Learning Styles and the Learning Cycle

Start with learning preferences

Begin with Basic Study Skills Notes for a short introduction to visual, auditory and hands-on approaches. Then open Learning methods, a mind map that presents visual, aural, verbal, social, solitary, logical and physical ways to learn. Compare the approaches and consider which ones you have used when studying.

For another view, look at the mind map on learning styles that describes auditory activities such as listening and explaining something aloud. It also introduces a visual approach. You can use these examples as prompts to think about the activities you use.

Explore the learning cycle

The Learning Cycle mind map sets out a sequence around lectures and seminars. It starts with reading lecture slides and attending a lecture, then moves to preparing for and attending a seminar. Reflection on the seminar follows.

Read through the map in order. You could use its stages to plan how you might approach a lecture and seminar, then return to the map afterward to consider what you did at each stage.

Combine maps and quizzes

After exploring a map, try How do I learn best? The page also lists a quiz called Multiple Choice. Use a quiz alongside the maps as a way to reflect on the approaches you have encountered, then return to a map to look at its examples again.

The flashcard deck on preferred study aids and learning styles offers another format to explore. You can move between the formats in an order that works for your study.

Use this section in context

Learning Styles and the Learning Cycle is a section of Study Skills and Techniques in Personal and career development. The Study Skills mind maps connect learning styles with reading skills and time management, giving you a way to see how this section relates to the wider unit. Choose a map to explore and follow the connections that interest you.