Do you know what your learning style is? Do you utilize it to your best advantage to learn and retain information?
Knowing your best learning style is the most effective and efficient way of improving your quality of learning. By understanding your own personal style, you can effectively adapt the learning process and the techniques by which you learn.
Most of us know that we have a preferred way of learning. Some of us seem to retain information more easily by listening, while others have a need to “see” the information being presented. Everyone has a mix of different styles. Some people find that they have a clearly dominant style of learning, while others may find that they use different styles of different experiences. There is no one right way or another. The key is being able to identify which style you prefer given a learning situation. You can enhance lesser abilities as well as further develop your more stronger learning styles.
Knowing your style will help you in the speed and quality of your learning. Below is a brief overview of the different learning styles:
Visual learners– You prefer pictures, images and spatial understanding. You love a good white board in lots of colored markers! You love doodling, drawing and scribbling. You are often doodling while on the phone or in learning situations. You are generally good with directions and can easily visualize outcomes. Activities that make the most of the visual style are: photography, video, design, etc.
Auditory Learners– You like to work with sounds and music. You may often enjoy listening to audios in your car and are good with rhythm. You may enjoy singing or playing an instrument. You may find that music evokes strong emotions in you. Activities may include: playing and creating music.
Verbal (linguistic)– You prefer using words, both in speech and writing. You find it very easy to express yourself both verbally and in writing. You are a bookworm and enjoy poems, tongue twisters, etc. Activities that make the most of this style are: public speaking, writing, journalism, and politics.
Physical (kinesthetic)– You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch in your learning. It’s probable that you enjoy exercise and other physical activities. You are a “hands-on” type of person. When learning a new skill you would like to have your hands involved as much as possible. Pursuits include: construction, sports and athletics, drama and dancing.
Logical– You enjoy logic, reasoning and systems. You are good with patterns and using a scientific approach based on numbers and facts suits you best. You like creating lists and systems in place. If you have a strong logical style you may pursue activities in math or science, accounting, and computers.
Social (interpersonal)– You like learning in groups or with other people. You enjoy communicating with others, you may have people coming to you for advice, and you sensitive to others feelings, thoughts, moods and motivations. You enjoy brainstorming and bouncing ideas off of others and seek input on your ideas. People with this learning style may enjoy teaching, counseling, sales, human resources, etc.
Solitary (intrapersonal)– You prefer to work alone and are comfortable with being by yourself. You are generally a more private, introspective person. You enjoy going away by yourself and solitary pursuits such as reading and you may enjoy journaling or keep a diary. You like to plan and have goals in place. Pursuits may include: writing, research, and art.
Your learning style has more impact on you than you may realize. Not only do they guide they way you learn, but they also offer insight into how you interact with others, how you process experiences, they way you use and recall information; even the words you choose.
As I mentioned earlier, generally we use a mix of styles, being able to use this effectively is known as “multi-sensory” learning. So for example: if you attend a conference and you are listening to a speaker, talking to the person next to you, taking notes, doodling, fidgeting, tapping a pencil (combining auditory, social, visual and physical styles).
That’s all for today’s lesson~
Danielle
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