Understanding your learning style: How to revise smarter for your GCSE and A Level exams

When it comes to revision, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is copying what works for someone else. The truth is, everyone learns differently and understanding how you learn can make your revision much more effective.

There are four main learning styles often used to describe how people take in information:

  • Visual
  • Auditory
  • Kinaesthetic
  • Reading/Writing 

Most people are actually a mix, but knowing your strongest style can help you revise smarter, not harder.

    

    

Visual learners

Visual learners understand information best when they can see it. This could be diagrams, charts, colours, or images.

Best revision methods:

  • Mind maps and spider diagrams
  • Colour-coded notes
  • Flashcards with images
  • Watching subject specific videos, animations, or TikTok’s
  • Using timelines for subjects like history 

Tip: Turn your notes into diagrams instead of long paragraphs, you will find it easier to remember. 

  

Auditory learners

Auditory learners learn best by hearing information. They remember things through discussion, listening, and speaking.

Best revision methods:

  • Recording yourself reading notes and playing them back
  • Explaining topics out loud (even to yourself)
  • Group study and discussions
  • Listening to revision videos
  • Using rhymes or songs to remember key facts 

Tip: Gather a small group of friends to revise with and each of you teach each other a topic the others struggle with, if you can teach it out loud, you probably understand it.


Kinaesthetic learners

A Kinaesthetic learner is someone who prefers a hands-on approach to learning – they learn by doing, moving and physically engaging with content.

Best revision methods:

  • Practising past exam question
  • Using flashcards actively (e.g. sorting, matching)
  • Walking while revising or talking through your notes
  • Breaking revision into short, active sessions 

Tip: Sitting still for hours isn’t as effective for these learners, movement can actually help you remember more. 

  

Reading/Writing learners

These learners prefer information displayed as words in the form of revision guides, teacher presentations, etc. They learn best through reading information and writing notes out based on this. 

Best revision methods:

  • Rewriting notes in your own words
  • Creating lists and summaries
  • Using resources made by your teacher and revision guides
  • Using past paper questions to practice essay writing

Tip: Don’t just copy notes, rewrite and summarise them to improve your understanding further. 

   

   

Most learners don’t fall into just on category, and your learning style may change per subject. It’s important to remember that there’s no single “perfect” way to revise. 

The key is to experiment and find what works best for you!

For more revision tips, check out our latest student support blogs ‘9 Top Tips To Help You Get Revising’, and ‘5 Reasons why you should use past papers in your revision’.