Learning Specifics in Adults
Many adults, who have been out of the education system for some time, while thinking on just mere possibility to pursue continuous education, are concerned about their ability to learn effectively. They worry that their brains have “gone stale” or that you cannot “teach and old dog new tricks”. When my friends and co-workers first heard from me that I am going for online MBA, the common reaction was: “WOW! I would never be able to go to school again!” The interesting thing is that half of engineers in my group are already studying for different certificates and degrees. The positive example caused them to rethink their initial negative statement.
It is never late! Anyone in any age has the capacity to learn – you continue learning throughout your life. However, for your learning to be both efficient and effective, it is important to think first about how you learn. By doing this assessment you will find that your learning process become more enjoyable and you are able to learn more in less time.
While studying, when you are a kid, is easier from some perspectives, like better memorizing abilities and lack on other life responsibilities, the studying as adult has its own advantages, like bringing into play the baggage of your previous learning experiences and better developed analytical thinking. Even if the subject is absolutely new to you, you still almost certainly have some experience, knowledge, and expertise (stored somewhere in your memory) on the related areas, although you might not realize that at the beginning.
Learning Styles
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles
One of the most widely used models of learning styles is the Index of Learning Styles developed by Richard Felder and Linda Silverman in the late 1980s. According to this model (which Felder revised in 2002) there are four dimensions of learning styles. Think of these dimensions as a continuum with one learning preference on the far left and the other on the far right.
Learning Styles Index
Sensory learners prefer concrete, practical, and procedural information. They look for the facts. | | Intuitive learners prefer conceptual, innovative, and theoretical information. They look for the meaning. |
Visual learners prefer graphs, pictures, and diagrams. They look for visual representations of information. | | Verbal learners prefer to hear or read information. They look for explanations with words. |
Active learners prefer to manipulate objects, do physical experiments, and learn by trying. They enjoy working in groups to figure out problems. | | Reflective learners prefer to think things through, to evaluate options, and learn by analysis. They enjoy figuring out a problem on their own. |
Sequential learners prefer to have information presented linearly and in an orderly manner. They put together the details in order to understand the big picture emerges. | | Global learners prefer a holistic and systematic approach. They see the big picture first and then fill in the details. |
Once you know where your preferences lie on each of these dimensions, you can begin to stretch beyond those preferences and develop a more balanced approach to learning. Not only will you improve your learning effectiveness, you will open yourself up to many different ways of perceiving the world.
Balance is key. You don't want to get too far on any one side of the learning dimensions. When you do that you limit your ability to take in new information and make sense of it quickly, accurately, and effectively.
Using the Learning Style Index
You can us the learning style index to develop your own learning skills and also to help you create a rounded learning experience for other people.
Developing Your Learning Skills
Step One:
Identify your learning preferences for each learning dimension. Read through the explanations of each learning preference and choose the one that best reflects your style. Alternatively, use an Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire like the one at
http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html.
Step Two:
Analyze your results and identify those dimensions where you are "out of balance," meaning you have a very strong preference for one style and dislike the other.
Step Three:
For each out of balance area, use the information in figure 2 to improve your skills in areas where you need development.
Bringing Your Learning Styles into Balance
When your preliminary assessment on your personal learning style is completed, you can generate a mental course of actions, of how to make more from your strength, and how to balance your weaknesses.
Sensory Learners - if you rely too much on sensing, you can tend to prefer what is familiar, and concentrate on facts you know instead of being innovative and adapting to new situations. Seek out opportunities to learn theoretical information and then bring in facts to support or negate these theories.
Intuitive Learners - if you rely too much on intuition you risk missing important details, which can lead to poor decision-making and problem solving. Force yourself to learn facts or memorize data that will help you defend or criticize a theory or procedure you are working with. You may need to slow down and look at detail you would otherwise typically skim.
Visual Learners - if you concentrate more on pictorial or graphical information than on words, you put yourself at a distinct disadvantage because verbal and written information is still the main preferred choice for delivery of information. Practice your note taking and seek out opportunities to explain information to others using words.
Verbal Learners - when information is presented in diagrams, sketches, flow charts, and so on, it is designed to be understood quickly. If you can develop your skills in this area you can significantly reduce time spent learning and absorbing information. Look for opportunities to learn through audio-visual presentations (such as CD-ROM and Webcasts.) When making notes, group information according to concepts and then create visual links with arrows going to and from them. Take every opportunity you can to create charts and tables and diagrams.
Active Learners - if you act before you think you are apt to make hasty and potentially ill-informed judgments. You need to concentrate on summarizing situations, and taking time to sit by yourself to digest information you have been given before jumping in to the conclusions.
Reflective Learners - if you think too much you risk doing nothing. There comes a time when a decision has to be made or an action taken. Involve yourself in group decision-making whenever possible and try to apply the information you have in as practical a manner as possible.
Sequential Learners - when you break things down into small components you are often able to dive right into problem solving. This seems to be advantageous but can often be unproductive. Force yourself to slow down and understand why you are doing something and how it is connected to the overall purpose or objective. Ask yourself how your actions are going to help you in the long run. If you can't think of a practical application for what you are doing then stop and do some more "big picture" thinking.
Global Learners - if grasping the big picture is easy for you, then you can be at risk of wanting to run before you can walk. You see what is needed but may not take the time to learn how best to accomplish it. Take the time to ask for explanations, and force yourself to complete all problem-solving steps before coming to a conclusion or making a decision. If you can't explain what you have done and why, then you may have missed critical details.
By understanding this, and developing the skills that help you learn in a variety of ways, you make the most of your learning potential. Take time to identify how you prefer to learn and then force yourself to break out of your comfort zone. Once you start learning in new ways you'll be amazed at how much more you catch and how much easier it is to assimilate information and make sense of what is going on.
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