What is a Learning
Style?
A learning style
is how you receive information most efficiently
(and naturally).
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AUDITORY |
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VISUAL |
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KINESTHETIC |
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Auditory learners receive information
best by listening; they tend to learn
best through lectures & audio-based
instruction.
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Visual learners tend to learn better
when a variety of visual aids, such
as whiteboards, projectors
and films are used during instruction.
They often use imagery to learn complex
subjects.
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Kinesthetic learners
(also known
as "Tactile Learners")
prefer
to learn by doing. They usually learn
best when they are allowed to use their
hands and sense of touch to learn new
information and apply new skills.
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What is a Thinking
Style?
A thinking style
is how you process information most efficiently
(and naturally).
LINEAR
(Left Brain-Dominant) |
Linear thinkers prefer a very structured
approach when learning and processing information. If a learning
process involves progression (Step A,
Step B, Step C, etc.) linear thinkers
will feel more comfortable starting
Step B only after Step A has
been completed.
Mathematics and accounting are considered linear-oriented subjects.
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GLOBAL
(Right Brain-Dominant)
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Global thinkers
(or "strategic thinkers")
are more comfortable with new information
if they can put it into context with
the big picture. They also tend to be
impatient with linear subjects and linear-oriented
instruction - they prefer access to
all the information (early on) so they
can relate it to their overall goals.
Philosophy and English Literature are considered global-oriented subjects.
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THINK ABOUT IT
Scenario
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Thinking Style |
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Planning a "Road Trip"
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Linear Thinkers will plan out
every detail of the trip
(i.e.
location of gas stations, roads to travel,
items to bring, etc.).
Global Thinkers will get
in the car and drive.
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Assembling Furniture,
Toys or Electronics
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Linear Thinkers will lay out
all the parts (neatly), and read the
instructions
carefully before starting the assembly.
Global Thinkers will look at
a picture of the assembled product,
and then try to
put it together like a jigsaw puzzle
(i.e.
"this piece looks like it fits here,
this piece goes over here...").
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Of course, it would be nearly impossible for
a person to possess only one learning style - or be strictly a linear or a global thinker
- and still be able to function adequately in
our complex world. Most of us tend to incorporate
a variety of styles to complete a task.
For example, when determining how much to tip
a waiter or waitress, you must use linear skills
(to calculate the percentage for the tip),
and global skills (to judge the quality
of service and amount of money needed for additional
purchases that day).
STILL THINKING…
What sport do you like? What part of the game
was the easiest for you to learn? As you think
about it, you'll begin to recognize that you
incorporate your own personal thinking style
into the application of your favorite sport.
A golfer with a linear preference, for
example, will likely have a set routine before
each swing (and focus intently on the mechanics
of the game). A golfer with a global
preference may tend to be more of a "feel"
player (and pay less attention to the numerous
details of the golf swing). Of course,
it doesn't have to be a sport; it can also be
a hobby. Think of your personal thinking style
as your personal aptitude, something that comes
relatively natural to you.
But what about those boring and tedious tasks
that you tend to avoid? The first step is to
examine how you usually complete these tasks.
You might be using a technique that someone
else taught you - a technique that worked for
your instructor, but may not match your particular
way of thinking. If so, consider what you ultimately
want to achieve (when completing a particular
task), then re-invent the process using your
own learning and thinking style. At first, it
may seem a bit awkward because we are all accustomed
to following instructions from others, but if
you make small changes in the process as you
go, the transition to your own style will feel
more natural. Equally important, as you apply
your own way of thinking to each task, the process
becomes less of a chore, and even a personal
challenge on how to do it better each time.
MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF
Despite the known benefits of using your personal
learning and thinking style, adults often neglect
using their strongest style in formal learning
situations. In fact, many adults still follow
the standardized way of learning they were taught
in elementary school. But don't blame the school
system entirely, it was designed to educate
as many children as possible, as quickly as
possible, and as inexpensively as possible -
a very difficult assignment, to say the least.
But our goals as adults have changed dramatically;
generic learning is no longer feasible in today's
fast-paced world. How quickly you learn and
process information will determine how valuable
you are to your employer, and how successful
you will be in managing your time and personal
resources well into the future.
WHERE WE COME IN
At Target Learning we can show you how
to master the Information Age (using the computer
in your head, not the one on your desk). We
will not put you to sleep with rigid models or formulas that must be
followed without deviation. Life is full of deviations; therefore, we will show
you strategies that allow you to adapt your personal style to any type of situation at work, home or school.
After all, if you're not comfortable with a
particular method, you won't use it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (800) 692-1727
or at
info@targetlearning.net
