There are many types of learning which aid in a specific information retention. Some people learn best visually, while the others need to listen to the information presented.
The preferred learning style is determined to be mostly in the area of reading and writing. Points and determinants are related to visual, aural and kinesthetic. Visual can be considered a rather effective style because the visual recognition of stimuli can be very helpful in creating and remembering a mental picture of any information seen. Aural reception might be useful for some people, but it is difficult to remember details, and a good memory is needed to be specific in the instrumental parts. Kinesthetic is another area of learning which is very hands-on, and allows the person to go through the experience to learn a new skill. Multimodal way of learning has a mix of all styles, which allows the person to see a perspective from different sides. This can be considered one of the most effective ways of learning because all parts of the brain are involved in the learning process, and memory retention is determined to be the highest. Learning by reading and writing is the most technical because the information is stable and can be referenced at any time. Even though it is for specific types of learners, it is reliable and exact (Hasserbroek, 2009).
The basis of the personal style of learning that has been established to be “read/write” is based on several criteria. It is the reception of information in lists and its organization into headings (VARK, 2011). This allows for a clearer reception and division between different sections of the work. The use of dictionaries and glossaries allows a defined meaning which is widely accepted and used by a large circle of people. The definitions lead to logical and clear-cut answers to questions and provide meanings of concepts, ideas and words. The handouts and books are specific printed materials which can be referenced at any time, giving a person a possibility to relate to the information source and have a back-up in ideas exchange. The numerous libraries are a rich resource of printed material, which gives a chance to compare and organize knowledge into sections and divisions. Manuals and essays are another instrumental source of knowledge, which provides a person with a guide to recognize the work of the others and reflect on the things done. The mere experience of reading and understanding someone’s ideas enables an individual to find a common ground and retain the information encountered (Davey, 2008).
The change needed to be made to the process is the use of all learning styles, which can be most beneficial. Visual style of learning can be memorable because a diagram or a theoretical representation of information can be helpful in realizing how a specific concept works or is used. Kinesthetic way of learning is another type which manifests the application of personal skills because practice is much needed to achieve a level of excellence in anything. It is a well-known fact that theory alone does not provide the proper knowledge which can be applied in the real world. Practice is much different from theory because the environmental circumstances might completely change the learned outcomes. The needed shift in the learning styles relates to the development in the use of all types of learning. It is a must to evolve all parts of the brain, so that reception and retention of information are the most effective ways. Practice and a mix of theory as well as hands-on learning will benefit the most.
In the end, an individual must find his/her personal way of learning because genetics predisposes people to a certain type of information reception and memorization.
Reference List
Davey, G. (2008). The International Student’s Survival Guide. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Hasserbroek, C. (2009). Communication Sciences Student Survival Guide. Clifton Park: Cengage Learning.
VARK. (2011). Read/Write Study Strategies. Web.