Not that long ago, there was one way to learn: teachers lectured to a class of students, who were supposed to absorb and repeat the information back verbally or on tests (“Rote” Learning). While this format of education works for some students, others struggle to understand and retain information within that structure. Today, it is widely acknowledged in the educational field that there are many different styles of learning. Most people are capable of learning in a different style, but will always learn more quickly and easily when taught with learning techniques that suit their style. Knowing your personal learning style is important, not just for your education, but also for your future career. Take a look at some of the learning styles below and careers that can be a good fit for these types of learners.
Verbal Learners
It may not surprise you that verbal learners absorb information best through the written and spoken word. These learners are best suited to a more traditional lecture-and-reading style of education. They often have large vocabularies and can quickly absorb and retain information from reading. Careers that suit this learning style include journalists, professional writers, public speakers and politicians.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners are almost the opposite of verbal learners. They want to touch and feel things in order to understand them. This learning style can be challenging in a traditional classroom as it’s often associated with difficulty sitting still and paying attention (especially in children). Kinesthetic learners often have above average hand-eye coordination and excellent memories once they have learned something through experience. Successful sports professionals, physical therapists, mechanics, construction workers and other tradespeople are often kinesthetic learners.
Visual Learners
Visual learners would rather see a diagram or a video than read about how something works. They may find taking notes using diagrams and illustrations is more effective for their retention than writing down words. Visual learners can find satisfying careers in visual arts, such as graphic design and videography, but also in technical areas such as project management, packaging and prototype development.
Auditory Learners
This learning style absorbs information best by listening. Lecture-based courses work well for auditory learners and they are able to recall information very well when they use mnemonics and word associations. Many auditory learners go into professions such as sound engineering, music, audiology or sound editing.
Tactile Learners
Much like kinesthetic learners, tactile learners benefit from being able to “tinker” – to play with a problem physically or theoretically in order to discover patterns or solutions. They are highly logical and systematic, which makes them good problem-solvers. Many law enforcement professionals, physicians, computer programmers and scientists are tactile learners.
There are also solitary and social learners. Solitary learners find concentration easier when they aren’t distracted by others and like to analyze and process ideas extensively before putting them into practice. Online learning is an excellent fit for this style and graduates often gravitate to solitary work, such as writing or research. On the other end of the spectrum, social learners thrive in environments with interpersonal communication. They enjoy group discussion and brainstorming to solve problems. They are often very tuned in to people and group dynamics, which means they have an aptitude for careers in sales, human resources, counseling and advertising.
If you are interested in discovering more about different learning styles, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner is an excellent resource. Not sure what your learning style is? Take this questionnaire to find out.
Resources:
- http://jobs.aol.com/online-campus/2009/07/15/know-your-learning-style-for-career-success/
- http://www.ehow.com/info_12214961_learning-styles-careers.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinesthetic_learning
- http://www.learning-styles-online.com/
- http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire