Learning Styles

Apprenticeships may be more successful if both the apprentice and the journeyperson/trainer have a basic understanding of individual learning styles. Due to the rapid pace of changing technology it has become increasingly important to develop apprentices and journeypersons who become skilled life-long learners.

Learn how to learn...

Understanding your learning style and the learning styles of your co-workers will help set your stage for success and will create a more productive work/learning environment for everyone.

LEARNING BY DOING - Using Touch & Movement

LEARNING BY SEEING - Using Your Eyes

LEARNING BY HEARING - Using Your Ears

LEARNING BY DOING - Using touch and movement this type of learner learns best when:

Engaged in "hands-on" activities
Manipulating materials to learn information
In a physically active environment

Learning Hint:

In classrooms settings - sit near the front of the room and actively take notes during the lecture portion.
Focus on writing down "key" words, terms and phrases during your note-taking. Focus on ideas and concepts not spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Your notes are for you - "Actively write"down key words, "Actively Draw" pictures and sketches to help you remember the material you are "hearing".

LEARNING BY SEEING - Using their eyes this type of learner learns best when:

Information is presented visually
"Seeing" pictures, words, diagrams and/or colours
Visual distractions are minimal

Learning Hints:

Use "colour coding" when studying new information in a text or class notes. Highlighting pens in contrasting colours can help to organize your visual information.
Use flashcards, sticky notes and highlighters to help draw your eyes to key words, phrases, concepts and simple diagrams.
Write out complex tasks. Create step-by-step sequencing diagrams and sketch pictures of the processes of the task.

LEARNING BY HEARING - Using their ears this type of learner learns best when:

Information is heard.
"Listening" to instruction, discussion, directions.
Other noise is reduced or eliminated in the background (i.e. music, excessive talking on another topic).

Learning Hints:

"Listen" to instructions and "Talk" new tasks through either out-loud to yourself or with another person.
Tape record lectures and lab instructions so you can go back and "listen" to them when you study.
"Read out-loud" quietly to yourself when studying and learning new skills and concepts. In this case "Talking to yourself" makes good learning sense.
Reduce noise distractions. In class try to sit in a place where you can listen clearly and not be distracted by other noises (other people talking, busy hallways, etc.) At work turn off the radio (if possible) when you are receiving instructions and directions.

If you tell me...

I will listen.

If you show me...

I will see.

If you let me experience...

I will learn

Lao Tzu (6th Century BC)

Assessing Your Best Learning Style(s)

Read the word(s) in the left column and then circle the description that best expresses how you usually respond. We all learn in a variety of ways and there are no right or wrong answers in this exercise only "preferences". Your learning style will be reflected best in the column with the most circles. The other two columns can also be helpful in determining what your secondary learning style may be. Have fun and keep learning!

When you are...	LEARNING BY DOING	LEARNING BY SEEING	LEARNING BY HEARING
Spelling	Do you write the word down to find out if it feels right?	Do you try to see the word?	Do you sound out the word?
Talking	Do you gesture and use expressive movement? Do you use words such as feel, touch and hold?	Do you dislike listening for too long? Do you use words such as see, picture and imagine?	Do you enjoy listening but are impatient to talk? Do you use words such as hear, tune and think?
Visualizing	Do you think in images involving action and movement?	Do you think in vivid detailed pictures?	Do you think in sounds?
Concentrating	Do you become distracted by activity around you?	Do you become distracted by untidiness or movement?	Do you become distracted by sounds or noises?
Contacting people	Do you talk with them while walking or participating in an activity?	Do you prefer direct, face-to-face personal meetings?	Do you prefer the telephone?
Meeting someone again	Do you remember best the things you did together?	Do you forget names, but remember faces? Remember where you met?	Do you forget faces, but remember names? Remember what you talked about?
Relaxing	Do you prefer to play games or work with your hands?	Do you prefer to watch TV, a play or a movie?	Do you prefer to listen to the radio, music, or read?
Interpreting someone's mood	Do you watch their body movements?	Do you look primarily at their facial expressions?	Do you listen to the sound/tone of their voice?
Reading	Do you prefer action stories or are not a keen reader?	Do you like descriptive scenes? Do you pause to imagine the action?	Do you enjoy dialogue and conversation, or hear the characters talk?
Doing something new	Do you prefer to jump right in and try it?	Do you like to see demonstrations, diagrams, slides or posters?	Do you prefer verbal instructions or talking about it with someone else?
Putting something together	Do you ignore the directions and figure it out as you go along?	Do you look at the directions and the picture?	Do you like to talk with someone or find yourself talking out loud as you work?
Need help using a computer	Do you keep trying to do it or try it on another computer?	Do you seek out pictures or diagrams?	Do you call the help desk, ask a neighbor, or growl at the computer?
Teaching someone	Do you do it for them and let them see how it is done or ask them to try it?	Do you prefer to show them?	Do you prefer to tell them?

"The Government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative."