Trying to memorize what a professor says might not be the best way to study.
Susan Deese-Roberts, director of Center for the Advancement of Scholarship in Teaching and Learning, said there are three modes of studying styles - auditory, visual and tactual.
"Students either like to hear it, which means they are probably an auditory learner; see it, meaning visual learner; or move around while they are learning, which is usually tactile and kinesthetic," Deese-Roberts said.
When sophomore Jenny Owen came to UNM, she had to change her style.
"Going to UNM is harder than high school," Owen said. "The classes take more studying. I have to study longer, and I use note cards to help remember what I need to in my classes now."
Deese-Roberts said most students have a mode of studying that correlates to their learning style. That could be studying with friends, writing up index cards or pacing themselves during study time, she said.
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"Taking good notes and devoting time to studying and organizing my study material is a big help," UNM student Monica Solis said.
She said she also takes advantage of professors' office hours.
Kobi Bauer, an architecture student, said studying in a group assists in his learning process along with setting aside studying time and prioritizing.
"A few times a week I go over my notes and discuss the subject with classmates," he said. "When test time comes, it's more like a review instead of cramming."
Solis said her first year of college was harder than high school, because she didn't know what her learning style was and how to form study habits to fit that style.
"I am spontaneous," she said. "I'll study at school in the library one day, study at home another day, and maybe study with the teacher on another day."
She said she has a hands-on style. She writes and rewrites notes to teach herself, but said simply reading a chapter makes her fall asleep.
To find out which studying style fits students, Deese-Roberts said there are lots of free sites online, such as Google, that assess students through survey and description.
UNM tutoring services
This fall, employees at the Center for Academic Support have tutored more than 1,600 students. That number is expected to climb to 4,000 over the course of the year. CAPS offers workshops in note taking, study strategies, test taking, effective learning techniques and memorization strategies.
Pamela Agoyo, director of American Indian Student Services, said it is better for freshmen to visit a tutoring center at the beginning of the year. She said it gives students an opportunity to build community with their peers, and it gives them a sense of belonging.
As finals approach, students can drop in for tutoring during lab hours, or set up an appointment.
Center for Academic Support
3rd floor Zimmerman Library
277-4560
American Indian Student Services
Mesa Vista Hall Room 1119
277-6343
African American Student Services
Mesa Vista Hall Room 1130
277-5645
El Centro de la Raza
Mesa Vista Hall Room 1153
277-5020
