Here are some tips you can use at home to help you efficiently learn new information. Homework and studying can be completed with more efficiency. Parents may receive less resistance from their student as they confidence completing their work quicker and with more accuracy. You may also want to try to broaden your learning styles. For example, if your predominant learning style is Visual, it never hurts to try to improve one's auditory comprehension skills. Taking a multi-sensory approach to learning will help your overall comprehension, retention, and application of the knowledge.

Characteristics of an Auditory Learner
May hum or talk to themselves or others when bored.	Prefers learning material which can be listened to.
Acquires knowledge by reading aloud.	Often has difficulties following written directions.
Remembers by verbalizing lessons to them.	Feels that spoken expression is much more effective than written.
Likes to tell others about the books they read.	Has difficulty reading non-verbals.
May not always coordinate colors or clothes, but can explain why they are wearing what they are wearing and why.	Closes eyes to better understand spoken material.
Sits where they can hear but needn't pay attention to what is happening in front.	May have difficulty reading maps or diagrams or handling conceptual assignments like mathematics.

20 Tips for Auditory Learners
1. Recite out loud the information you want to remember several times.	11. Read aloud when doing proofreading.
2. Ask your teacher if you can submit some work as an oral presentation.	12. Study in groups and calls to talk things out.
3. Record your voice reading class notes and important points you have trouble remembering.	13. Listen to lecture/text tapes while driving, walking, working out, etc.
4. When reading, talk through what you are seeing when you come to a picture, chart, or diagram, so you can hear yourself explaining the concept.	14. Sit in front of the class to minimize visual distractions that take away from what your teacher is saying.
5. When reading multiple chapters, read chapter titles and subheadings aloud, so they will make a larger impression in your memory.	15. When you encounter new words while reading, sound them out syllable by syllable.
6. Having soft background music playing can be helpful when studying for long periods of time.	16. Look for books on tape or other audio materials when learning about a subject.
7. Participate in a study group or provoke a group discussion about the class material.	17. Participate during class discussions as much as possible.
8. Use acronyms or musical jingles to help remember lists of facts.	18. Dictate assigned papers and type them later.
9. Work out math problems aloud, explaining to yourself the steps you are doing.	19. Repeat facts and definitions of words over and over to yourself with your eyes closed.
10. Record lectures and study group sessions, etc.	20. Ask a lot of questions in class.

It's important for a tutor and educator to be aware of all learning styles and use multi-sensory instructional materials to most effectively teach their students. Tutors are encouraged to look for clues as to how their students think and learn. Characteristics of a student's learning style can be seen in the way they take notes, talk about their teachers, react to their assignments, and respond to questions. Each student learns differently and at a different rate for each learning style. Everyone has a learning style. Our style of learning, if accommodated, can result in improved attitudes toward learning, as well as increased self-esteem and academic achievement. By identifying your learning style and becoming familiar with other styles, you will become a more effective and creative tutor.

Language Arts Tutoring Strategies for Auditory Learners
Grades K-5	Grades 6-12
Read a sentence with reoccurring sounds for students to identify.	Ask students to explain how different events would have changed the story's ending.
Pronounce phonetic sounds with the students echoing you.	Before reading an informative passage, ask the students what they want to learn from the material.
Call out words for students to rhyme with other words.	Have students verbally paraphrase the author's words.
Orally read to the students. Sound out difficult words by syllable.	Have students orally compare and contrast characters in a story.
Provide verbal clues for students to guess a word.	Have them orally discuss story elements in a reading passage or story.
Ask the students to orally compare and contrast a fiction and nonfiction passage of the same theme.	Ask students to recall and orally repeat significant details in a story.
Ask the students to read a story or part of a story orally.	Have students read sentences containing alliteration and assonance.
Have students read rhyming poems or books to you.	Stop students during independent reading periodically and ask questions.
Have students orally summarize what they read.	Have students orally read questions before reading.
Ask students how they would have handled a situation in the plot of a story.	Before students begin reading, have them express their knowledge of headings and key terms.
Encourage them to explain the material to you, as if they were the tutor.	Advise the student to join or create a study group, or to get a study partner.
Ask them to read vocabulary word explanations out loud.	Tell the students to record themselves at home reading their class notes and bring the recording to their next tutoring session for review.
Ask the student to make up a song using the subject material. The crazier the better.	Ask the student to use mnemonics and word links.
Encourage them to make up and repeat rhymes to remember facts, dates, names, etc.	Suggest supplemental audiotapes or auditory teaching websites.
Make a timeline of important events and then "talk you through" the story.	Make a timeline of important events and then "talk you through" the story.

