Learning Styles: The Auditory Learner

The auditory learner needs to be able to focus on what is being said and may find taking in information through the other senses at the same time distracting. The auditory learner processes new information in the order in which it is presented but also benefits from verbal discussion following the presentation.  They typically notice and remember sounds. They are good at remembering things that they hear. They are also good with words and language. They often read to themselves as they study. They are also often distracted by noise and sounds.

They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed, and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. 

DO YOU…

• Tend to remember and repeat ideas that are spoken?
• Learn well through lectures?
• Get described as an excellent listener?
• Find it easy to reproduce symbols, letters or words by hearing them?
• Like to talk?
• Enjoy play, dialogues, and dramas?
• Learn concepts by listening to tapes?
• Enjoy music?
• Find it easy to repeat or fulfill verbal instructions?
• Think out loud?
• Often hum or talk to yourself or to others?
• Rarely stay quiet for great lengths of time?
• Often talk at length?
• Like to use other people as a sounding board?
• Enjoy question/answer sessions?
• Like small group discussions?
• Prefer to discuss things with others?
• Like to participate in class discussions or debates?
• Like to make speeches and presentations?
• Do well at telling the difference between sounds, musical notes and tones?
• Memorize by listening to something repeatedly?
• Have difficulty copying from the blackboard? 

Auditory learners learn best through hearing the information. They often need to read the written word aloud to help them remember key points. Verbal repetition is an effective means of study for auditory learners.

• Participate in class discussions/debates.
• Make speeches and presentations.
• Use a tape recorder during lectures instead of taking notes.
• Read text out loud.
• Create musical jingles to aid memorization.
• Create mnemonics to aid memorization.
• Discuss your ideas verbally.
• Dictate to someone as they write down your thoughts.
• Use verbal analogies and storytelling to demonstrate your point.

Ways to Adapt: Try reading out loud or talk through problems you might be having. Take frequent breaks from silent periods. Realize it might take longer to read a passage.  Try recording notes and other materials, and then, listen to the recordings to study.