Brits fall into six completely different studying sorts, analysis finds
Brits tend to fall into one of six learning personalities – from the scribbler to the planner.
More than a quarter of people reckon they learn best as a ‘Note Taker’(Image: Getty)
Research of 2,000 adults found 26% reckon they learn best as a ‘Note Taker’ who writes everything down to learn new information, despite 14% admitting they have written down more information than they actually need. Even if not fitting into this exact personality type, 45% admitted they are avid note-takers, while four in 10 said they love to use their highlighter pens on anything and everything when reading or learning.
The research was commissioned by Samsung to celebrate Gemini Notebook on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which can work with users’ own notes and documents to create resources such as decks or videos, ask follow-up questions, simplify topics and create quizzes or podcasts.
Four in 10 said they love to use highlighters when reading or studying(Image: Getty)
Just under a quarter (23%) identify as ‘The Visualiser’, needing diagrams, examples, and demonstrations before they fully understand new information.
Three quarters (75%) of all learning types also agreed seeing something visually is important before they’re able to fully understand it, with 17% believing it is essential.
A further 7% are ‘Last-Minute Learners’ who believe they learn best under time pressure.
Whereas 15% fall into the category of ‘Sense-Maker’, never quite satisfied with the first explanation and needing to resort to other material such as YouTube videos, alternative text or real-world examples for things to finally make sense.
Finally, the rarest type, the ‘Quizzer’ comprises just 6% of the population who enjoy testing themselves or being quizzed on what they’ve learned.
The ‘Sense-Maker’ is never quite satisfied with one explanation(Image: Getty)
Less than half (47%) have changed their preferences as they got older, suggesting the way people learn isn’t necessarily set in stone for life.
Meanwhile, 28% still use the same learning techniques they relied on at school, showing that some learning habits are harder to shake.
Six in 10 (62%) pick up something new at least once a week, showing that learning doesn’t stop when leaving the classroom, it’s something done throughout everyday life.
From picking up a new skill or hobby to figuring out a tricky task at work, nearly a quarter (24%) have found they have had to teach themselves how to use new technology in the past year. Eight in 10 agreed they enjoy learning simply because they’re curious about something.
Many (85%) are prepared to experiment when it comes to making new information stick, using different methods depending on what they’re trying to learn, while 38% admitted they’re still unsure what actually what works best for them.
Most people would use an AI tool depending on what they were struggling with(Image: Getty)
Learners’ determination is hard to shake, as even when something doesn’t make sense first time, 37% will search for another explanation. This could be looking for a simpler answer (29%), watching a video (39%), asking someone to explain it differently (33%), or testing themselves until it finally sticks (14%).
These learning habits don’t necessarily stop at traditional methods, as 58% say they would use an AI tool that adapted explanations depending on what they were struggling with.
One in 10 (10%) would also find it useful to turn their own documents or notes into quiz questions.
Annika Bizon from Samsung said: “Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school or university. We’re constantly picking up new skills, solving problems and satisfying our curiosity, and our research shows there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
“Whether you need to write everything down, see something visually or hear an explanation three different ways before it clicks, technology can help make learning more personal.”
