Visual Learning Ways for Academic Success

Published:
December 12, 2022
Last updated:
March 7, 2024
A painting on a shelf.

Around 65% of people are visual learners. The way universities are built, this isn’t really embraced: the lectures, the extensive reading lists and, the tutorial questions. The following are 3 ways for you to leverage your visual learning style independently and set yourself up for success when you take your exams.

A diagram of a brain.

Mind maps

This is a powerful tool. Breaking a topic down into keywords and then creating a spider diagram from those keywords have been proven to be effective in condensing large chunks of information into retainable portions.
Try adding images that are associated with the keyword too. For example, if you’re studying nutrition and one of the food groups you need to learn is sugar, then add chocolate and cake to help you recall it more and memorise it.
This is great for revision and you won’t be overwhelmed by all the information you have to cramp and absorb.

Flash cards
A group of square cards with flowers on them.


One of the most popular forms of revision out there. Again, breaking all the information of your subject into specific keywords, writing the biggest takeaways and most important principles will help you recall the work without resistance.

It is also fun if you can make a game out of it, such as writing the answer on one side and a question on the other. Or, write keywords and then matching it on another flashcard with their definition or principle. Try different coloured flash cards for different topics within a subject, it will help your brain categorise the data and not get confused or bombarded with information!

YouTube

Other than prank videos and music, YouTube is also a great resource for visual learners. Whatever subject you are studying at higher education, there is almost certainly an influencer or teacher out there that you can find on YouTube who is teaching it in an engaging, visual way.

Find and subscribe to channels that teach your topic. It could be animations, a documentary on the matter or someone who uses analogies that help (stories have been proven to also be an impactful way to remember things).
YouTube is a wonderful resource to utilise. Perhaps you could even find a teacher and request them to cover a question. The internet is a resource that you can leverage!

Visual learners make up more than half of the population but surprisingly the way the universities teach, they don’t equip for this dominant style! During your own independent learning, you can take responsibility and adapt your revision and studying to your preference. Let us know how you find it.

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