“Self Awareness Equals Power”.

I never used to fully understand this statement before I embarked on my journey to improve my life and outlook. I have always loved learning new things and with so many people sharing their talents and gifts on social media for us all to learn from, I wandered. Do you know your learning style? I ask because until I was asked I had never really thought about it. If you know it already clap for yourself! If you don’t, keep on reading, you gon’ learn today!

There is actually a wide range of learning styles to suit all types of people. The traditional school setting generally uses linguistic or logical learning styles, but as we all know these are not always the most effective for some learners.

I used to wonder why in some classes I would excel, while others I would struggle through. But when I thought about it, it really depended on the teacher and the style in which they taught. So the lessons with the dry teachers (they know themselves) were so difficult to grasp what they were teaching. In contrast teachers who made an effort to excite our minds and stimulate us with varied teaching styles were most effective.

So it’s only logical that when you are finding it difficult to learn something new, it is likely you just need to be taught in a different way.

Some people learn through practical movements and hands on activities, whereas others need visual imagery to fully learn a new concept. While part of the responsibility is with the teacher to try and teach in a learning style that can be understood by many. The main responsibility lies with YOU! You are the master of your knowledge and growth, so it is important for you to identify your learning style to put yourself ahead. It will change your life- literally, especially with all this new content out now.

I have always been a fan of learning more about how my brain works, so it is comforting to know there is so much research out there to support this information. The idea of individual learning styles started in the 1970’s and has since massively influenced our education systems. I particularly love Neil Fleming’s VARK model, which is one of the most commonly used frameworks. Fleming’s learning styles are categorised into visual, auditory, reading-writing and kinaesthetic.

To build on Fleming’s model, let’s explore Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory – the seven learning styles…

1. Visual

Do You Need to Doodle or Draw?

Are you constantly drawing or doodling? Well if you find it easier to learn something new if it is in a diagram or image then you are likely a visual learner. Mind maps or vision maps use visual symbols and connections as way of making sense of concepts thoughts , ideas and how they all link together. Using colour coding also add flavour to this style of learning. See below for an example of a mind map:

 

Images allow visual learners to represent information with images as it allows the brain focus its energy on meaning, reorganisation and grouping similar ideas together. Visual learners also use their visual memory to learn and retain information.

Visual learners would benefit from having a pen, paper, and some coloured highlighters to the ready when you are learning. Draw away fine artist, and let your brain do the rest x

2. Aural (Auditory-Musical)

Does the thought of reading send you into meltdown?

Do you need someone to explain something out loud to you before you understand it? If your answer is YES then you are an auditory learner. Auditory learners need to hear information before they can understand it fully, as opposed to reading a book. If this is you, you may find group discussions are a great way of learning new ideas.

Auditory learners also have the special gift of noticing audible signals like changes in tone or pitch. Don’t get caught trying to throw subtle shade at an auditory led brain, they will pick up on your shady tone and if skilled in the art of checking-yo-ass will deal with you. You have been warned.

Auditory learner’s super power is in recognising these tone changes. For example if an auditory learner is memorising a new phone number, they will say it out loud first and remember how it sounded to recall it.

Auditory learners would probably fair easier with Podcasts and audio books if online. Having music on in the background is also beneficial for some auditory learners. The music of choice I feel is unique to each person, so find what works for you. Whale music is not for us all, personally I’m a 90’s slow jams kinda gal, but let’s not digress. You are an expert of yourself, so do you boo!

3.Verbal (Linguistic)

Are you an undercover author and just love writing essays for everything?

Well, people who generally find it easier to express themselves by writing it down or speaking it out are classed as verbal learners. Verbal learners literally love to read and write everything. So journal/diary writers, note keepers, book worms, speech givers come and take your seat right here- you have arrived.

Verbal learners love to play on the meaning or sound of words such as rhymes, tongue twisters or just appreciate the musical flow to fancy words. Verbal learners are likely walking and talking dictionaries and will pick out all the grammar mistakes in the comment sections. These walking and talking brain boxes love love love learning definitions of many words and regularly make an effort to learn more meanings of new words.

