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What is a Learning Style? A learning style is how you receive information most efficiently (and naturally)
| AUDITORY | | VISUAL | | KINESTHETIC |
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 blackboards, overhead 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 to learning. 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 subjects since they involve a process-oriented presentation of information. | | | | GLOBAL
(Right Brain-Dominant) | 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. |
THINK ABOUT IT
Scenario
| | Thinking Style | | | | |
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 just 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 their job 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, Inc. 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 new learning situation at work, home or school. After all, if you're not comfortable with a particular learning method, you will not continue to use it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 888-514-5904. |
