with objects while you work.

How to study if you are a kinesthetic learner:

• Walk or stretch when you study and read.
• Take frequent breaks while you study.
• Use objects to toss or play with while you think.
• Take notes to concentrate during lectures.
• Use games and activities to study.

3. Reading and Writing Learner

Reading and writing learners fit into the idea of a traditional studier, as they are good at reading textbooks and taking notes. These learners prefer to read information, then learn it through summarizing it in their own words. Lectures and note-taking benefits these learners the most when it comes to absorbing information. You may be a reading and writing learner if you enjoy reading and writing, you favor written directions and you make lists to organize your thoughts.

How to study if you are a reading and writing learner:

• Read and then rewrite your notes after class.
• Summarize the text into your own ideas.
• Use readable resources like articles, books and essays.
• Write down visual or audio information.
• Keep printouts of presentations and use them to follow along.

4. Visual Learner

Visual learners comprehend information by envisioning ideas and concepts. They remember what they've learned through sight, then visualizing what they saw when studying. Learning tools such as diagrams, charts and maps are useful for visual learners. These learners often prefer to work alone in a quiet environment when studying. You may be a visual learner if you speak quickly, you draw when taking notes, you can remember faces but not names, you are a good speller and you prefer reading to listening.

How to study if you are a visual learner:

• Sit near the front of the classroom.
• Convert your notes into charts, diagrams and lists.
• Utilize color coding in your notes.
• Redraw diagrams and pictures.
• Draw pictures to connect to ideas.