Without change, there can be no progress right?
And in order to keep up with all those go-getters and overachievers out there, you must “seek out new worlds and new civilizations and boldly go where no man has gone.”
Right?
All these things require knowledge. That means learning. And learning can be a challenging situation.
Recently my co-workers and I found ourselves in this very spot. We were faced with acquiring certifications for a variety of different topics. Originally, I thought to myself – “I haven’t gone to school in 25 years; I’m not sure I even know how to ‘learn’ anymore.”
When faced with learning you have to ask yourself several things:
- What type of learner am I?
- What resources would provide the optimal learning experience?
What type of learner am I?
Learning styles are broken down in to a variety of categories:
- Visual (spatial): You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
- Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
- Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
- Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
- Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
- Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
- Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study
What does all of this mean for you? If you can determine how you learn best, you will optimize your experience and, ultimately, save time. For example, are you a social or solitary learner? Social learners are most likely to be successful in a setting where they may interact with a human in some way, like in a classroom, webinar environment, etc. Solitary learners might be more successful in self-learning type environments, such as on-line classes or videos where they can control their learning experience. Verbal learners might find themselves happier and more productive with audio books, podcasts, or written materials.
How do I choose my Learning Environment?
Once you figure out how you learn best, the next step of choosing your optimal learning environment is easy . . . whether it’s online, in a classroom, by video, study guide, printed manual or through a webinar. Make sure you research your options effectively. If you can’t find a company offering the training style that meets your needs, try thinking outside the box. Look for online materials that might provide you with the type of mental stimulation you need to get the most out of the content matter. But, most of all – relax, enjoy the experience, and look at the glass as full. Knowledge is POWER, and that puts you one step ahead of your competition. So, study hard and go seek out those new worlds.
Once you figure out how you learn best, the next step of choosing your optimal learning environment is easy . . . whether it’s online, in a classroom, by video, study guide, printed manual or through a webinar. Make sure you research your options effectively.
If you can’t find a company offering the training style that meets your needs, try thinking outside the box. Look for online materials that might provide you with the type of mental stimulation you need to get the most out of the content matter. But most of all – relax, enjoy the experience, and look at the glass as full.
Knowledge is POWER, and that puts you one step ahead of your competition. Study hard and go seek out those new worlds.
*Images courtesy of prince2msp.com, drhappylife.org, bigmouthmedia.com, barnesandnoble.com,84444.com,enterprisestudy.com