1/27 Learning with Neurodiversity

Traditional study advice assumes everyone learns the same way — read, highlight, memorize, repeat. But for many neurodivergent students, that system just doesn’t click.

Join the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) for an interactive session on multimodal learning — figuring out how your brain absorbs and remembers information best. Whether you’re a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner (or some unique combo of all three), we’ll help you discover study techniques that work best for your brain.

We’ll cover:

• How visual, auditory, and kinesthetic processing actually work in the brain

• Tools for each learning style (mind maps, verbal recall, movement-based memorization, etc.)

• How to mix and match modes to improve memory and reduce fatigue

• Why “study methods that don’t feel like studying” often work best for neurodivergent brains

• Real examples of multimodal note-taking and studying from DNA members

Some Suggested Readings:

• CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines version 2.2. CAST. https://udlguidelines.cast.org 

• Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266 

• Brown, P. C., Roediger III, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick: The science of successful learning. The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.

• Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105–119. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01038.x