VIEWPOINTS
ViewPoints on Style in the Learning Process Every person has a style profile. Some of us are very dominant in one or two styles; others have a blended combination of styles. The abbreviated explanation about style types listed below provides a few highlights from each style's dominant perspective.
A Learner with a Realistic Style • needs and enjoys structured situations, clear definitions, specific ways, predictability • likes to work with hands-on projects; does well in standardized testing • pays much attention to time and detail, and often asks for structure or rules • is creative in structured, precise ways—i.e., builds the stage set for the school play. Needs guidance with doing open-ended assignments, developing flexibility, reducing perfectionist needs.
A Learner with an Analytical Style • admires logic, wants expert teachers, loves academics and traditional ways of learning • needs a quiet environment to think and work; works in depth • reads at an early age, usually; likes ideas, debate, logic; excels in standardized testing • is creative in ways that show depth of knowledge, i.e., participates on the debate team with finesse. Needs guidance with nontraditional assignments, seeing others’ points of view, reducing the critical edge.
A Learner with a Pragmatic Style • is a practical problem-solver, finds ways to get things done, wants action • knows how to shortcut details and is fascinated with strategies and technology • loses interest easily in routine work, looks to do things, does best with performancebased assessment • is creative in adaptive ways, i.e., streamlines the way the food drive is run. Needs guidance with in-depth assignments, conceptual work, taking details seriously.
A Learner with a Personal Style • is extremely sensitive to his/her own and other’s feelings; can be physically upset over conflict • is flexible, accepting, and responds easily to the positive aspects in others • does best with others, in cooperative groups, through discussion, writing, and performance assessment • is creative in personal, humanistic, interpretive ways, i.e., excels as a peer helper. Needs guidance with specifically structured assignments, memorizing details and facts, taking things less personally.
A Learner with a Divergent Style • likes to find out-of-the-ordinary answers to problems; does not want to be like everyone else • is a risk-taker in the eyes of others, tries what others do not imagine; challenges adults and peers • enjoys “seeing what will happen if...” • is creative in original, unique, unusual ways, i.e., finds a way to do things against the odds. Needs guidance with structured and detailed assignments, deadlines, seeing how their actions affect others.
Be open to differences. Look for strengths.
When in doubt about meaning, action, or intention, simply suggest, "Tell me more!" Return
