Introduction
Understanding one’s learning preferences and areas of strength can benefit the individual personally and professionally. The StrengthsFinder assessment reveals a person’s top five strengths and can be an effective tool for maximizing inherent abilities (Rath, 2007). Similarly, the Learning Style Inventory (LSI) evaluates an individual’s preferred learning method and might help enhance educational opportunities. In this piece, I will go into detail about my own LSI and StrengthsFinder results, examining how these aptitudes and learning preferences are reflected in real-world situations and how to leverage them. Understanding one’s strengths and learning style can be instrumental in reaching one’s full potential.
My Five Strengths
I scored high in Ideation, Positivity, Restorative, Activator, and Adaptability in StrengthsFinder and Feeling (concrete experience) and Watching (reflection observant) in LSI. My first strength is Ideation; thus, it goes without saying that I find ideas to be fascinating (Rath, 2007). I appreciate finding straightforward explanations for why things are the way they are. Adaptability, my second strength, permits me to voluntarily adapt to the needs of the time, even if they divert me from my plans (Rath, 2007). I do not mind unexpected requests or detours because I expect them. My third strength is Positivity, which indicates that I am quick to give compliments, cheerful, and always searching for the good in any circumstance (Rath, 2007). My fourth strength, Activator, reflects my impatience for action (Rath, 2007). My Activator strength is also reflected in my learning style: the best learning tool for me is active. My fifth strength is restorative, which implies that I enjoy finding solutions (Rath, 2007). I can get motivated by breakdowns because I like the challenge of deciphering symptoms, figuring out what is wrong, and solving it.
My Learning Style
According to the LSI results, my learning style is centered on feeling through actual experiences and viewing or reflecting on what I have learned. This indicates that I favor learning through practical applications that stimulate my senses and allow me to engage with my environment. Instead of reading or listening to information, I prefer learning by doing and exploring. I am motivated by new ideas and the challenge of solving problems, and I prefer to learn through hands-on experiences that allow me to engage with the environment around me.
Reaction
I felt validated after learning my findings from the StrengthFinder and Learning Styles assessments. I was pleased to learn I have five outstanding qualities: Imagination, positivity, restorative, activator, and adaptability. I was pleased with myself because I knew I possessed the traits necessary to succeed in various endeavors. I have always been fascinated by ideas, and I enjoy making connections between apparently unrelated ideas, so Ideation resonated with me. Because I appreciate adapting to sudden changes and unforeseen circumstances, the definition of Adaptability also struck a chord with me.
As for my LSI results, I value the understanding this gave me regarding my preferred learning method. However, I understood that some instructional strategies, like lectures prioritizing abstract ideas over real-world applications, might not fit my learning style well. In general, the results of the assessments were eye-opening, and I’m eager to investigate how I can use my learning style and abilities to accomplish my goals while also improving my weaker areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that reaching one’s best potential can be aided by being aware of your learning preferences and strengths. The Learning Style Inventory results of feeling (concrete experience) and watching (reflection observant) and the StrengthsFinder results of Ideation, Positivity, Restorative, Activator, and Adaptability have all been examined in this piece. As such, by comprehending and utilizing their learning preferences, individuals can play to their abilities.
References
Rath, T. (2007). StrengthsFinder 2.0. Simon and Schuster.