We’re continuing our series on different learning styles and study habits by focusing on auditory learners. Not sure if you’re an auditory learner? Take this quiz to find out! Also check out our strategies for visual learners and kinesthetic learners, or our podcast with lots more tips for auditory learners in law school
Have you found yourself struggling to retain information that you read in books? Do you write out your notes constantly, but make little progress remembering the information? But put in a classroom lecture, you can recite the professor’s words almost verbatim. If that describes you, chances are you are an auditory learner. This type of learning style comprehends information best by hearing things.
Adapting to Law School as an Auditory Learner
Quite a bit of studying in law school is devoted to remembering case law and outlining information. As such, it’s important to find ways to do these tasks in a way that compliments your learning style. Let’s look at five ways to study that compliment your strength as an auditory learner.
Consider Recording Lectures
Your first priority as an auditory learner is to pay attention in lectures since listening is how you will retain information. You might also consider recording your classes. Most smart phones and tablets have the ability to record audio. You can then reference the recordings after class and take notes from the information. (However, you definitely want to ask your professor if this is okay before you do it. Some professors don’t allow for their lectures to be recorded. And be sure the time you spend “re-listening” is really worth it! Ideally, you’ll pay close attention the first time.)
Participate in Study Groups
As an auditory learner, you study best by hearing information and explaining cases and law to other people. Study groups can be an excellent way to practice in this type of auditory learning since you are spending the majority of time talking with others. However, you need to be careful in a study group and make sure the information you learn is correct and you’re staying on task.
Visit Your Professors in Office Hours
If you want another opportunity to talk about the law, go visit your professor in office hours. What better person to talk about the law with than the person who is teaching it to you, writing and grading your exams? (Check out our podcast on making office hours productive for tips on what to talk about.)
If you don’t feel like your professor is approachable, see if there are teaching assistants for your classes. If that doesn’t work out, you can always hire a tutor to talk the law out with you.
Talk Out Answers
Auditory learners need to – literally – hear themselves think. Find a quiet place to study where you can recite your notes out loud. When you’re studying with sample essay questions, read the questions and answers out loud. Keep in mind you should write your practice answers on paper, since unfortunately your final law school exams aren’t oral!
Use Word Association
Word association is a great way for auditory learners to study and remember facts. Mnemonic devices, such as songs or rhymes, are great to pair with case law and your outlines. Your brain will automatically recall the song and the information it represents.
If you’re an auditory learner, try a few of the study tips above to see which works best for you. Perfecting these techniques now will not only help you understand the material, but will also help you get ready for exams.
Want more? Sign up for our free mailing list today. And check out this podcast with lots more for auditory learners in law school!
Here are some other helpful posts:
- 5 Study Tips for Visual Learners
- 5 Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners
- Be Careful With Study Groups
- 5 Things to Include in Your Law School Class Notes
Looking for some help to do your best in law school? Find out about our law school tutoring options.
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