Learning Style, Essay Example

I have learnt over the years that I understand and retain information better when it has visual/graphic elements as well. I always understand the information in textbook better when it is presented with charts and graphs otherwise I try to visualize the information in my mind to better grasp it. Similarly, I tend to remember faces and visual details much better than names. In fact, I sometimes remember strangers even if I might not have seen them in over a decade. I also take time to think over the information but once I have understood a concept, I retain it for long periods of time. I also discovered few years ago that writing always helps me better memorize lessons though it is a time-consuming task. This may also be the reason why I prefer studying alone than with friends and can’t concentrate even with music. I often wonder how people are able to study while listening to music or when they are with friends.

By studying alone, I do accomplish more of the tasks in a given period of time but I struggle when the subject material may be difficult and there is no one around to seek help from. Even though my current study habits may be efficient in terms of time, they don’t work well in case of difficult subjects or where ideas matter because more people usually producer greater number of ideas. There are several strategies I could use to gain more out of my study habits. First of all, I could use internet more because there is no shortage of online lessons that make use of visuals to explain concepts and one good example is Khan Academy (Khan Academy). Second strategy may be to form study groups with individuals who use their time efficiently and avoid time-wasting activities. Second strategy may be particularly useful in studying for courses that I find difficult since there would be minimum distraction and I will be able to seek help immediately when I need it.

As far as intelligences are concerned, two intelligences I possess are spatial intelligence and intrapersonal intelligence. Since I learn better through visuals, spatial intelligence allows me to convert textual information into visual format to better grasp the information. I have also observed that understanding the material is key to long-term retention of information, thus, my priority is to understand stuff rather than memorize which may be less time-consuming but also results in only short-term retention of information. Similarly, I consider myself to be someone who enjoys thinking. I have always been inquisitive, thus, I spend considerable time analyzing my own self. This has helped me better understand my strengths and weaknesses as well as stereotypes and biases that may influence my understanding of the world.

I took a personality style test and my result was INTP which stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving. The result is not a surprise for me and does describe me pretty well. I actually enjoy meeting people because people help you expand your thinking horizon and introduce you to new ideas but at the same time I also enjoy spending time alone because it allows me to think and make sense of the world. While details are important, I also believe in seeing the big picture which are not always apparent at first. I am fascinated by the future so am always trying to visualize future by taking note of current trends. I also consider myself to be a logical person and, thus, am interested in facts and logical reasoning to avoid getting influenced by emotions. I have a favorite personal saying that emotions have no place in reasoning because heart is for feelings and brain is for thinking. Even though I admit, one should plan things before moving into action, I often rush into things without planning and hope that I will somehow figure out things along the way. I also work better under pressure and tend to become relaxed when I have little pressure to perform.

Reference

Khan Academy. Learn almost anything for free. 5 April 2013 <https://www.khanacademy.org/>.