Flashcards, mind maps or auditory notes: What works best for you?

Ever sat down to study and thought, "I don’t know where to start?"

You’ve got highlighters, notebooks, index cards, and probably a study app or two, but no real idea of which method to use, or whether any of it actually works.

The truth is, the best study strategy depends on how you learn, and what you’re learning. Flashcards, mind maps and auditory notes are the most popular and effective tools. But each works in a slightly different way.

Let’s figure out which one works best for you.

🧠The Shift: From guessing to choosing with purpose

When you stop randomly switching between study tools and start picking strategies that suit you, everything starts to feel easier. Your notes make sense. Revision is quicker. Your brain feels more organised. And you stop wasting time doing things that don’t help. 

🗃️ Flashcards: Great for memory and recall

Flashcards are perfect for remembering key terms, definitions, formulas, or dates. They’re fast, focused, and great for self-testing.

Best for:

• Vocab, formulas and definitions
• Repetition-based recall
• Studying on the go
• Testing yourself (or having someone quiz you)
• Breaking things into bite-sized pieces

Tip: Use question-and-answer style cards. One topic per card. Review regularly, not all at once.

🎨 Mind maps: Great for seeing the big picture

Mind maps help you visualise how ideas connect. They’re especially useful when you're working through complex topics, planning essays or revising processes.

Best for:

• Understanding big topics
• Essay and assignment planning
• Linking related ideas
• History timelines or science processes
• Visual learners

Tip: Start with your main idea in the centre, then branch out. Use colour, arrows, drawings or diagrams to make the ideas stand out. It doesn’t have to be pretty; it just has to make sense to you.

🎧 Auditory notes: Great for learning through sound and speech

Auditory notes are your best friend if you remember things better by hearing them or talking them through. You can record yourself reading or explaining your notes, and listen while walking, commuting or resting. You can even talk out loud as you study; it’s all part of engaging your memory through sound.

Best for:

• Auditory learners
• Practising for oral tasks or speeches
• Repetition-based memory
• Explaining content aloud
• Studying while moving or multitasking

Tip: Record yourself speaking clearly in short bursts. You can even talk through your flashcards or explain your mind map aloud. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to help you remember.

❓ So... which one should you use?

Here’s a simple guide:

If you're...	Flashcards	Mind Maps	Auditory Notes
Learning definitions, formulas or quick facts	✔️	❌	✔️
Preparing for an essay or assignment	❌	✔️	✔️
Studying while travelling or walking	✔️	❌	✔️
Trying to understand how ideas connect	❌	✔️	✔️
Better at hearing or speaking	❌	❌	✔️
Needing fast, repeated recall	✔️	❌	✔️

 

🤩 What about your learning style?

Knowing your learning style can help you decide which tools to start with.

• 🎨 Visual learners often love mind maps, colour coding and diagrams.
• 🎧 Auditory learners benefit from talking out loud or listening to recordings.
• 🤸 Kinaesthetic learners can benefit from rewriting flashcards, drawing mind maps or walking while studying.

But remember, most people are a mix. Try all three and see what sticks.

Want to find out your learning style?

📌 Try out the Learning Style Quiz ➡️

This will help students understand their style and suggest which tools (and study strategies) to try based on their results.

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Want more support to improve your study habits and strategies? 

Get deeper on how to study smarter with the upcoming eBook and Online Course!

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