“Learning Styles refer to a range of competing and contested theories that aim to account for differences in individuals’ learning. Many theories share the proposition that humans can be classified according to their ‘style’ of learning, but differ in how the proposed styles should be defined, categorized and assessed. A common concept is that individuals differ in how they learn.” Wikipedia
It would be wishful thinking for you as an Entrepreneur to assume that there won’t be a few bumps on the road to success. It has been widely accepted that a few times challenges would come.
One particular thing every successful person would say is that, in their different trades or businesses they’ve had time to learn and unlearn certain things and a large number of those lessons come from the failures they’ve encountered.
Each failure is a learning experience and each learning experience is a strategic investment in your business’ productivity and profitability. It is therefore important to learn from your failures because the business strategies you develop during times like that will not only be unique to your business goals, but also your vision for the company and its mission.
But as humans we have different ways of learning, you may have discovered your unique learning styles and how to best approach information and data.
For those who have or have not identified their learning style, applying the way you learn to how you approach your business is one of the smartest things to grow and increase your business.
Lets now look at the seven (7) typical learning styles and how to take advantage of them to improve your business.
1. Visual
Visual or spatial learners are the epitome of “see, then do.” They need to be able to see a visual image of something before they can understand it.
These sets of people are the ones that prefer to have a visual representation of what they are learning i.e they understand more by seeing pictorial representation or something appealing to their eyes. A lot of tutors or teachers use this style to teach children because they are more responsive to what they can see, not something abstract or imaginary.
These sets of people find it more easier to say phrases like “show me” or “let me see” or “let’s have a look at it”.
Some of them might prefer to have presentations or even designed prototypes of what they need to see.
2. Aural
Aural or auditory learners retain knowledge best through sound and music. They best understand things if they can hear it explained out loud, or if they can use mnemonic devices to help them remember.
These sets of people are the ones who would prefer people talking to them directly.
Aural learners are the ones you’ll see wearing headphones to listen to music while they work. It helps them concentrate and stay focused instead of distracting them. Some of them would even turn to music to calm themselves down enough to think or handle things that are very important.
3. Verbal
Verbal or linguistic learners need word-based methods of learning, particularly spoken or written. They do well when they can recite things aloud in order to better retain what they’re learning, or if they can write out notes themselves.
Those in this category would prefer to recite the things they are doing out loud whilst doing it or to make sure they stay focused and concentrated enough.
People like this are usually good in conversations and would do well in jobs that require a lot of speaking.
4. Physical (kinesthetic)
Physical or tactile learners are people who learn best through touching or feeling, which makes them well suited to jobs that require construction or physical creation.
People in this category prefer to use phrases like; let me try it out and so on. Most of them feel more comfortable when they’re doing something by themselves or with their hands.
5. Logical
Logical or mathematical learners typically excel at learning that involves math, calculations, and systems. People like this would not favour doing things without a laid down procedure or pattern. They would prefer to do things in a particular way not doing things that involves thinking outside the box.
6. Social
Social or interpersonal learners are people who perform best when they’re surrounded by others. They love group assignments, getting together for brainstorms, and being sociable with clients and colleagues.
These set of people would not always love to work solo i.e work alone.
They are also good at role-playing exercises in the workplace.
7. Solitary
Solitary or intrapersonal learners are the clear opposite of the social group of people. They prefer to be alone, without any distractions or impediments to their learning process.
These sets of people prefer to learn alone and their personal values have a heavy influence on their goals. People like this might also prefer to have a quiet place to think and might not be properly motivated to work when they’re too many people around.
Now that you’ve learned about the different learning styles, it is then important that you identify your own style(s). Yours might be just one or a combination of different ones. Once you’ve identified what style(s) works best for you, the next thing is to understand it and put to practice ways that are more comfortable for you.
For example, if your style is the aural learning style, you can put together your best songs in playlists so you can function and work effectively and efficiently. Or if you’re a visual person, you can put together presentations for clients or even for yourself to better understand what you want and need to do.
You can also check out the updated business tips page for amazing business tips and if you are also thinking of starting a business you can check out the business ideas page for business ideas in agriculture, trading and so on.
