Learning methods

Everyone learns differently - and that is precisely what is crucial when studying. While some people remember content best when they see it, others need to talk or even move in order to really immerse themselves in the subject. Here you can get an overview of different methods and see which ones suit you perfectly - and thus learn much more efficiently.

Table of contents

    1. Learning methods
      1. Overview of different learning methods
      2. Helpful tips
Photos of four people sitting on benches on the TU Dresden campus listening to something or looking at their laptops or mobile phones. © Anne Jantos

Learning methods

Learning methods are different ways of absorbing and understanding knowledge. A distinction is often made between superficial and deep learning. With superficial learning , information is usually only memorized. With deep learning, you engage more intensively with the subject matter, understand connections and link new information with existing knowledge. The aim is not only to memorize content, but also to be able to understand and apply it in the long term.

Various learning methods are available to promote deep and sustainable learning. These differ in their approach and can be used differently depending on the learning objective and learning content.

Overview of different learning methods

Visual learning methods

These methods help you to have content clearly in front of your eyes and to memorize it better.

  • Diagrams and infographics (e.g. timeline of the French Revolution)

  • Educational videos / animations (e.g. YouTube formats such as Kurzgesagt or simpleclub)

  • Color codes and markers (mark important passages in the text with colors)

  • Concept maps (graphically represent connections - similar to mind maps, but more interconnected)

Auditory learning methods

These methods help you to absorb content by listening, telling and discussing .

  • Audio books / podcasts (listen to history or specialist topics as a podcast)

  • Reading aloud / explaining (speaking content aloud or explaining it to someone else)

  • Audio notes (record recordings of your own summaries and listen to them while walking, for example)

  • Discussion groups (talk through content with fellow students or friends)

Motor learning methods

These methods will help you if learning means doing instead of just listening. Whether it's role-playing games, experiments or making models - if you get actively involved, the material will stick.

Helpful learning methods:

  • Learning through movement (e.g. solving math problems with building blocks)

  • Experiments / practical activities (e.g. carrying out chemical reactions yourself)

  • Learning through movement (e.g. repeating material on a walk or using flashcards)

  • Making models (e.g. creating molecule models or architecture projects)

Communicative learning methods

Discussions, group work or partner exercises will get you the furthest. If you talk to others, ask questions and go through topics together, you will remember content more easily - and also benefit from the perspective of your fellow students.

  • Group work / peer learning (discussing topics in small groups)

  • Role plays / simulations (e.g. re-enacting a court hearing or interview situation)

  • Learning tandems (regularly go through topics in pairs and quiz each other)

  • Discussion forums / online groups (exchange in study-related chats or forums, e.g. on Opal)

Cognitive learning methods

These methods help you to process and store information in a targeted manner in your head.

  • Repetition (e.g. reciting or writing vocabulary out loud several times)

  • Elaboration / linking with previous knowledge (explaining new information in your own words)

  • Chunking / forming units (e.g. memorizing telephone numbers in groups of three or four)

  • Index card system (e.g. with paper or apps such as Anki)

Active learning methods

Here you become active yourself and check whether you have really understood the material.

  • Learning by teaching (LdL) (explain a topic as if you were teaching it yourself)

  • Self-test / retrieval practice (e.g. using flashcards with questions on the front or having an AI ask you questions)

  • Mind mapping (visually structure and connect topics)

  • Develop practice questions (formulate and answer your own exam questions)

Metacognitive learning methods

These methods will help you to plan and reflect on your learning.

  • Learning planning / learning journal: (write down daily goals and reflect on learning progress)

  • Error analysis: (e.g. going through old exams, marking and understanding errors)

  • Checklists (tick off which topics you have already mastered)

  • Pomodoro technique (learning in 25-minute units with short breaks)

Important: It is worth trying out several methods and finding the right combination for you. After all, there is no one right way!

Helpful tips

  • Organize your learning: What do you want to learn, when and how? A study plan or to-do lists can help you here.
  • Don't overburden yourself: It's okay if you don't get much done in a day and need a break! It's best to plan subtasks that consist of small, easy-to-learn steps.
  • Avoid time pressure: Stress means less gets stuck! It's better to plan an extra 1-2 days so that you can repeat the material you've learned and consolidate your knowledge.

About this page

Gina Loreen Nattke
Last modified: Jun 08, 2026