How Learning Style Impacts You

Welcome to “Understanding Your Learning Style”
Unlock Your Academic Potential by Discovering How You Learn Best

Have you ever wondered why some study methods work better for others than for you? That’s because we all process information differently—and understanding your learning style can be a game changer for how effectively you study and retain knowledge.

Let’s break it down: learning styles refer to the way we take in, understand, express, and remember information. While everyone has a bit of each learning style within them, most people have a dominant one that shapes their study preferences. There are four main types: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic. Here’s a quick guide to each:

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1. Visual Learners: Seeing is Believing

If you grasp information best when it’s presented visually, you’re a visual learner. Charts, diagrams, and symbols are your best friends. Try:

• Replacing words with symbols in your notes.
• Drawing mind maps to show relationships between ideas.
• Color-coding and spatially arranging your notes.

University lectures often lack visuals, so supplement with visual aids whenever possible.

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2. Auditory Learners: Learn by Listening

Do you remember what your professor said more than what was written? You’re likely an auditory learner. To make the most of your style:

• Read your notes aloud or explain them to someone else.
• Join or create study groups for discussion-based learning.
• Record lectures or yourself explaining key ideas.

Hearing the material reinforces your understanding and memory.

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3. Read/Write Learners: The Classic Scholars

If you love lists, note-taking, and textbooks, you probably thrive in traditional academic settings. You’ll benefit from:

• Rewriting and condensing notes in your own words.
• Creating glossaries of course terms.
• Using headings, bullet points, and definitions to organize your material.

This style aligns closely with how most courses are designed—take advantage of it!

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4. Kinaesthetic Learners: Hands-On, Minds-On

You learn by doing. Labs, simulations, and practice exams are where you shine. To make studying more effective:

• Use real-life examples and personal connections to explain concepts.
• Engage multiple senses—walk while reviewing, use flashcards, build models.
• Practice problems and apply theory to practical situations.

Learning through action helps your brain lock in the material.

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Your Style Might Change—and That’s OK!

Learning styles can evolve as you grow academically. It’s helpful to revisit the VARK annually to make sure your study techniques still fit your needs. You may even discover that you’re a multimodal learner, someone who benefits from two or more styles equally.

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Don’t Limit Yourself

Even if you identify with one dominant style, you can borrow techniques from the others. In fact, combining strategies often leads to deeper understanding and better retention.

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It Takes Time to Build New Habits

Adjusting your study methods doesn’t happen overnight. It can feel awkward or time-consuming at first, but with consistency, it becomes second nature. The key is to keep practicing—and don’t give up!

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Understanding how you learn is one of the most empowering steps you can take as a student. So take the time, explore your preferences, and study smarter—not harder.

 

Source: Wilfred Laurier University

RN Wages

A recent survey conducted by Incredible Health found that registered nurses (RNs) in Oregon earn an average annual salary of $98,630, or approximately $47.42 per hour. This statewide wage survey aimed to investigate differences in RN compensation across various work settings and geographic regions. By analyzing wage disparities, the study seeks to reveal the underlying pay structures influencing nurse retention and to challenge prevailing assumptions about salary differences among nurses. Gathering responses from a diverse range of nurses across the state, the survey provides a comprehensive look at the financial pressures these critical healthcare professionals face. The goal was not only to present the current state of RN wages but also to support policymakers, healthcare leaders, and employers in addressing key workforce stability and wage equity challenges. This report serves as a foundational tool for promoting informed decisions that enhance the well-being of nurses and strengthen Oregon’s healthcare system.

 

Source: Incredible Health

TEAS Exam Time!

The TEAS exam is a vital part of the admissions process and an important step toward your future in nursing. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a selection of valuable resources, including study guides and practice tests. These tools cover the core areas of the exam—Science, Math, Reading, and English—giving you the confidence you need to succeed. We’re cheering you on as you take this exciting next step! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly admissions team.

 

Here are some study resources!

