3 answers
Domonique
Student
Las Cruces, New Mexico
1
Question
Updated
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What kind of studying styles or tips work best for students who are visual learners ?
For nursing students, what has worked best for retaining information between clinical and lectures, or what has not worked best? This question is specifically for visual learners.
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3 answers
Eloy Costa
Learning Experience Designer
5
Answers
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Updated
Eloy’s Answer
Domonique, that's a very practical question, especially for nursing where understanding complex systems and procedures is key.
For visual learners, the best way to retain information is almost always by seeing it represented spatially, diagrammatically, or through action. The key is to transform the written word into a clear, memorable image.
Here are some study styles and tips that work exceptionally well for visual nursing students:
🧠 Visual Study Tips for Nursing Students
Mind Maps and Flowcharts: Instead of linear notes, use mind maps to connect related concepts. For example, when studying a disease like congestive heart failure (CHF), put the diagnosis in the center, and branch out with pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, medications, and nursing interventions. Flowcharts are perfect for understanding physiological processes (like the RAA system) or clinical decision trees.
Color-Coding Everything: Assign specific colors to categories or concepts and stick with them. Use one color for "Interventions," another for "Pathophysiology," and a third for "Medications." Color-code your textbook highlights, notes, and flashcards. This creates a visual organizational system in your brain.
Draw, Sketch, and Label: Even if you aren't an artist, drawing simple diagrams is incredibly effective. Sketch out the anatomy you're studying (e.g., the nephron, the cardiac cycle). When studying a procedure (like inserting an IV or Foley catheter), draw a step-by-step diagram of the process. The act of drawing helps solidify the sequence and spatial relationship.
Leverage Videos and Animations: This is a huge advantage for nursing. Use platforms like YouTube (or school resources) for high-quality animations of complex concepts like:
Pharmacology mechanisms of action.
Disease progression.
Surgical procedures.
Clinical skill demonstrations.
Whiteboard Practice: If you have access to a whiteboard, use it! Write out entire concepts, draw diagrams, and quiz yourself using different colored markers. Standing and moving while you write can also engage kinesthetic memory, which often pairs well with visual learning.
Flashcards with Pictures/Mnemonic Devices: Don't just put text on your flashcards. Include simple drawings, icons, or a visual mnemonic (like a specific image or symbol) to represent the key term or definition.
🚫 What Generally Doesn't Work Well
Passive Reading: Reading pages and pages of text without stopping to visualize, highlight, or draw will likely result in poor retention.
Auditory-Heavy Study Groups: Relying solely on group discussions where one person reads notes aloud might be frustrating, as you need the information to be seen to stick.
By actively transforming lecture notes and clinical information into something you can spatially map and visualize, you'll significantly boost your retention in nursing school.
For visual learners, the best way to retain information is almost always by seeing it represented spatially, diagrammatically, or through action. The key is to transform the written word into a clear, memorable image.
Here are some study styles and tips that work exceptionally well for visual nursing students:
🧠 Visual Study Tips for Nursing Students
Mind Maps and Flowcharts: Instead of linear notes, use mind maps to connect related concepts. For example, when studying a disease like congestive heart failure (CHF), put the diagnosis in the center, and branch out with pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, medications, and nursing interventions. Flowcharts are perfect for understanding physiological processes (like the RAA system) or clinical decision trees.
Color-Coding Everything: Assign specific colors to categories or concepts and stick with them. Use one color for "Interventions," another for "Pathophysiology," and a third for "Medications." Color-code your textbook highlights, notes, and flashcards. This creates a visual organizational system in your brain.
Draw, Sketch, and Label: Even if you aren't an artist, drawing simple diagrams is incredibly effective. Sketch out the anatomy you're studying (e.g., the nephron, the cardiac cycle). When studying a procedure (like inserting an IV or Foley catheter), draw a step-by-step diagram of the process. The act of drawing helps solidify the sequence and spatial relationship.
Leverage Videos and Animations: This is a huge advantage for nursing. Use platforms like YouTube (or school resources) for high-quality animations of complex concepts like:
Pharmacology mechanisms of action.
Disease progression.
Surgical procedures.
Clinical skill demonstrations.
Whiteboard Practice: If you have access to a whiteboard, use it! Write out entire concepts, draw diagrams, and quiz yourself using different colored markers. Standing and moving while you write can also engage kinesthetic memory, which often pairs well with visual learning.
Flashcards with Pictures/Mnemonic Devices: Don't just put text on your flashcards. Include simple drawings, icons, or a visual mnemonic (like a specific image or symbol) to represent the key term or definition.
🚫 What Generally Doesn't Work Well
Passive Reading: Reading pages and pages of text without stopping to visualize, highlight, or draw will likely result in poor retention.
Auditory-Heavy Study Groups: Relying solely on group discussions where one person reads notes aloud might be frustrating, as you need the information to be seen to stick.
By actively transforming lecture notes and clinical information into something you can spatially map and visualize, you'll significantly boost your retention in nursing school.
J D
Managed Investment Operations Sr specialist
15
Answers
Arlington, Texas
Updated
J’s Answer
I typically look for online videos that are animated or better explain topics with graphics and more context
Latarshia Wooten
Learning Development Tools Analyst
3
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Latarshia’s Answer
Hi Domonique,
I am a visual learner as well. I would create my own infographics that breaks down the topic in a way that I could understand and find visual representations of what I was learning. Flow charts especially help me with learning concepts that center around processes. Another resource now could be using Gemini or ChatGPT to create a visual that will help you understand [topic], and then upload all of the content and materials you have so it can know what to focus on.
I am a visual learner as well. I would create my own infographics that breaks down the topic in a way that I could understand and find visual representations of what I was learning. Flow charts especially help me with learning concepts that center around processes. Another resource now could be using Gemini or ChatGPT to create a visual that will help you understand [topic], and then upload all of the content and materials you have so it can know what to focus on.