Re: Using learning theory to build learning documents

Subject: Re: Using learning theory to build learning documents
From: "Pro TechWriter" <pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com>
To: "mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com" <mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com>, TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 16:54:08 -0500

Re: Kevin's question about how you know your learning style: I went through
a battery of tests at a learning center and also by a psychologist to
determine good careers for me, and also my personality type. But, those
results were validated by my own experience, when I thought about it. For
example:

1. I am an inveterate note-taker, and have always been (college and
work). If someone gives me a string of instructions verbally and I can't
write them down quickly, I will not retain all of the information.
2. Playing musicial instruments, for me, involves spatial
relationships (where my hands are and how that matches the music I am
learning) as well as the music--but I visualze the music on a scale. I don't
read music either, but play by ear, and can play almost anything after I
hear the first part of a verse and a chorus, but it's based on visualizing
the structure, doing it, hearing it, playing it.
3. My memories are almost all visual, rather than auditory, but also
include other sensory data (smell, touch), which also supports the
designation of visual-kinetic learner.
4. As a gymnast, I learned by spatial orientation. My instructor knew
this (maybe it's common?) and explained how to do something by where my
knees, elbows, head, etc. should be to do whatever move it was correctly.
When I did it correctly one time, I could do it from there on.

Local community colleges or full universities usually have a Career Center
of some kind where testing is available for a small fee. You could ask if
they can help you determine your learning style.


On 11/22/06, mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com <mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com> wrote:


Is there an inexpensive, reliable way to find out
for myself what type of learner I am? Or what the
approximate weighting is for the styles that apply
best to me?

I mean, I have an idea... I could tell you my best
guess, based on anecdotal evidence, but if this is
a repeatable, scientific discipline, then there are
probably self-tests to be had, without going to some
guru and being assessed in person (for big bucks).

I tried a couple of on-line thingies, including this
one at http://www.crc4mse.org/ILS

But they were based on answers to self-assessment questions.

I ended up with 6/5 or 4/7 splits for every spectrum,
meaning, I guess, that I am torn... that might explain
the blackouts and the other wardrobe... :-)

I'd like to see a real test, one that attempted to convey
some material via each of the various modes, then computed
a score (or scores) based on how the person actually
performed.


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References:
RE: Using learning theory to build learning documents: From: mlist

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