Exam Preparation Techniques for Different Learning Styles

Whether it be for SATs, 11+ or school exams, your child is likely to need to do some preparation at home. So how do you help equip a primary school child with the techniques they need to revise?

One popular theory on the different ways people learn, the VARK model, identifies four primary types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/ writing, and kinesthetic. Each learning type responds best to a different method of teaching. Most pupils don’t learn in just one way, so often using a combination of techniques will work best.

Once you have established your child’s preferred learning style, you can try a variety of these methods to help your child prepare successfully for exams.

Mind Mapping

A mind map is a visual representation of information, introduced in an organised, but innovative method and is great for visual learners. Mind maps can organise notes and suggestions around bigger, connecting ideas, around one idea, or around several topics. They can enhance memory and learning by 15%.

Creating Visual Reminders

Note-taking and highlighting are mainly reading-based learning techniques, but flashcards, post-it notes, and mind maps all take advantage of visual recognition too. If your child is naturally creative, then making flashcards with essential keywords or formulas on them can help them recall learning. Try sticking flashcards or post-it notes around the house and when your child comes across one, encourage them to describe them in more detail.

Organising Information

Children who learn by reading and writing will like planning their work by topic. This not only helps them access the information much faster, but the act of planning can make a child feel more in charge of their learning. Visual learners can use colour coded post-it notes about the different topics too.

Note Taking

Taking notes on important facts from current classwork can be a good way for your child to keep the essentials in mind. If your child likes writing and reading, then they may find this highly effective. For younger children, highlighting important information can be just as efficient.

Verbally Explaining

Another great revision technique for auditory learners is to ask your child to verbally explain something as they retain more information revising this way. Asking your child questions about their classwork such as: “Can you tell me more about Xyz?” will encourage your child to use memory recall to remember the important facts. You can also use questions to identify any gaps in their knowledge.

An excellent revision game is to make your child the teacher and get them to talk about certain topics as if they were teaching themselves. This is a great learning technique for primary school kids that enjoy drama and acting things out.

Listening to a Recording or Watching a Video

Auditory learners can record information (even in the form of songs they make up!) and listen to it. Watching videos is also a good way to revise.

Assembling Charts and Diagrams

Kinaesthetic learners learn by assembling charts and creating diagrams. Flashcards can also help kinaesthetic learners; if you physically turn them over and write on them, it engages many different parts of the brain. Keeping fingers busy, tracing words or tapping out sequences can help your child retain knowledge too.

Using a mixture of many learning techniques is the most successful way to help your child retain information. You will soon learn what they like doing and what helps them most.