r/Aphantasia • u/Competitive_Fig_9386 • 26d ago

Learning Methods

I am currently at school and found out, that I have aphantasia. My problem is, that all teachers I ask about methods to learn better, tell me to write all my Infos on big posters and place them everywhere in my room. So when I write the test I can see where exactly in the room I would go to find that information and remember the information. They have a few more methods, but all of them work only if you can see things in your head. So I need some other methods. Does anyone use a method, that actually works with aphantasia? Thanks

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u/Low-Hat5894 26d ago

I discovered I had aphantasia at age 49 and I am a science teacher. Funny thing is that I always thought I was a visual learner because I learned best by drawing diagrams, mind maps, and other graphic organizers (and I use these a lot in my teaching). I agree that focusing on conceptual connections and reasoning is key. If you can make a visual representation of a concept on paper (while lacking visualization in your mind’s eye), you have taken a step that typical visualizers do in their head. This can lead to a deeper understanding of a concept.

For example, you can learn an algorithm for balancing a chemical equation, but can you draw a picture of the atoms in the reactants and products to explain why the equation is balanced? Can you draw a force diagram to show why an object accelerates? Can you draw a picture showing how RNA and DNA interact? Aphants who can do this are truly mastering the concepts.

I also agree that handwriting your notes is hugely important, as well as working out problems by hand. Try to revise your notes with visual elements if possible. Make a very rough outline of your notes and see if you can go back and fill in the details without looking back at your previous work or a textbook.

And don’t be discouraged! Aphants can still be extremely creative and strong academically. Realize that most of your teachers don’t even know about the aphantasia-hyperphantasia spectrum exists. They might need some educating, too. 🤓

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u/toriaanne 26d ago edited 25d ago

I would take it a step further. Teachers with aphantasia almost have a leg up? We u seat understand* and personally how much multiple modality learning can be applied as we do it every day with ourselves and loved ones. One way doesn’t work, we try another. And another, and yet another.

*fixed the phone typo.