In the last issue, we talked about Lifelong Learning and that determining your learning style and strategies was critical to the successful implementation of this philosophy. Well, you gave us feedback that you wanted more examples and explanation. As I stated last issue, the difference between “who you are now and the person you really want to be” lie in two simple things: your level of knowledge and the application of that knowledge.
So if learning is a given, and you have started to implement the steps for your learning plan (outlined in the last issue), what are some of the other considerations?
First confirm your Learning Style and the framework that works best for you.
Compared to many other organizations, CRG teaches a unique learning style model. We believe there are 4 primary learning styles and that each of us has preferences in our learning. (I’ll explain them in a moment.) In fact, many of you actually prefer multi modes or approaches to learning, depending on what you are learning. Now think about this for a moment . . . if this is true for you, isn’t it true for your children, colleagues, employees, or family and friends?
Even though I achieved an honors level in my Masters degree, I had almost failed high school. Why? Consider the education system for a minute. Does it approach learning from the point of view of the learner or the educator? Most of you experienced a very linear educational experience that was focused on the educator’s preference. For some of you, that fit perfectly; other learners were like me, barely able to make it out the back door of high school with papers in tow.
Until I was in my 30s, I thought my near-failure in high school was my fault; now I know that my educators wanted me to learn based on their teaching style, not my learning style. I was critically judged by my teachers and peers for my preferred learning style. My self-esteem was severely affected and it took me years to recover. I still feel strong emotions just writing about it.
Individuals like you and me were labeled poor learners and failed or almost failed, based on a system dedicated to serving itself, not its learners. That is why we created the program “Why Don’t You Teach the Way That I Learn?”™.
If our educators were evaluated on the quality of their teaching and how effectively they are able to help students learn and pass the course(s), there would be way more accountability and flexibility in the learning process.
I encourage you to confirm your learning style process and make it work for you, not the teacher. And remember that you have influence with someone, somewhere, to start changing this narrow mindset.
This week I interviewed David Chalk, one of the top technology experts in North America. Dave refuses to use a Palm Pilot; he still uses a handwritten note system. When I asked why, his answer was profound! “Because it works for ME!”
- Learn and confirm your Learning Style(s).
- Auditory – Where you can effectively learn through your ear gate. You can comprehend the information and knowledge through this medium.
- Visual – Where you effectively learn through your eye gate. You need to read and see visually; then you will understand the information.
- Experiential – Where you effectively learn by watching and participating in doing. Hands-on is a must for this learning style.
- Independent – This is unique to the CRG learning style model. Independent learners could learn in any one of the three previous modes but they must be able to learn when they want, the way they want, and at the pace they want. They must be in control of the learning process.
- Confirm your learning style pattern and preferences by completing the Learning Style Indicator. Each of us has all 4 learning styles, only at different intensities. Some have a primary learning mode that involves just 1 learning style; others have a blend where all 4 learning styles equally influence our preferences. That’s right: you could effectively learn using any one of the 4 modes.
- Take this information and implement or share it with the people you care about. If you have children, as I do, make sure their learning styles are being met. Be proactive at work to make sure your peers and colleagues are being given the chance to win by including various learning styles in the educational process.
- Use this learning style template to evaluate all your potential learning opportunities against your preferred learning-style pattern.
- Finally: don’t let people in authority tell you that you are a poor learner; fact is, they may be poor educators.
These action steps will provide you with a feeling of freedom and excitement for your new approach to learning . . . if you take them.
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Until next time, keep Living On Purpose!
Ken Keis
For information on CRG Resources, please visit http://crgleader.com.
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