Personal Learning Stlyes

Personal learning styles are highly complex and unique to specific individuals. It is often difficult to pinpoint an exact learning style. Though there are different categories, we often fine tune them to our own abilities. By examining our traits and tendencies we create a clearer understanding of how we process and learn information. With careful review, I have developed a specific analysis of my learning characteristics, including an evaluation of skill levels. Based on what I have recently learned and know from experience, I have also devised a structured plan for improvement of time management and study skills.

From a very young age, writing has been a passion of mine. Through writing I have developed an understanding of my personality and learning capabilities. One of the main components to my personal learning style is the necessity of writing. I have a strong need and urge to write everything down. While some students learn well in a lecture environment, extensive note taking is often required for me to retain any information. Written notes also correspond with the visualization and tactile elements of my learning abilities. Having something tangible at my disposure is the easiest way for my personality to respond to the material.

According to my score on the "Pathways to Learning" (Carter, Bishop, Kravits, 2002) assessment, I am highly developed in the Intrapersonal Intelligence. Both my written and visual tendencies, I believe, trace back to this underlying personality trait. As a child, I was extremely shy and very independent. Working in a group setting was completely undesirable for me; as I would much rather work on my own. With an introverted personality, I understand my need for independent thinking. I am only able to concentrate in quite, personalized settings because of easy distractions.

Similarly, organization is a key element to my unique learning style. After taking the "Personality Spectrum" (Carter, Bishop, Kravits, 2002) assessment, I have become even more aware of my compatibility with structured learning environments. In class, I need information to be presented in an easy but detailed fashion. I prefer outlines style formats over summaries of information. It is also essential that I know what is expected with academics and assignments. This knowledge insures confidence in my academic ability and allows me to set extra goals when needed.

With respect to my stronger skills, there are still underdeveloped areas of learning which I would like to improve on. Reading, for example, is my biggest struggle. I have a significant amount of trouble remembering and comprehending what I read. This has ultimately caused my lack of interest in this type of learning. I also struggle with lecture style environments, which is again due to my deficient ability to retain information in this type of setting.

While my new found academic goals reflect my desire for personal achievement, I also realize my need for a structured plan of success based on my individual personality. I have been unsuccessful in the past, due to my lack of proper time management and a strong tendency toward procrastination. I always thought I would work better under pressure to