8 Unique Auditory Learning Tips

By Carson King
Updated: May 7, 2021

No reason for a long and useless introduction. Here are eight tips that every auditory learner needs to hear (hah, get the pun?).

1. Audio record your notes

There are hundreds of apps that can record audio. Instead of writing down the lecture word-for-word, why not record it instead? The benefits are clear: you can listen to them anytime, anywhere: while running, showering, or folding origami. Think about it: when done correctly, you can turn any activity into study time . . . and all you need? Some earbuds and an audio recorder.

2. Make a mnemonic library

Mnemonic devices are no joke. Building a personal library of mnemonic “strings” can shoot you from a C- to A+ in no time! These “strings,” (while not practical for everything) work as amazing “keystones” that binds everything together. Here are some examples to get you started.

3. Hum, hum, hum!

You may already hum—if so, good for you. Either way, humming actually improves health. Did you know that? I didn’t. I’m not sure why either, so here’s a link if you’re interested. Study more effectively by humming a simple tune!  Hmmhmm!!!

4. Dramatize speech

Talking to yourself is an excellent strategy. Whether you’re reading notes, summarizing a lecture, or simply trying to “figure out” a problem, try dramatizing your speech as you talk. By changing your tone, volume, accent, and speech pattern, you’ll actually remember things better. For starters, try speaking backward like Master Yoda: “do or do not, there is no try!” Kinda crazy, huh?

5. Replace lyrics with notes

If you like music, this tip is for you! Try taking an iconic song—like Fireflies by Owl City—and change the lyrics into notes. Let’s say you’re studying the American Revolutionary War. You can change the lyrics from:

I’d like to make myself believe 
That planet Earth turns slowly
It’s hard to say that I’d rather stay awake when I’m asleep
‘Cause everything is never as it seems 

To:

Back in 1776 we did believe
That we humans were born freely
In 7 years we finally paid a price that wasn’t cheap
‘Cause now we can follow all our dreams 

Granted—this method takes a lot of time. If you enjoy the process, however, it could provide you with both a leisure activity and some information you’ll never forget.

6. Identify your “background noise”

Some auditory learners like complete silence. Others prefer a white nose, lofi music, or outside traffic. Experiment, and try things out. Whichever one you enjoy best, stick to your guns and make it happen. You’ll learn more in the long run :-)

7. Be active in class

Ask lots of questions. It’s what auditory learners do best.

8. Documentaries and YouTube

Videos are your friends. The visual + auditory combo is powerful. Besides—numerous sites (here and here) actually allow you to download YouTube videos into MP3 files (audio files) which you can use whenever you want. Take advantage of this, and binge some YouTube on the subject of your choice!

9. Optional: Study buddy

Conversation is the best of both worlds: it allows you to speak and listen. If you have a friend in class, consider grabbing a study buddy. The move is risky, however—you run into potential risks of accidental dating, messing too much around, or dropping an engagement ring on the 2nd date. Be smart and manage your time. But hey—if you do get married, who needs that A+ anyway?

Recap

If you’ve made it this far, good for you! Here’s a recap of all the tips:

• Audio record your notes
• Make a mnemonic library
• Hum, hum, hum!
• Dramatize speech
• Replace lyrics with notes
• Identify your “background noise”
• Be active in class
• Documentaries and YouTube

I’d say more but I don’t want to waste your time. Good luck!