Math Tutoring Strategies for Auditory Learners
Grades K-5	Grades 6-12
Ask students to say numbers as they write them.	Ask students to verbally define math terminology.
Teach students to recite math facts with rhymes.	Provide oral instructions.
Have them sing math facts in a song.	Ask students to reread their notes aloud.
Have students read math problems aloud.	Have students orally repeat directions.
Have them explain why a particular mathematical operation is needed.	Ask students to recite formulas or processes aloud.
Help students make word problems into stories.	Have them orally explain how to solve the problem before writing it.
Encourage students to reason through means of operations aloud.	Help students use mnemonics to remember the order of operations.
Ask students to repeat a process orally to you.	Stop students as they are solving problems and ask questions about their understanding.
Ask students to read aloud in their minds.	Encourage them to use rhyming techniques when possible.
Verbally explain what needs to be learned.	Have students to orally relate how a math problem could be used in real-world situations.
Encourage them to explain the material to you, as if they were the tutor.	To learn a sequence of math steps, write them out in sentence form and then read them out loud.
Advise them that when they are learning new information, they need to state the problem out loud and reason through solutions.	Advise them that when they are learning new information, they need to state the problem out loud and reason through solutions.

Organization and Communication are KEY factors for building the study skills needed for a lifetime of academic success! It all begins with creating and cultivating a structured homework regimen. Keep backpacks and folders organized, as well as your personal workspace. Communication is needed between the parent, student, and the classroom teacher(s).

Designate a "School Home Zone" place in your home, where your student can place important papers that parents will check DAILY. Place a basket by the front door, use a drawer in the kitchen, or hang a bulletin board to stay organized. Parents need to check the "School Home Zone" DAILY, sign any needed paperwork, then place back in School/Home Folder OR have student pick up from "School Home Zone." It's very important to do this consistently so it becomes a habit. Your goal is to create habits and accountability.

Homework Space: What is your child's current "homework space" like? Is it the same spot each night? Consistency is key to make sure they work in the same area each night, during the same time of day (if schedules permits). Make sure all necessary supplies are in the work space. The less the student needs to get up, the better!

Time Management: Time is limited with busy schedules, so efficiency is a key factor. Make the most efficient use of your homework time by using an Agenda or calendar that you refer to daily for homework and week-to-week for larger projects and assignments.

• Create an agenda/planner.
• Use a large calendar to write down ALL activities and due dates. Post this calendar at the students' "Homework Space" work area.

Procrastination: Procrastination may be triggered by anxiety, dislike of a particular subject, or countless other reasons. But how do you deal with it?

• Recognize procrastination.
• Do something small. Break down your work into manageable pieces.
• Create little goals for yourself that are reachable.
• Reward yourself as you make your way through your work. Enjoy these times of freedom and pleasure without guilt, knowing that you will return to your work.

Study Skills Tips
Before you study, know about the upcoming test or quiz: content being covered, types of questions (multiple choice, fill in blanks, etc.), and timeframe for test/quiz.	With your child, determine how long each assignment will take before starting. Setting expectation is essential.
Turn everything OFF!! Cell phones, TV, IPOD, computer.	Know when tests and quizzes are scheduled.
Have all necessary supplies in the designated work area - snack and drink included!	Make a mock test for your child to will help with nerves, and provide you the opportunity to see what information they need help with.
Review notes on days with little assigned homework.	Do the least favorite/hardest assignment first.
Have break times outlined at the start. If homework takes 30 minutes, you will get a 5 minute break." Have break time boundaries set so time limits aren't exceeded.	Make sure your child reads the directions carefully before beginning assignments. Encourage your child to work through an assignment first then ask for help when needed.
Get homework done at the same time every day or have set "homework time."	Keep subjects organized by color-coding binders and folders.
Encourage your child to think positively!	Get consistent sleep before quizzes and tests.

