A clearer understanding

How do you learn a new skill? Do you read a book on the topic? Pull out your phone and google it? Maybe watch a YouTube video? Ask someone to demonstrate and then emulate? Or do you jump in head first and figure it out along the way?

There are many ways to learn and develop new skills. What you should be aware of is which methods are most effective for you. While we gain information from each of the methods listed below, it is best to know our own individual preferences to get the most out of every opportunity. Common learning styles include:

Visual learning
People with a preference for the visual style of learning absorb information best when they can see it. They like when information is presented in text, diagrams and pictures, and tend to write things down to assist retaining new found information. Approximately 65% of the population have a dominant preference for visual learning.

Auditory learning
People with a preference for the auditory style of learning absorb information best when they hear it. They likely prefer listening to an audio book rather than reading the hard copy and may read aloud when text is required. Almost 30% of the population have a dominant preference for auditory learning.

Kinesthetic learning
People with a preference for the kinesthetic style of learning absorb information best when they can touch and feel it. While common in infant learning, the kinesthetic way of practicing is used the least of the three styles as we mature. Only 5% of the population are predominantly kinesthetic learners.

While we may have a preferred learning style, there is no reason why we cannot attain information via all methods mentioned. At times we may not be able to use our preferred method so adapting with what is available may be the only option. Having said that, you want to be most effective with your use of time so practice with the methods that work best for you.

My preferred method of learning is auditory. With the invention of audiobooks, podcasts and other auditory learning facilitators, learning in this manner is easier than ever. In childhood, my preference was visual but that changed in my adolescent years when I developed a condition called keratoconus which led to legal blindness in both eyes for almost seven years. I eventually had surgery and underwent corneal transplants which restored my vision though my learning preference had changed and now remains auditory.

When delivering information to others, utilise what is available to cater for learners of different styles. When I facilitate training, I use diagrams and text while speaking and encourage attendees to practice during and after the session. That way each attendee has the best chance of absorbing some of the presented information. Jokes and a good sense of humour to minimise stress and anxiety in the room help too.

I recently discovered that my second youngest, Nathaniel, has a preference for kinesthetic learning. We had been constantly practicing letters and numbers with very little progression. He is number four of five (soon to be six) but my usual teaching methods weren’t working. At the time I thought he may have had a learning impairment. Thankfully, I tried something different which worked brilliantly.

The residential Minister for Education had recently purchased some foam numbers and letters for our youngest to play with in the bathtub. I saw how Kora, our youngest, engaged with the foam pieces and setup a plan for Nathaniel.

Instead of having him read letters off a chart or write them down as we usually did, I arranged the foam numbers and letters on the dining table and went through each with him. We identified the letters and the phonetic sound each made as we do when looking at charts and reading books. This lesson differed as I then had him pick up and arrange letters into basic words. It was amazing watching him pick up a piece, say it’s name and phonetic sound, and workout if it was relevant to the word he was creating. The fault was never in his ability to learn but in my method of delivery. Now that I better understand his learning needs, he is developing faster than ever and more importantly enjoying the process too.

Have a think about what may be holding you back and change it.

PDR