There are four types of learning styles. These can be classified as practical learners, logical learners, enthusiastic learners and imaginative learners. There are of course some significant differences between each. I will break down the behavioral styles and the dislikes and likes of each type of learner. I will also explain the importance of understanding why knowing what type you are can be highly beneficial.
The practical learner has a more dominant style; they may be more aggressive by nature or in the way that they work. However, it is more commonplace for personality traits to be consistent. Practical learners are also commonly viewed as problem solvers, and decisive in their actions and decisions. Due to the dominant behavior, they tend to seek control of the situation and are hard workers.
Practical learners interact with the world by defining themselves as strategic thinkers, getting to the point and not wasting time. They also tend to rely on the use of plans or time lines and seek closure in their work and projects. Some of the things that practical learners do not like are unfounded ideas, theory and philosophy principles, extensive lecturing, working in groups and the lack of deadlines.
Logical Learners are more compliant in comparison to the dominant behavior styles of the practical learner. Logical learners tend to be organized, like following deadlines or instructions, and prefer to work independently. Logical learners also enjoy working with manipulatives such as computer programs and hands on activities.
Logical learners tend to prefer working with time lines, enjoy researching and studying. They also tend to prefer to follow a routine and consistent procedures. Logical learners do not particularly enjoy role play activities, warm up exercises among group settings and irrelevant factors in their work load.
Enthusiastic learners are more influential in their behaviors. They obviously tend to be enthusiastic, comfortable with others and enjoy being social and creative in their work. Enthusiastic learners enjoy learning new things, and prefer that they can measure their accomplishments. They also enjoy group work, and prefer to be active within the learning process.
Enthusiastic learners do not enjoy being confined to a seat to work; they prefer to be up and about and do not work well in highly regulated areas. They also prefer creative freedom in their work environment, they do not enjoy doing research or writing for extensive periods of time if at all.
Imaginative learners are steady in their behavior and perceive information in a concrete fashion. They enjoy reflection and believe that their own experiences are the ones that count. Typically imaginative learners enjoy working in groups but tend to want alone time to work.
Imaginative learners work best in active environments and with being highly involved in the learning process. They are good listeners and work towards promoting cooperation within the group setting. Imaginative learners try to avoid debates, the requirement of memorization and sitting through lectures. They prefer to learn by doing and do not enjoy using a textbook to learn their skills. Imaginative learners try to avoid insensitive people or situations and being forced to comply with deadlines.
It is important to learn your learning style for many reasons. The most important reason is because we all learn differently we are all unique. Not everyone will learn the same way. While in some cases there are not options available to make accommodations for those who learn differently than we do, we should take these learning styles into account when dealing with different groups of people.
