Imagine How
World Would Change By Knowing What Type of Learner You ArePresident John Kennedy was a reader and writer. President Lyndon Johnson was a listener. President Johnson didn't do well as he could in White House because he thought he had to follow Kennedy’s way of learning and absorb everything through writing. As well written as those reports were, he couldn't comprehend them as well as Kennedy. It wasn't until many years after White House that Johnson learned what type of learner he was. Now, all we can do is think of possibilities of how different United States would be right now if he learned sooner.
Eisenhower was a reader and writer. During war, Eisenhower insisted that all questions be presented in writing prior to each press event. His press events, outstanding and memorable because of his ability to process in writing, opened his path to Washington. In Washington, Eisenhower, now required to be a listener and respond on spot, found it very difficult to learn and think. This limitation did affect his decision making, thus world’s progress, and especially America’s success. His country no longer had full benefit of his evolutionary learning – his brilliance.
Our school system teaches by listening and reading and not writing. This is why many writers’ in high school and college do poorly in lecture-type classes. When required to test based on lecture they usually receive an inadequate grade for their level. When allowed to read and submit a report, they flourish. When allowed to process information in writing they add to classroom conversations in outstanding ways. Many times moving information in evolutionary new ways or depths. Writers need to design their study through writing process. Writer’s learn and perform by writing not listening.
What type of learner are you? Your child? Significant other? Customers you attract? How does this affect how they learn from you, how they process, and how they succeed?
The way they learn affects them in everything they do in their life and yours.
For instance, are you an entrepreneur? Today, it is popular for entrepreneurs to deliver their information through teleclasses and teleseminars. I know, I'm a certified teleclass leader, and offer these regularly.
Most individuals who attend these events learn best through listening. The majority of attendees are listeners. Does this mean that readers/writers aren't able to learn through this manner? Not, necessarily. Their success does depend on leader and event’s structure.
If you are a reader/writer and you are registering for a teleseminar – 98% listening design – then you will need pre- session prep notes, a recording of session, and to set aside additional time to process information in writing afterwards in order to maximize your learning. The leader needs to all writing time, exercises, during session. The event needs to provide preparation and follow up materials, such as notes. And encourage continued processing through writing afterwards. An important skill required for leaders of both learners is learning delicate balance between giving space for writing and not letting listeners fall zone out.
