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Study Skills for Neurodivergent Students

Linguistic Intelligence

 

Strengths: Good use of language, excel in expressing complex ideas, enjoy analysing written and spoken word.

Study: Engage in debates, read diverse texts, write regularly in various formats, explore foreign languages.

Tools: Make use of online dictionaries, use language learning apps, employ grammar checkers, listen to audiobooks for comprehension, embrace dictation software.

Careers: Writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, translator.

Study Skills for Linguistic Intelligence

  • Master the vocabulary: Create flashcards, build word webs, and use mnemonic devices to solidify key terms and definitions.

  • Summarise with style: Rewrite notes in your own words, create outlines, and record yourself summarising concepts verbally.

  • Practice makes perfect: Engage in past paper analysis, answer practice questions aloud, and explain solutions to others.
  • Wordsmith your organisation: Categorise notes by topic, use clear headings and subheadings, and colour-code for visual distinction.

  • Outline and conquer: Create detailed outlines for each subject, summarise key points in your own words, and link back to relevant sections in your notes.

  • Master the digital world: Utilise note-taking apps with organisational features, explore mind mapping software, and leverage digital calendars for deadlines and reminders.
  • Read aloud and summarise: Read key information aloud to actively engage your mind, summarise concepts in your own words to solidify understanding.

  • Talk it out: Explain concepts to yourself or a study partner verbally, engage in discussions about the material, and use self-testing techniques like saying answers out loud.

  • Use mnemonic devices: Create rhymes, acronyms, or stories to remember key information, engage your verbal memory for stronger recall.
  • Active note-taking: Paraphrase key points in your own words, summarise main ideas, and jot down questions while reading or listening.

  • Use mnemonic devices: Create acronyms, rhymes, or stories to remember important information.

  • Record lectures and key discussions: Review recordings later for deeper understanding and clarification.

  • Practice self-testing: Explain concepts to yourself verbally, use practice questions and flashcards to test your knowledge.
  • Structure your symphony: Develop a clear thesis statement, outline key arguments, and craft logical transitions between sections.

  • Embrace thesaurus magic: Expand your vocabulary, utilise precise language, and vary sentence structures for engaging prose.

  • Read to inspire: Immerse yourself in well-written essays, analyse their structure and style, and borrow techniques that resonate with you.

  • Practice makes perfect: Write regularly, seek feedback from peers or tutors, and refine your drafts with each iteration.
  • Keyword magic: Craft precise keywords and refine your search queries to find relevant and credible sources.

  • Summarise and synthesise: Condense key information from your sources, paraphrase effectively, and avoid plagiarism.

  • Master your referencing style: Learn the nuances of your chosen style (e.g., Harvard, APA), use online citation generators carefully, and ensure consistent formatting.

  • Annotate with eloquence: Take comprehensive notes, mark key quotes and arguments, and use clear language to capture information effectively.

Tools and Apps

Vocabulary Building:

  • Anki: Powerful flashcard app for spaced repetition memorisation.
  • Quizlet: Gamified learning platform for creating and sharing flashcards.
  • Etymology Online: Explore word origins and enrich understanding.

Writing & Composition:

  • Grammarly: Real-time feedback on grammar, style, and clarity.
  • Scrivener: Organise research, write drafts, and revise efficiently.
  • Hemingway Editor: Highlights overly complex sentences and suggests improvements for clear and concise writing.

Listening & Speaking:

  • Podcasts: Immerse yourself in diverse audio content and different accents.
  • Audible: Enjoy professionally narrated audiobooks.
  • TED Talks: Listen to engaging presentations and practice summarising key points.