The Way I Learn Best

Terin Snyder

Cultures Blog post #1

The Way I Learn Best: Maps

For cultures I was responsible for learning European Countries, capitals and geography. I have travelled with my family to Europe and I thought I knew a lot, but it turns out the European landmass is much more complex than I thought. This was challenging to learn a wide range of countries and specifically their capitals, but it was a rewarding challenge. I realized I learn best by using a specific process. I am a strong visual learner and find it helpful to have the maps as visuals.  My personal connection to some of the countries I visited were really helpful in remembering names, capitals and locations.  My processing is slower than average, so using my method below was helpful in creating a successful outcome without driving myself crazy.

Step One: What do I know?

I start by seeing what I already know by taking the test and not caring about the speed or accuracy the first time through. For example, I thought I knew many European capitals, but realized I know more country names than capitals. This is my starting point for Step two.

Step Two: Elimination

I use process of elimination to narrow down my options for those answers I don’t know. I can usually find a combination that works by using my knowledge from the first step.

Step Three: Finding the right answers

I use resources available to me to figure out the remaining answers I need to know. For example, I use Google to locate a country if I don’t know it. Sometimes I use a parental unit to quiz me first before I take the quiz again. When I do feel confident, I take it until I improve as much as possible.

Step Four: Final Product

For my final product, I get focused and feel confident. I fine tune my answers, do the best I can and turn in my final results.

My process is effective for me. If you have a hard time memorizing or working under time pressure, you might find these steps useful. May the odds ever be in your favor!