Learning Styles

Above are my results from the NC State University test for learning style. (https://www.webtools.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/) From these results, I am a more active, sensing, verbal and sequential learner. I always thought I was an active learner, I always like interact with the information being taught, however, I don’t like group work like the explanation suggests.

I was quite surprised by the other results. I do like to listen and get a good explanation of the topic, but I always like to have a visual representation of the information too. The test I found, did not allow you to express this. I think that could be the reason for that result.

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By personalizing language learning is something so achievable today. To think, only a few decades ago, language learning was all done through verbal and written mediums. There was very little visual or active learning available. We now understand that each of us has our own way of learning that is most practical. By figuring this out, language learning can be quicker, easier and most importantly, more fun.

Knowing how you learn best can be the difference of continuing to learn a language and giving up. To me, knowing what way suits best is essential in language learning. Spending time on learning styles that don’t fit your way of learning can be frustrating and boring. It wastes time, energy and resources.

Why do it to yourself? When you could be spending these valuable resources on styles that can be quick, easy and most importantly fun?

Once you know what kind of learner you are, you can personalise your learning by finding ways that suit your style. For example, in my case I’m a more active learner than a reflective learner, so I would be better off finding a language partner and speaking my target languages than trying to work through grammar and vocab myself, to better understand the language, which could suit a more reflective learner.

Its about finding out what fits your style of learning, language learning should be as personal as possible. If you can find a way that suits your learning better, go for it.

Unfortunately, with all this personalisation, there are some drawbacks. When you get used to your style of learning, it can be difficult to concentrate when it’s not possible to learn in the style that you prefer. It can be frustrating to go from something that fits so well to something you have been trying to avoid. It’s like putting on a pair of shoes that don’t fit!