Learning, empowering and why

As someone who came into tech with the RTFM generation (which I’ve always hated), I’ve been thinking about how people learn and if we’re successfully empowering people with learning or just doing what comes naturally to us.  If you create learning content, have you ever determined how you learn?  The way you learn likely changes the way you create learning opportunities for others.  I want to jump in and look at the ways people learn and explore the current education situation.  There seem to be a lot more certified people these days and that’s likely a measure of the quality and diversity of education available.  I know for me this is accurate. Being able to learn anything in the way I choose was beyond imagination just a few years ago. I use a variety of sources for learning and each one has a different use case, but they all contribute to my overall success.

Since I was thinking about learning styles, I decided to compile a list. This list isn’t inclusive, but it’s got a solid frame to help you explore your fit and maybe a few styles you had no idea existed. 

Learning Styles

1. Visual learners: These individuals learn best through visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, charts, and videos. They tend to remember information better when it is presented in a visual format.

2. Auditory learners: These individuals learn best through sound and music. They tend to remember information better when it is presented orally, through lectures, discussions, or audio recordings.

3. Kinesthetic learners: These individuals learn best through hands-on experiences and practical activities. They tend to remember information better when they are actively involved in the learning process, such as through experiments, simulations, or role-playing.

4. Tactile learners: These individuals learn best through touch and hands-on activities. They tend to remember information better when they are handling objects, writing, or engaging in other tactile activities.

5. Gestalt learners: Gestalt learners tend to focus on the overall pattern, structure, and relationships between elements, rather than individual details.

6. Sequential learners: These individuals learn best through a step-by-step approach, where information is presented in a logical and sequential manner.

7. Global learners: These individuals learn best through a holistic approach, where they are presented with the big picture and then break it down into smaller components.

8. Analytical learners: These individuals learn best through analysis and breaking down information into smaller parts. They tend to focus on the details and may get overwhelmed by too much information at once.

9. Holistic learners: These individuals learn best through a holistic approach, where they are presented with the big picture and then explore the details.

10. Synesthetic learners: These individuals learn best through a combination of senses, such as seeing and hearing, or tasting and smelling.

11. Verbal learners: These individuals learn best through spoken language and written text.

12. Non-verbal learners: These individuals learn best through non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.

13. Reflective learners: These individuals learn best through reflection and self-reflection, and may benefit from journaling, self-assessment, and other reflective activities.

14. Impulsive learners: These individuals learn best through immediate, hands-on experiences and may get frustrated with slow or theoretical learning approaches.

It's worth noting that these learning styles are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may exhibit traits from multiple styles. A spectrum of styles to get to an optimal flow seems like a good descriptor. Additionally, learning styles can evolve and change over time as individuals develop and grow.  The biggest thing to get out of this is creating one learning path and expecting it to work optimally for everyone isn’t going to happen.  Knowing that can help a lot when you get feedback from content consumers.

Throwing in a twist I want to apply this to people on the Autism Spectrum.  As most people are aware the Spectrum isn’t a linear scope but a general area where there are different tunings.  Less like a gradient from right to left and more like a mixing board with almost infinite tunings. 

Keep in mind that while learning styles can be a useful tool for understanding individual differences, they are not a definitive or universally accepted concept.

While every individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unique, research suggests that many autistic individuals tend to prefer a specific learning style. Here's some of the more common ones.

1. Visual learning: Many autistic individuals tend to be visual learners, meaning they learn best through visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, charts, and videos. Visual learning is often preferred because it allows them to process information more efficiently and accurately.

2. Systematic and sequential learning: Autistic individuals often prefer learning through systematic and sequential processes, which involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach helps them understand and retain information better.

3. Hands-on and practical learning: Many autistic individuals learn best through hands-on activities, simulations, and practical exercises. This approach allows them to engage their senses and understand complex concepts more effectively.

4. Pattern recognition and organization: Autistic individuals often have exceptional abilities in pattern recognition and organization, which can help them learn and remember information more effectively.

5. Repetition and routine: Autistic individuals often thrive on repetition and routine, which can help them feel more comfortable and secure in their learning environment.

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that:

·       70% of participants with ASD preferred visual learning.

·       60% preferred hands-on and practical learning.

·       50% preferred systematic and sequential learning.

·       40% preferred pattern recognition and organization.

Another study published in the Journal of Autism Research found that:

·       80% of participants with ASD reported preferring visual learning.

·       60% reported preferring hands-on and practical learning.

·       40% reported preferring repetition and routine.

Gestalt Learning

While searching to see if there is a dominant learning style for individuals located on the spectrum, research suggests that a significant proportion of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may exhibit Gestalt learning characteristics. This can be manifested by:

1. Visual processing: Many studies have found that individuals with ASD tend to process visual information more effectively than auditory or kinesthetic information. This visual processing skill is a hallmark of Gestalt learning.

2. Pattern recognition: Individuals with ASD often have exceptional abilities in pattern recognition, which is a key feature of Gestalt learning.

3. Attention to detail: Autistic individuals tend to focus on details and may have a strong attention to detail, which is also a characteristic of Gestalt learners.

4. Holistic thinking: Some research suggests that individuals with ASD may have a holistic thinking style, considering the big picture and relationships between components, which is a common trait among Gestalt learners.

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that:

• 75% of participants with ASD exhibited Gestalt learning characteristics, such as visual processing and pattern recognition.
• 60% of participants with ASD demonstrated strong attention to detail and holistic thinking.

Another study published in the Journal of Autism Research found that:

• 80% of participants with ASD showed significant strengths in visual processing and pattern recognition, which are typical Gestalt learning skills.

While these findings suggest that many individuals with ASD may exhibit Gestalt learning characteristics, it's essential to note that:

 Not all individuals with ASD will exhibit Gestalt learning traits.

 Gestalt learning is not exclusive to individuals with ASD; anyone can exhibit Gestalt learning characteristics.

 Individuals with ASD may have diverse learning styles and preferences, and Gestalt learning may not be the dominant learning style for everyone.

While there is no conclusive evidence that all autistic individuals are Gestalt learners, research suggests that a significant proportion of individuals with ASD may exhibit Gestalt learning characteristics, such as visual processing, pattern recognition, attention to detail, and holistic thinking. A Gestalt learner is a type of learner who processes information and learns in a holistic, visual, and pattern-based manner. The term "Gestalt" comes from the German word for "form" or "shape," and it refers to the idea that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

 If you're creating educational material for people that might be gestalt learners consider using: 

·       Visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and illustrations

·       Storytelling and narrative approaches to learning

·       Learning through simulations, role-playing, and hands-on activities

·       Interactive and collaborative learning environments

·       Opportunities for reflection and self-directed learning

It's worth noting that not everyone learns in a Gestalt manner, and individuals may exhibit a combination of learning styles. By recognizing and accommodating different learning styles, educators and trainers can provide more effective and engaging learning experiences for a diverse range of learners. This is a tricky learning style as it tends to go in the reverse of the typical strategies so thinking about it might be the first steps to figuring out how to incorporate it.