Unveiling Your Learning Style: A Guide to the Four Learning Types (and more)

wearebecomemedia
Mar 22, 2024
5 min read

Updated: May 28

Ever felt like you're banging your head against a wall trying to learn something new, while others seem to pick it up effortlessly? Or perhaps you've been in a corporate training session that felt utterly irrelevant to how you actually learn?

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to absorbing information. We each have a unique "learning superpower" – a preferred way our brains make connections and retain knowledge. At Become., we believe in a "choose your own adventure" approach to learning, providing accessible media that speaks to diverse styles.

Understanding your individual learning style can be a game-changer for your professional growth, whether you're building a freelance empire, launching a startup, or shaking up the corporate status quo. Let's dive into the core learning styles and how you can leverage them to truly unlock your potential.

Become. Media Learning Styles Auditory, Visual, Kinesthetic, Reading/Writing, Social, Solio

The answer lies in individual learning styles. Understanding your preferred way of absorbing information can revolutionize your learning experience and unlock your full potential.

The Six Primary Learning Styles: Finding Your Core Mode

Think of these as your default settings for learning. Identifying yours is the first step to optimizing your approach.

Auditory Learners: "I hear and I understand."
- Strengths: You thrive in environments where information is spoken, discussed, or heard. Lectures, podcasts, and verbal instructions resonate deeply. You're great at remembering what's said in meetings.
- Learning Strategies for Professionals:
  - Record client calls or team meetings (with permission!): Re-listening can help solidify details and strategies.
  - Engage in active discussions: Participate in brainstorming sessions, ask questions, and explain concepts aloud to peers or mentors.
  - Leverage audio content: Tune into industry podcasts, audiobooks, or online courses with strong audio components during commutes or downtime.
  - Narrate your thoughts: Talk through new ideas or problem-solving steps out loud to organize your thinking.
Visual Learners: "Seeing is believing."
- Strengths: You process information best when it's presented visually – through images, diagrams, charts, videos, and written materials with illustrations. You remember presentations vividly.
- Learning Strategies for Professionals:
  - Create mind maps and flowcharts: Visualize project workflows, business strategies, or complex concepts.
  - Utilize visual aids in your own work: When presenting ideas, use compelling slides, infographics, or even sketches.
  - Watch educational videos and tutorials: Platforms like YouTube, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning are goldmines for visual learners.
  - Take visual notes: Incorporate symbols, colors, and diagrams into your note-taking for meetings or learning sessions.
Kinesthetic Learners: "Learning by doing."
- Strengths: You learn through movement, hands-on activities, and practical experience. You excel in workshops, simulations, and real-world application. Theory comes alive when you can interact with it.
- Learning Strategies for Professionals:
  - Embrace pilot projects and prototypes: Don't just plan, do. Get hands-on with new software, processes, or business models.
  - Role-play scenarios: Practice sales pitches, difficult conversations, or negotiation tactics to internalize them.
  - Take active breaks: Incorporate short walks or movement into your study or work sessions to maintain focus.
  - Build physical models or use manipulatives: For abstract concepts, can you create a tangible representation?
Reading/Writing Learners: "The written word is my gateway to knowledge."
- Strengths: You thrive on written information. Reading articles, reports, and books, and then processing that information through detailed note-taking, summarizing, or writing essays is your sweet spot.
- Learning Strategies for Professionals:
  - Read industry whitepapers, reports, and books: Stay current on trends and in-depth knowledge.
  - Take comprehensive notes: Actively summarize and rephrase information in your own words.
  - Journal your insights: Writing about your learning experiences can deepen understanding and retention.
  - Create internal documentation: The process of writing guides or policies can be a powerful learning tool.
An early days reading/writing learner

Beyond the Core: Environmental and Cognitive Layers

Once you've identified your primary mode, consider these additional layers that influence your optimal learning environment and cognitive approach.

Social Learners: "Together we learn and grow."
- Strengths: You thrive in collaborative settings, group discussions, and peer feedback. Bouncing ideas off others and learning from diverse perspectives supercharges your understanding.
- Learning Strategies for Professionals:
  - Form mastermind groups or accountability partners: Discuss challenges, share insights, and learn collectively.
  - Participate actively in online communities: Engage in forums, LinkedIn groups, or Slack channels related to your field.
  - Mentor or be mentored: Teaching others is a powerful way to solidify your own knowledge, and learning from experienced individuals provides invaluable insights.
  - Collaborate on projects: Seek out opportunities to work with others on tasks that require shared problem-solving.
Solo Learners: "I learn best independently."
- Strengths: You prefer to study and process information on your own, often in quiet, focused environments. Self-directed learning and deep dives into subjects are where you excel.
- Learning Strategies for Professionals:
  - Designate a distraction-free workspace: Minimize interruptions for deep work and focused learning.
  - Set individual learning goals: Take ownership of your professional development path.
  - Utilize self-paced online courses and tutorials: Platforms offering flexibility in learning tempo are ideal.
  - Schedule dedicated "deep learning" blocks: Block out time in your calendar specifically for focused skill development or research.

Two more powerful cognitive preferences to consider:

Logical Learners: You gravitate towards problem-solving, step-by-step instructions, and understanding cause-and-effect. You excel at analytical thinking and data-driven insights. For you, breaking down complex issues into logical sequences is key.
Verbal Learners: You are articulate and enjoy using language – both spoken and written – to communicate and learn. Debates, presentations, and storytelling are powerful tools for you. You often connect concepts through their linguistic expression.

Revolutionize Your Professional Growth

It's crucial to remember that most people are a blend of these styles, often with one or two dominant preferences. Identifying your unique mix can profoundly impact your professional journey:

Choose Effective Professional Development Strategies:
- Visual learners: Curate a library of infographics, create concept maps for new strategies, or follow visual content creators in your industry.
- Auditory learners: Subscribe to leading industry podcasts, attend webinars with Q&A sessions, or join online discussion groups.
- Kinesthetic learners: Volunteer for hands-on projects, participate in interactive workshops, or build prototypes of new ideas.
- Reading/Writing learners: Devour industry research papers, write articles or blog posts sharing your expertise, or keep a detailed professional journal.
- Social learners: Actively network, join industry associations, and participate in collaborative online courses.
- Solo learners: Dedicate specific time for independent study, explore in-depth online resources, and master self-paced certification programs.
Communicate Your Needs in Professional Settings: Don't be afraid to voice your preferences. "I process information better if I can see it," or "Could we schedule a quick call to talk this through?" can make a huge difference in your comprehension and engagement. For corporate rebels, this means advocating for more diverse training formats.
Embrace Different Learning Experiences: While leaning into your strengths is efficient, challenging yourself with new formats can broaden your skillset and adaptability. A visual learner might benefit from actively listening to a podcast, or a solo learner might gain new perspectives from a collaborative brainstorming session. This adaptability is key for freelancers and entrepreneurs navigating ever-changing landscapes.

At Become., we're committed to providing media that caters to your adventure in learning. By understanding your unique learning style, you're not just learning better – you're building a more effective, confident, and successful professional self. What's your superpower?

What's your dominant learning style?