This week’s Information Sessions

Head over to one of our campuses for a great info session this week! In these sessions, you’ll learn about the application process, including how to schedule the TEAS exam, the required documents for submission, the program curriculum, financial aid opportunities, and the support available to help graduates find employment in the nursing field. After the session, attendees can join a campus tour and have the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from various departments. See you then!

Changing the Nursing Narrative

The American Nurses Enterprise (ANE- associated with American Nurses Association) has launched a bold new initiative aimed at redefining how society understands and measures the economic value of nursing. The campaign emphasizes the need to shift away from outdated cost-based perceptions and instead recognize nurses as critical contributors to health outcomes, care quality, and healthcare system efficiency.

Key points include:

• Advocating for data-driven research and policy change to demonstrate the measurable value nurses bring to patient care and system sustainability.

• Encouraging nurse leaders to actively participate in decision-making at institutional and policy levels.

• Calling for a collaborative effort among healthcare organizations, educators, and policymakers to elevate the visibility and financial impact of the nursing profession.

This initiative is part of ANA’s ongoing commitment to advancing the nursing profession, improving healthcare delivery, and ensuring nurses receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

Source: ANA

Information Q&A

🌟 Discover Your Calling in Healthcare – Join Our BSN Info Session! 🌟
Sumner Nursing College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing
📅 Classes Begin: May 12

Are you ready to start a meaningful, high-demand career where you make a real difference every single day? The path to becoming a Registered Nurse starts here — at Sumner College, where compassion meets excellence.

Join us for an exclusive Information Session to learn everything you need to know about earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — one of the most trusted and impactful degrees in the healthcare field.

Why Attend?
✅ Learn about our hands-on, student-focused BSN curriculum
✅ Meet our expert faculty and dedicated support team
✅ Get clear guidance on admissions, financial aid, and scholarships
✅ Discover how we help our graduates succeed — from classroom to clinicals to career
✅ Get your questions answered live!

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or ready to change careers, this session is your first step toward becoming a nurse.

Dream It. Do It.
RSVP now and take your first step toward a rewarding future in nursing.

👉RSVP

Information Sessions

Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare? At Sumner College, we are committed to providing you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to excel in the dynamic field of nursing. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, our comprehensive programs are designed to help you succeed.

Join us for an informative session where you’ll have the opportunity to:

– Explore our programs: Learn about our accredited nursing degrees and specializations.
– Meet our expert faculty: Get to know the experienced professionals who will guide you through your studies.
– Tour our facilities: See firsthand the state-of-the-art resources and technology that will support your education.
– Ask questions: Speak with admissions counselors to understand the application process, financial aid options, and more.

At Sumner Nursing College, we believe in empowering our students with the tools to make a real difference in healthcare. Don’t miss out on this chance to discover how our nursing programs can help you reach your goals. Secure your spot at our upcoming information session today!

We look forward to meeting you and helping you take the next step toward a fulfilling nursing career!

Bend, in May!

Take a sneak peek into one of our brand new classrooms at our Bend campus, on campus information sessions are held once a week, register today! Enroll for our May 12th cohort!

Sumner College Student of The Month | February 2025

Congratulations Josephiene for being the February 2025 Student of the Month at Sumner!

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Meet Josephiene, a dedicated nursing student whose passions for caring for others and promoting good health led her to pursue a career in nursing. She first heard about Sumner College through a friend’s recommendation and knew it was the right fit for her educational journey.

Balancing the rigorous demands of nursing school, Josephiene relies on careful scheduling to manage her work, school, and personal life. She believes that structure and time management are key to staying on track.

Looking ahead, Josephiene plans to further her education by earning her BSN, continuing to expand her knowledge and skills in the nursing field.

For first-term students, she advises experimenting with different study techniques early on. By the third week, she recommends settling on a method that works best, identifying weaker subjects, and focusing extra effort on them. She also emphasizes the importance of timely assignment completion and consistent class attendance.

In her free time, Josephiene finds solace in music, calling it her greatest therapy. Whether unwinding from a busy day or seeking inspiration, music plays an essential role in her life.

TEAS Exam Time!

Nursing in Oregon

International Women’s Day

Thank you to all of the women in our lives, including the majority of our nursing occupations!