Learning Styles: Studying Alone And In A Group

By understanding your own process of learning and thinking, you can become more efficient in studying (Loveless, 2019). What I knew before the lesson - My basic knowledge about studying before this lesson began was all I could practice during my high school days. I could read, write, re-read and try to answer some questions myself. I think I had very little idea of other learning and studying styles. I really thought it was just one basic style or maybe some little knowledge of listening to audio records and watching some videos. And that was it. For the latter, I did not believe it so much as a learning or studying style but more like a teaching methodology that teachers and instructors must use to communicate effectively to their pupils and students. My feeling was that you just need to learn and study else you fail your exam.

What was confirmed in the process of the lesson - In the process of learning about learning styles and studying, I was positive about reading and writing. I was also positive that learning and studying is a process that requires brain matter and that motivation is usually very handy in learning. I also confirmed that some form of dedication, interest, and passion was required in order to learn and study. This lesson also confirmed my belief that learning is a habit that needs you to plan and have a schedule. But was that enough? Did I know the distinction and essence of learning - becoming a deep learner instead of the surface or achieving learner (Pritchard, 2008, pp.8-9)?

What new information I gained - One very surprising feature I acquired in this lesson was that learning involves your Intelligence patterns which must be discovered for proper learning to take place and that weaker Intelligences can be developed (Staley, 2016, pp.77-78). After the exercises, I discovered to my surprise that my intelligence was more Intrapersonal instead of Linguistic (Staley, 2016, pp.73-78). In addition to the particular intelligence, I have come to realize that how you perceive information defines your learning style and that your personality plays an indispensable role in your studies (Staley, 2016, pp.78-86). I was shocked again to discover that I was more of Kinesthetic instead of Read/Write. Moreover, I discovered that I need to start applying my learning style to my study style, make a master study plan and make adjustments when the heat is on. This was a life-changer.

The benefits and how I would apply what I have learnt - Like one who has suddenly regained his or her sight, this lesson has proved to be the game-changer. It was not just business as usual and difficulty in learning but re-adjusting and developing where and when necessary. I could now review materials from lectures, find, read, and study related hard-copy materials, prepare write up reports, essays, and exams (McMillian & Weyers, p.80). It has revolutionized my thoughts, conceptions, understanding and, style of studying. I can now adapt with ease and make more progress in learning. With my style of learning, I have found the need to use case studies, make ideas come to life, use lots of examples and practices during my studies.