YouthZone

Has anyone ever said you could use a little style? You may not know it, but you have style - "learning style," that is. It's the type of style that helps you add dimension to your insights about yourself and others. The type of style that is prevalent in your insights about yourself and others. The type of style that is prevalent in your perceptions, communication, and learning. The type of style that once you understand it, you can use it much more effectively.

Learning starts when the mind first perceives concrete perception and abstract perception. Concrete perception lets you register information directly through your five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. When using concrete abilities, you are dealing with the tangible and obvious. Abstract perception allows you to visualize, to conceive ideas and to understand or believe things you cannot see. When using this abstract quality, you are using your intuition, intellect or imagination. Once you take in the information through concrete or abstract perception, your mind will order the information in one of two ways, sequential or random. If you use sequential ordering, you follow a step-by-step approach to deal with information, a logical train of thought. You prefer to have a plan and follow it. If you use random ordering, your mind organizes information by chunks and with no particular sequence. This makes you seem impulsive or spontaneous.

Based on perception and ordering there are four dominant learning styles: concrete sequential, abstract sequential, concrete random and abstract random.

Concrete sequential: A concrete sequential is one who does what needs to be done whether they feel like it or not; they are organized, consistent, literal in their communication and become frustrated when they have to repeat themselves.

Abstract sequential: An abstract sequential person is gifted with a natural sense of logic and reason. They feel compelled to explore virtually all options before making a decision. These individuals often appear quieter and more withdrawn since they analyze and evaluate before reacting.

Concrete random: The concrete random individual is a notorious risk taker. This person is full of energy, curiosity and new ideas along with being very strong-willed.

Abstract random: The abstract random individual has a sixth sense for understanding others' needs and reading nonverbal cues given by others. These individuals are unstructured and free-flowing. They avoid conflict and confrontation and are concerned about pleasing people.

There is no right or wrong learning style. In fact, you will find yourself using both concrete and abstract perceptual abilities every day. Consider the style you feel most comfortable with to be your learning style. Understand your style and the style of others in your family, and use this information wisely to work with others to get the most out of every learning experience.



Information in this article is based on the research of Dr. Anthony F. Gregorc.



Mary Jean Carnevale is YouthZone public relations coordinator.