- Published: October 2, 2022
- Updated: October 2, 2022
- University / College: Macquarie University
- Level: College Admission
- Language: English
- Downloads: 40
Discussion: Identifying Your Learning Style
Abstract
Effective learning requires the understanding of each learner’s preferred learning style. Learning style inventory can be used in understanding the nature of the learner. As a visual learner, I prefer using charts and visual diagrams in order to understand the relationships between the concepts.
Discussion: Identifying Your Learning Style
Introduction
Barbara Carper offers four fundamentals ways of knowing which are applicable in the nursing profession. The first pattern of knowing is empirical which includes the nursing science. The second way of knowing is personal way of learning which includes the art of nursing derived from virtues such as empathy and self-understanding. The third way of knowing is ethical way of knowing includes the ethical framework of nursing since the rules have failed to provide for all moral choices in nursing practice. The fourth way of knowing is aesthetic way of knowing which includes the personal knowledge in nursing like the immediate practical actions in a given situation (Mumford, 1995).
According to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, there are four scales which can be used to measure personality. The four preferences include Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), thinking (T) or feeling (F) and Judgment (J) or perception (P). According to the indicator, extroverts prefer more social interaction while introverts are thought-oriented. Sensing individuals pay more attention from what they learn from senses while intuition individuals make imaginations of the future (Mumford, 1995). Thinking personality involve people who like utilizing objective data and facts while feeling personality consider emotions before making a decision. Judging personality include people who make firm decisions while perceiving personality include open, adaptable and flexible decision-makers (Billings & Halstead, 2012).
To gain my self-understanding as a nursing learner, I have taken a learning-style inventory (http://www. personal. psu. edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI. htm). I believe this will help me develop my learning potential. Some of the questions included in the learning style inventory include my preference for visual aids, my memory on the previous lecture methods and explanations. The learning style inventory includes whether I prefer graphs, working with hands and making notes or whether I chew or snack during classes. Another important question is whether I feel comfortable handshaking any my ability to work with jigsaw puzzles. I selected this learning style inventory since it includes some practical aspects of nursing profession like use of diagrams and interpersonal skill. Based on the above learning style inventory test, I am a visual learner since I prefer using charts, notes and flashcards. I visualize concepts of nursing in my brain for easy memory (Billings & Halstead, 2012).
I believe that as a visual learner I have numerous strengths. I am able to add diagrams to my lecture notes whenever possible and organize the critical points in order to recognize how the ideas are connected. I can use graphs and symbols to explain the relationships in nursing concepts. I can utilize visualization to retrieve information (Billings & Halstead, 2012). One of the main challenges is that I am not able to solve problems until I understand the critical relationships between the ideas. I concentrate on one subject at each particular time and read all materials in the textbook including the summaries (Golon, 2008).
I order to make best use of my learning style; I will adjust by educational habits by rewriting notes and attending all tutorials. I will begin studying in groups and color-code notes in order to categorize the information according to its importance (Golon, 2008). I will seek opportunities to learn through the use of audio-visual presentations such as Webcasts. I will group notes using visual links such as arrows and creates table and charts that summarize the main points (Golon, 2008).
One of the creative strategies which an educator can utilize when teaching a particular topic effectively to all learners is to provided a balanced learning experience which includes provision of both facts and general knowledge about the topic. The educator should provide details in an organized and structured while using both verbal clues and visual aids like diagrams. The educator should allow some time for analysis and evaluation and also performing experiments on the concepts (Billings & Halstead, 2012).
Conclusion
I am a visual learner. I prefer utilizing diagrams, charts and also making summaries of main points while learning. I will try to use audio-visual presentations in order to improve my learning experience.
References
Billings, D. M & Halstead, J. A. (2012). Teaching in nursing: a guide for faculty. St Louis. Elsevier.
Golon, A. S. (2008). Visual-spatial learners: differentiation strategies for creating a successful classroom. Texas. Prufrock Press.
Mumford, A. (1995). Effective learning. London. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.