Introduction
Various psychologists and educationists have developed theories to explain various styles of learning. Different learners have different styles of learning. Although learning theories give explanation to learning styles, each individual has a preference for a certain style of learning. As an adult learner, I view learning as a bridge to a better life and an easier way of doing things. I have observed a tremendous change in my learning style when I was an adolescent up to now, as an adult. I make use of the learning styles that I find more comfortable to work with.
Reflection
Learning is a process through which we acquire information. Once acquired, this information is organized in such a way as to enable the learner solve their daily problems (Mackeracher, 2004, p7). As a student in business communication, I have learnt concepts of business communication. These concepts have enabled me to improve my communication skills. I prefer learning styles that relate concepts learnt in class to the actual business communication in practice. I know my objectives for learning and as such, aim at achieving these objectives through the learning process. Unlike in high school when my greatest motivators to learning were teachers, today I am more self-directed.
I am more attracted to practical concepts. Most concepts taught in the education system are far removed from reality (Knowles, Holton & Swanson, 2005, p53). I find such concepts unattractive. However, concepts that connect to reality are more appealing to me. For this reason, I like to compare concepts taught in class with what I know. When taught a new concept I take time to relate it with reality.
Concepts with logical structures are more appealing to me. When presented with a new concept I take time to find its logical structure. The intention in this case is to better understand such a concept. I am able to adequately concentrate on lecturers who use logical explanations in their lectures. On the other hand, I do not like lecturers who just mention concepts without relating them to other concepts on the subject or to reality. When presented with a new concept I take time to assimilate it and find its logical structure. Information acquired through this method is not easily forgotten. Business communication is, in fact, very logical. By undertaking certain activities in business communication, one in assured of what should follow. For example, it is logical that lack of communication channels in an organization would lead to suspicion, mistrust and lower productivity.
Group discussions have been one of my strongest learning styles at University of Riverside. Discussion groups have allowed me to discuss concepts with my co-learners. Every person has their opinions over a subject, meaning that our understanding over concepts may vary. While some people may be quick to grasp information, others take time to get the concepts. In group discussion, each person’s strength is utilized while those with difficulties are assisted. In most cases, I use discussion groups to discuss the concept discussed in lectures. I also use the discussion groups to discuss business related issues in our economy with my group members. Discussion is the most used decision making and communication style in business. To me, a discussion group offers me a feeling of what goes on in companies’ boardrooms as decisions are made.
I make use of several learning styles. However, perseverance has helped me to succeed in learning. Learning is a slow process; concepts unfold bit by bit and require patience for one to be successful. I persevere learning new concepts, do researches on various subjects and implement these concepts to solve problems.
Creativity is part of my learning style. I believe that the field of knowledge has a lot that needs to be discovered. I also believe that there are new and better ways of doing things. For these reasons, I like to be creative in my learning. I try to find new and better ways of executing concepts learnt. I also try to find new knowledge that not only adds value to business communication but also brings in better business communication strategies. Creativity gives me satisfaction as a learner. In the process of being creative, I am able to understand concepts learnt with clarity. Apart from understanding concepts, creativity helps me to connect these concepts learnt to the practical world.
Experiential and pragmatic concerts in adult learning theories are evident in my learning style (Knowles, Holton & Swanson, 2005, p47). I prefer to have a subjective experience of the concept leant. I try to relate concepts learnt to my experience or try to conceptualize an experience to the concepts. On the other hand, I prefer concepts that have a direct correlation with reality. My pragmatic approach to learning has helped me to be creative.
Opportunity for growth
Although my learning styles have been effective in various ways, there are areas where I can improve. One of my areas of growth is visualizing. In most cases, I am not able to create a mental picture of the concepts. This has lowered my imagination that would have been helpful in creativity. Procrastination and poor organization skills have also hindered my learning. Sometime, I fail to balance available time to activities and end up struggling to meet deadlines. Procrastination has also led me to postpone important activities.
As a solution to my weaknesses, I plan to have a more objective approach to learning. To increase visualization, I will try to create a mental picture of every concept learnt. To increase use of imagination in creativity, I will try to imagine various situations in the future. For example, in business communication, I would try to imagine the nature of business communication, maybe in thirty years to come. To solve poor organization and procrastination, I will make use of a plan. The plan will allocate considerable time for every activity in a week. Apart from having a plan, I also intend to stick to it.
Conclusion
For learning to be successful, personal learning styles are necessary. Various learning styles are used by both young and adult learners. Nonetheless, each learner has learning styles that they find most appealing to him or her. To me, learning cannot be separated from reality. I try to find the connection between concepts learnt to what is observed on the outside. I use creativity to come up with new ways of doing things and make use of concepts learnt. I use group discussions to reach out to other people’s opinions and share what I have learnt. Poor visualization, procrastination and poor organization skills are my areas of growth. These areas will be improved by planning, discipline and practice.
Reference
Knowles, M., Holton, E. & Swanson, R. (2005). The adult leaner: the definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. Edinburgh: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Mackeracher, D. (2004). Making sense of adult learning. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.