Ever wondered why some people seem to grasp new skills effortlessly while others struggle? The secret often lies in understanding and applying the right learning style.
The four primary learning styles we’ll be looking at are: kinesthetic, auditory, visual and verbal. Understanding your personal learning style can be a game-changer in your career development. Whether you're a visual learner, an auditory learner, a verbal learner or a kinesthetic learner, recognizing how you best absorb information can significantly enhance your ability to grasp new concepts and skills.
Identifying your dominant learning style can help you tailor your approach to professional development. So what type of learner are you? Here are four different learning styles, as well as the most effective professional training methods for each cognitive learning style.
Tactile, or kinesthetic, learners are “doers.” They can read or listen to information all day long, but for it to really sink in they prefer firsthand experience with practical applications. They take the term “hands-on” literally.
Ideal training: To fully understand what you’re doing, you need to see exactly how everything works in real time as you take part in the process. So your best bet is to dive into a new undertaking while an experienced manager or coworker supervises or assists. You won’t learn much when you watch someone navigate a database, so ask your trainer to instead give you instructions as you attempt to do it yourself. When it comes to studying for certifications, you’ll increase your chances of excelling by taking practice tests.
Auditory learners take in information through listening and speaking. To fully comprehend certain details, these learners prefer to hear instructions and, sometimes, verbally repeat them.
Ideal training: You work best when someone simply explains verbally how to do something. When you ask questions, you further solidify the subject matter in your mind. You may find it helpful to look for recordings of training collateral. If that’s not an option, record yourself as you read the material aloud — listening to the recording later can help you absorb the information. You can also invest in text-to-speech software that allows you to listen to notes, important emails and memos.
A visual learner best absorbs information when they see the material being presented. They also often associate certain subjects, ideas and tasks with images.
Ideal training: Charts and graphs are your forte. If you’re studying written material, you may find it helpful to actually copy words straight from the text, organizing them as you go. Seeing the information laid out in a structured format can help you retain it. Take notes in meetings, and use symbols — even doodles — to link concepts and ideas together.
Not to be confused with auditory learners, verbal learners excel when they can engage with material through spoken words and written text. They often find that they comprehend and remember information better when they discuss it or write it down.
Ideal training: For verbal learners, effective training often involves discussions, explanations and writing. Participate in group discussions where you can articulate your thoughts and questions. Make writing a part of your study routine, such as summarizing information, drafting outlines, or creating written notes. If you’re learning a new process or skill, verbal explanations combined with written instructions or manuals can be particularly effective.
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Discovering what type of learner you are is the first step in using learning styles for improving your productivity and long-term career success. Here are some practical tips to help you identify your dominant learning style:
Self-assessment tools — Online quizzes and assessments can help pinpoint your learning style. These tools often present scenarios or questions to determine how you prefer to learn. Taking a few of these assessments can give you a clearer picture of your dominant style.
Reflect on past experiences — Think about times when you learned something new effectively. Did you find it easier to understand concepts when they were explained with visual aids, through discussions, or by engaging in hands-on activities? Reflecting on these experiences can provide insights into your preferred learning style.
Experiment with different methods — Defining learning styles shouldn’t make you feel boxed in — it should help you find the perfect mix of learning styles that works for you. For instance, even if you find you’re mostly a hands-on tactile person, it doesn’t mean you can’t also benefit from listening to an audiobook or writing notes. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Embracing your learning style is a powerful tool for career growth. No matter what type of learner you are, recognizing your strengths can help you make informed decisions about how to approach professional development. Keep learning!
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