My Learning Style Assessment

My Learning Style Assessment

As unique individuals we all learn differently. Some people learn better visually, some are auditory learners, and others require a hands-on technique (tactilely). I learn best visually and hands-on. Knowing one's learning style can dramatically expand one's knowledge base. By assessing my personal learning style, I can focus on my strengths and recognize opportunities for growth, and in doing so, apply that knowledge to benefit my career as a special educator for young children.

A visual (spatial) learner remembers best what they see; pictures, charts, or diagrams are easily remembered. As a visual learner I have strong visualization skills, which are most apparent when I am reading text with a lot of imagery, like a novel. As I read I paint a picture in my mind so vivid it feels like I'm watching a movie.

Visual learners also tend to have good memorization skills and find it is easiest to memorize facts by making a visual connection. This visual connection is most often a photographic image. Sometimes while studying using flashcards, to recall the information on the card I try to envision how it was written. A difference in pen stroke may stick out in my mind and by remembering what that specific card looked like I can more easily remember what was written on it.

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My visual skills will most likely be reflected in my lesson plans when I am a teacher. This will benefit the children because they need a lot of visual aids at a young age. Color coordination, pictures, and other visual tools (maps, charts, etc.) enhance a child's learning.

In addition to learning visually, I also learn through experiencing or doing things. This hands-on approach is also known as tactile learning. Tactile learners learn more effectively by taking notes and reviewing them later. Even when I read for entertainment I highlight passages that interest me so I can come back and ponder them. This tendency of note taking can potentially improve my ability to teach children with special needs. Taking notes on daily observations of each student will make it easier to improve their individualized lesson plans.

Like some tactile learners, I find it difficult to concentrate on a lecture or assignment when there are distractions. I try to eliminate distractions in class by sitting in front. If I sit further back, I start thinking about all the people in front of me and making my own version of their life story. I am also very easily distracted by noise and study most effectively alone in a quiet place. Having roommates, I often find it necessary to study in the library or arrange my schedule to do schoolwork when no one is home.

It will be nearly impossible to keep distractions at bay teaching children with special needs. Each child has their own Individual Education Program (IEP). The teacher must equally give the students their full attention while being mindful of what the others are doing at all times and keeping everyone on task. IEPs can be extremely challenging to execute because some children