Verbal learners should invest in a high quality pen and note pad when learning because you will use it more than anyone. When learning, verbal learners can use scripting, role playing, mnemonics or anything else that involves both speaking and writing.

4. Physical (Kinaesthetic)

Do you love just getting stuck in without the long explanation first?

If you love to get hands-on when learning then you are a kinaesthetic learner. These types of learners need to carry out the physical activity rather than just listening to a lecture or watching a demonstration (e.g. a YouTube video).

If you label yourself a do-er or find that when you’re learning you just want to get on with it by getting your hands involved, carry a chair and join us here. You are a rare breed as research shows that kinaesthetic learners make up only 5% of the population.

Don’t waste your money or time on webinars and tutorials if you do not have the tools ready to get stuck into what they are teaching as you go along. For example, if you are going to watch a tutorial on how to wash your hands correctly. You should be ready at the sink, with the handwash and towel, while the tutorial is playing so you can physically practice alongside the video.

Stick to the small group hands-on masterclasses and 1-1 tutorials where you can have the space and time to get busy with them hands.

5. Logical (Mathematical)

Are you great with numbers?

We all have that one friend who loves calculating the receipts at the restaurant to work out how to split 67.92 into 4 minus the service charge. Welcome tax collectors, we welcome you. When your brain relies on logical and mathematical reasoning you’re classed as a logical learner. The special thing about logical learners is their ability to recognise patterns and their super human power to connect seemingly meaningless concepts easily. Logical learners love classifying and grouping information as it helps them understand it easier.

If you are that person who excels in numbers and finds yourself doing complex calculations such as basic trigonometry for bants off the top of your head, just park your leg here. This is your learning style.

Creating your own graphs, charts, outlines and maps is a fantastic way to personalise new information, cementing it further into your memory. Lists are another good tool for logical learners Hands-on activities appeal to your logical side. For example, building structures can help you to make connections and see logical patterns in how something works. These don’t have to be actual models. They can be symbols such as using pebbles for math problems.

Logical learners should stay away from stalking and FBI-ing your man’s phone. You will find what you don’t want to see. If he is that much worry, let him go and get yourself a job with google- they love a good analyst. Logical learners I salute you!

6.Social (Interpersonal)

Do you love being around people when learning?

If you learn best when in a group or around people you are social or interpersonal learner. You love communicating with people. This can be verbal, for example, sharing ideas out loud and brainstorming concepts together in discussions. Or non-verbally (making eye contact, sitting next to others, etc.)

If this is your learning style, link up with like minded ones and get together when learning new ideas/concepts. This just the perfect excuse to build your brains and once done, sip cocktails and spill tea.

You may also find that people often come to you ask for advice or for you to listen to their issues. This is because this type of learner is known for being a good listener, empathising with others and being sensitive to others feelings/mood. Although this is honourable, when learning, it would beneficial to keep this to minimum as it can become a distraction. The tea can be spilt after the learning is done. *sip sip*

7. Solitary (Intrapersonal)

Do you prefer being alone when learning?

If it’s time to learn you carry your laptop/phone or books into the deepest secret cave to get away from other humans or distractions, you are a Solitary learner. These type of learners are very private, independent and introspective. You literally cannot cope if your hear someone even breathing in the same room as you when you are trying to learn something. Your concentration is at its very best when you focus on your thoughts without any distractions.

Content creators, authors and researchers often have strong solitary learning styles. This type of learner is already ahead in life as there is evidence to suggest that many top performers have good solitary techniques.

Learning introspectively works well with some of the more dominant learning style discussed above. Be careful of always self-isolating though as it can start to play tricks on your mind mental health wise. Schedule in regular breaks and interaction with others – a video chat with a friend will do. Stay strong in that private learning booth and don’t forget to stay hydrated

So What Now?

Just as a closing remark, remember we are not robots! You may fit into more than category and that is absolutely fine. In fact you are doing much better than you may believe as it’s encouraged to try and incorporate more than one learning style into your skill set. So if you have mastered more than one, then hats off to you! If you have not, just pick up the tips given and mark today as the beginning of the new you! Yes, the self-aware powerful you! We will all make it together- see you at the top boss!

Comment, Share and Stay Fabulous x