HOW WE LEARN There are three elements to learning any new task: touch (tactile), seeing (visual), hearing (auditory). Your learning style may be the single most important key to you learning a new skill. We use all three, but one method stands out. Why is it important to know this?
If you are aware of your learning method or those you are instructing, then you will act accordingly. HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE: Giving driving directions.
A tactile person wants a drawn map. A visual person will look for road clues, a sign or landmark. An auditory person would appreciate you if you just tell him where to turn and how many miles to go. The tactile person needs something concrete in their hands. A visual person can picture where you are sending them. The auditory person has a good memory of where you told him to go and what to look for. The tactile person giving directions will point north, turn their hand left or right etc. when giving directions. The visual person will tell you to go to Road R, there's a bridge just beyond that, then go over the bridge, look for XXXXX and turn right. It will be a white building across from the motel. The auditory person giving directions will tell you, Go two miles, turn left, take Rd. R , til you come to XXXXXX and turn right.
So do we, the lost driver, become frustrated when directions are not given in the way we best can learn them. You will not take time to find that out when giving driving directions but think about how people respond when you give directions. Do they take out a paper and pencil, draw a map? Do they ask you for visual clues as to where to turn? Do they repeat back oral directions, shake their head in agreement and thank you?
So whether you are the lost driver or the one giving the directions, do you see how it is important to see what will meet people's need. Can you identify by which ability you can recall information?
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