1.1 Learning Preferences Survey Results

1.1 Learning Preferences Survey Results

Concrete-Random

Concrete-Random (CR) learners or learners who share some of these traits are unique! Boredom and restricted ways of doing things are recipes for disaster for CR learners. They do not like having their independence restricted. These very hands-on learners often have very innovative and creative ideas about improving the world and the quality of life for those around them at school, at work, or at home. Concrete-Random learners sometimes need good reasons to stay motivated with schoolwork, such as a career goal or personal goal and not simply a threat of punishment or criticism for breaking the rules! Concrete-Random thinkers sometimes have difficulty staying within the rules (especially in school), but this is not out of disobedience as much as it is about following their own inner "tunes". Concrete- Random learners work well with guidelines, support, and alternatives.

Suggestions for this Alberta Distance Learning Centre course

• Concrete-Random thinkers are very creative and very capable of amazing work, but they need to have the freedom to do things their way, with only a small intrusion of guidance.
• While you are doing your schoolwork, try to have someone on whom you can rely to keep you on track with due dates, time management, and clarification of questions about the work. This might be a teacher, parent, guardian, relative, counselor, facilitator, or job mentor.
• Key areas to ask for help in English 20-2 are writing assignments. Calling for guidelines, support, and alternatives before starting large writing assignments is advantageous. If you share the traits of Concrete-Random learners, having a good idea of how an assignment should go beforehand will save you frustration.

Concrete-Sequential

Concrete-Sequential (CS) learners tend to be the most methodical and organized kind of learners. If you like having a schedule for your daily and weekly activities, enjoy routine, and dislike change, you might share traits of concrete-sequential learning preferences. CS learners tend to be very practical and reliable; they like structure in their daily activities, especially schoolwork. CS learners need uncluttered quiet environments in which to work and generally are independent and driven to succeed, even if they are doing something they do not necessarily like. Concrete-Sequential learners are not fans of verbal presentations in school, but they are proficient at them when they have had sufficient time to prepare and are not expected to present without preparation.

Suggestions for this Alberta Distance Learning Centre course

• In English 20-2 that Concrete Sequential or similar learners should contact their teachers for discussion immediately after they receive their materials. Initially, the course appears to require a lot of work, and sometimes knowing where to start is difficult. Teachers can help you set a work schedule of when to complete assignments and help you begin.
• Keep in contact with your teacher regarding the reading list guidelines at the beginning of and throughout the course to ensure that you are reading materials that are most appropriate to your needs.
• Look at the reading for an assignment and make a list of questions that arise in areas you do not understand. Then, contact your teacher to discuss your questions. If an assignment confuses you, contact your teacher for clarification before you begin.
• Call to get help beginning creative assignments. Your teachers might have some ideas and strategies that you can use or adapt.
  

Abstract-Random

Abstract-Random(AR) learners are people-oriented. They are sensitive to the feelings and moods of others, and they can be very caring and affectionate towards family and friends, sometimes putting them before anything else, even school…oops! Sometimes, AR learners need to choose a specific goal for themselves, to gain more "drive" in the right direction. Emphasis on people and relationships makes them flexible and adaptable. This flexible nature means they can juggle priorities effectively while not being isolated socially. Abstract-Random learners love group work and discussion, and they thrive in conversations involving learning topics and lively environments. AR learners tend to be strong in talking and writing as they learn, and often they are creative or artistic. Often internalizing learning personally, they are proficient at creative expression of their thinking. Frequently, AR learners recognize the "big picture" or learning goals in the learning they do. As well, they identify relationships that exist between ideas or concepts in most or all subjects.

Suggestions for this Alberta Distance Learning Centre course

• Take time where more detailed responses are required. If you are not sure about appropriate level of detail, contact your teacher.
• Call your teacher whenever you wish! Teachers are available during office hours specifically to provide clarification or to help when you need it.
• Take more time for the research report and other more technical assignments in the course.
• Talk to your teacher about a specific assignment timeline so your need for flexibility is met and you are aware of the schedule you should keep with your assignments.

Abstract-Sequential

Abstract-Sequential (AS) learners are a distinct minority although sharing traits with other learning styles is common. These very strong learners often perform well in all or most courses. Often, they are self-motivated and curious to explore new concepts or ideas in which they have interest (not always school-related). They enjoy problem-solving and exploring or analyzing issues. AS learners enjoy lectures and question periods as well as debate or discussion, but they do not necessarily work well in groups. Often, they need more time to think about how to respond, and they may be reluctant to say much if they have not had opportunity to think about the topic thoroughly. Carefully thinking about consequences and implications before acting is a strong tendency for AS learners, which means they do best in environments in which they can set their own pace of learning. In school, sometimes AS learners will not begin their work if they feel that they do not have enough time to finish it. In addition, AS learners become bored quickly with repetition and information they have mastered, and they can be unproductive when they are not stimulated by exploration of interesting concepts, facts, or ideas, especially in areas they enjoy.

Suggestions for this Alberta Distance Learning Centre course

• Obtaining a timeline of assignments from your teacher is a good idea, because your teacher can customize this to meet your needs, especially if you require extra time later on.
• Call your instructor to have "check-up" talks, as well as obtain guidance on creative assignments. You may have an area of interest you wish to explore beyond the course materials, and talking to your teacher is a good way to explore options available to you.
• Most teachers teach often because they love to talk about their subject areas. Call your teacher if you would like to debate or discuss a topic of interest in the course!