What’s Your Learning Style?

Did you have a special teacher when you were in school that just seemed to make information both interesting, AND easy to learn? 

I had two special teachers that made a big difference for me in the learning process.  In high school, it was Mr. B, an English teacher (core classes as well as College Prep classes), and in college in was Dr. L, who taught international affairs, a class in my major.

When I thought back about what made these two people so effective, I initially didn’t see any similarities.  One was young, just starting out in teaching, the other was older and established.  One was relaxed, joking and witty, the other rather serious, coming across a bit gruff.

What is it about those two teachers, that challenged me, made me want to not only learn, but to excel?  And is there still something that I can learn from them today?

It turns out, that the reason I clicked with these two teachers has to do with my learning style.  They both taught in a way that corresponded with my dominant learning style.  I’d guess that if I went back further (to primary or elementary school), my “favorite” teachers probably played to that same learning style.

Over the next few days I’ll be discussing the various learning styles:  visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic.  I hope to help your identify you primary and secondary learning style, and then offer some suggestions about how to incorporate that information into your leadership style.

First up:  The visual learner.