Do you know how you learn better?

It´s been a while since I´ve been thinking about this topic. It really puzzles me the thought that we´ve all been born absolutely unique and it is a fact that no two brains are the same, and yet, very little is explored about this uniqueness and its potential.

For a couple of years now I´ve been asking people if they knew how they learnt better… and it has been very interesting to witness most people's reactions as it seems they had never been asked before.

And I must admit that until not that long ago, I hadn't gone into this topic deep enough myself despite being in the language learning and teaching field for 20 years… And that just seems crazy!

I knew about different learning styles and multiple intelligences to take them into account and incorporate them into my planning. But to actually really reflect on me as a learner throughout my life and try to make connections, discover learning patterns and what has helped me learn and what hasn´t is a different story.

And what's more, to have a conversation about it with people learning a foreign language… That has been truly revealing.

Because understanding what works for you and what doesn’t is key to efficient learning.

Let's look at it a bit closer. I find it fascinating to observe how different people come up with different ideas on how they are going to work on something that they need to consolidate. 

Some may say they will do a piece of writing, others will think of examples and send them to me through audios, and others may make posters and stick them somewhere highly visible. Yet others may want to watch something where those words are being used so the context is very clear… 

As you can see, options are endless and it does not matter which one you choose. However, what matters is that you reflect on whether it has helped you or not and keep doing more of what motivates you.

So, getting to discover our personal learning patterns and being able to own our individual learning processes becomes a much more empowering experience. 

Then… How something which seems obvious goes so unnoticed?

Well, I suspect that it all starts when we are little and we are told how to learn things in a one-size-fits-all kind of environment. Generally, little or hardly any time is spent into raising awareness and allowing the development of personal insights into how each of us actually learn better.

Fortunately, there is an increasing awareness, understanding and knowledge about the uniqueness of our brains and how to maximise a learner´s potential.

So, do you prefer using pictures? Sounds? Do you need to write things down? Are you a logical learner who enjoys systems? Do you learn better on your own or in a group?

For example, if I want to memorise something I know I need to write it down with my own writing and develop my own outlines and reasoning. It is essential for me to visualise the piece of paper with my own writing and then explain it to someone else. This helps me integrate it better. I also know that I prefer learning alone and then consolidate with others.

So,  do you know how you learn better? Maybe you can think about this a bit deeper… 

You could pick any topic, it doesn’t have to be a language. Can you see any recurrent or predominant themes?                                             

As always, I look forward to hearing your responses. Click here to get in touch.

Happy learning,

Cristina