A classroom is filled with all types of learners and yet all students have to conform to a preferred method of assessment on test day. Whether you are an auditory, visual, or tactile learner, at some point most people have difficulty with certain forms than tests. Here are some helpful hints, though you should also ask your teachers about their expectations on a given test.

Tips for Sentence Completion Items	Tips for Short Answer Essay
Use grammar cues from the presented portion of the question.	Answers can be in brief sentences or lists that show you understand the main points. Try to highlight terms and concepts.
The presented portion of the question places restrictions on what can logically follow or precede it. Be logical.	Answers can be in brief sentences or lists that show you understand the main points. Try to highlight terms and concepts.
Consider the number and length of the blanks to be filled in. There is never a penalty for guessing so always write in some answer.	Write something for every essay question, even if you are not completely certain of the content. It is rare that a question about which you know absolutely nothing will be asked. Try to get partial credit this way.
Make sure your answer is as specific as possible.	Make your answer clear and legible.
Tips for Multiple Choice Questions	Tips for Long Answer Essay
If the answer is not readily apparent, reread the question and answer it independently of the choices. Then, look back at the options to see if one is more readily apparent. If you are still stumped, read the question and then the first answer. Read the question again followed by each of the other answers. See which one sounds best.	Read the question carefully to make sure you include what is wanted in the answer. It is easy to get off track.
Show caution around the following words: every, always, and never.	Outline your answer before writing it.
Be careful with "all of the above" and "none of the above" answers.	Write an introduction that lays out the important questions or the main ideas in your answer.
Pick out the one that is most nearly true. Sometimes, no answer seems perfect.	Define the terms used in your answer.
Time can go quickly in multiple-choice sections. Be sure to budget your time.	Use examples and facts to support your main points. Be sure to summarize and draw conclusions.
Consider all options. Don't select the first one that sounds good.	Use subheadings to break down and organize the information. Write in outline form if time does not permit a complete answer.
Eliminate incorrect answers first.	Allow time to polish your answers. Write legibly!
Tips for Matching Questions	Tips for True-False Questions
Read the directions carefully. Some instructors ask to match those that are different and some ask to match those that are the same.	Most people spend too much time on these questions. If an answer isn't readily apparent, guess and move on. The answer may be triggered in later questions.
Answer easy questions first to reduce the chance of guessing incorrectly on more difficult matches.	Mark statements true only if they are true without exception.
Keep a close eye on the grammar. A single word can make all of the difference.	Beware of words like all, most, some, few, none, no, always, usually, sometimes, rarely, and never.

Anxiety is a real and natural interference to studying and learning. The bright side of anxiety is that, at a particular level, it can motivate us. At other levels, it is a roadblock. Test anxiety is a learned behavior. There are ways to cope with anxiety however. Watch what you think! Sometimes our own thoughts can defeat us. Try and monitor your thoughts, so they stay in a positive direction. Replace negative thoughts and feelings with more hopeful positive ones, as discussed above.

Causes of Test Anxiety	Steps to Manage Test Anxiety
The association of grades and personal worth.	Before starting a test, look at the number of sections and budget time for each section.
From a feeling of a lack of control.	Get 8 hours of sleep the night before a test.
From fear of alienation from parents, family, and friends due to poor grades.	Develop a study plan as soon as possible.
Timed tests and the fear of not finishing the test, even if one can do all the problems.	Don't rush! Have a calm morning before the test with a good breakfast.
Fear of not having studied enough.	Think positively! Your thoughts can have a dramatic impact on your performance.
Fear of having studied the wrong material.	Before you turn in your test, review your answers one last time.

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