Understanding Learning Styles: A Journey into My Father’s Mind
As I’ve spent more time with my father, I’ve become increasingly aware of the distinct ways we process and interpret information. Although our relationship is strong—he’s not just my father but one of my closest friends—I sometimes find it challenging to watch him grapple with concepts that I navigate more easily.
At 85 years old, my father is in good health, yet he exhibits certain traits that have remained consistent throughout his life. As he embarks on a new learning journey, particularly in a virtual classroom setting, I’m left pondering the significance of these traits and how they shape his understanding of the world.
Challenges in Conceptual Learning
My father faces a variety of hurdles when it comes to abstract thought and theoretical discussions. Here are some of the challenges he experiences:
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Phonetic Overreliance: He often struggles to break down sounds in words, heavily leaning on phonetic pronunciations without being aware of it.
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Conversational Engagement: In discussions spanning legal or medical topics, he tends to lean on familiar clichés rather than articulating his own thoughts in real-time, which can marginalize him in conversations.
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Cognitive Load: I’ve noticed that he frequently closes his eyes while speaking, which indicates his difficulty in aligning his thoughts with his speech simultaneously.
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“Word Salad” Lectures: During conversations, he occasionally rambles, presenting a disjointed array of ideas that rely on others’ patience for him to feel included.
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Memory Lapses: Forgetfulness is another notable issue; losing items or muddling names has become a frequent occurrence.
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Conceptual Inaccuracy: Today, for instance, he mentioned having “scoliosis” in his knee. After some back and forth—we discovered it was actually Scheuermann’s disease—he seemed confused yet satisfied to feel like he had contributed to the discussion.
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Vulnerability to Misinformation: He exhibits difficulty discerning accurate information and can easily be led astray by others.
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Technological Challenges: Even basic computer prompts can be perplexing for him. For example, if the computer asks if he wants to replace a file, it may take me considerable time to clarify the options, often needing to simplify the technology’s intentions.
Recognizing the Upsides
However, it’s important to highlight the positive aspects of my father’s cognitive style, which shines in practical settings:
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Practical Problem-Solving: He excels at finding hands-on solutions. His former careers include graphic artist, underwater photographer, and gardener, where he created intricate landscapes and structures.
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Intuitive Learner: During a diving course, he struggled with theoretical elements, but once in the water, he excelled while others floundered with the academic concepts.
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Artistic Talent: His artistic abilities are remarkable, displaying a keen eye for visual aesthetics.
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Grounded Approach: When brainstorming plans—even for something as festive as Christmas—he brings a calming simplicity to the chaos of abstract ideas, focusing on the essential instead.
As I contemplate these characteristics, I appreciate the unique way my father’s brain processes information. While I lean toward theoretical frameworks, he embodies the practical knowing that often comes with experience. I speculate that my father may possess traits aligned with divergent thinking or artistic intelligence, but I’m eager for feedback from others.
Thank you for joining me on this journey as I seek to understand the fascinating enigma that is my father. Your thoughts and insights on this topic would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and personal observation about your father’s learning style and cognitive processing. Your insights into both his struggles and strengths provide valuable context in understanding how different brains work, particularly in relation to theory versus practical learning styles.
Understanding Learning Styles
Theoretical vs. Practical Learning:
Theoretical Learners: They tend to excel in abstract thinking and enjoy engaging with concepts and ideas. They often process information through logical reasoning and enjoy discussions that require critical thinking and analysis. For them, understanding the “why” behind processes is crucial.
Practical Learners: These individuals prefer hands-on experiences. They learn best through practice, experimentation, and application of knowledge rather than through theoretical concepts. They often excel in situations where they can directly engage with material and see its real-world applications.
What Traits May Indicate
Based on the traits you’ve detailed, your father seems to fit more into the practical learning style. His struggles with theoretical concepts, abstract reasoning, and technology are often hallmarks of a brain that operates more effectively in tangible, real-world contexts. This does not imply a deficiency, rather it’s a different way of processing information that might be less aligned with traditional academic or abstract learning paradigms.
Here’s how some of his traits could be understood:
Struggles with Abstract Language: His reliance on phonetic pronunciations and tendency to revert to familiar tropes can stem from a cognitive preference for concrete information. Abstract terms may not resonate as strongly with him, making it difficult to engage in those types of discussions.
Visual and Practical Strengths: His success in visually-driven roles and ability to find practical solutions highlights the strengths of practical learners. Many people in creative or tactile professions may excel in visual arts and hands-on tasks rather than abstract reasoning.
Forgetfulness and Discrepancies: These could reflect his mind’s focus on practical details instead of theoretical frameworks. This focus can make it challenging to retain abstract concepts or apply them consistently in conversations.
Practical Suggestions for Support
Understanding your father’s learning style can help you support him in navigating new learning experiences, especially as he engages with technology and abstract concepts:
Use Concrete Examples: When explaining abstract ideas, try to anchor them in tangible examples. For instance, if discussing a technical concept, draw parallels to his experiences, such as comparing a computer’s functionality to a physical tool he’s familiar with.
Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams, charts, or even simple drawings to convey information. Visual representations often resonate better with practical learners and can help bridge the comprehension gap.
Segment Information: Break down concepts into smaller, digestible pieces. Instead of overwhelming him with an entire theory, introduce one idea at a time and relate it back to something practical he understands.
Encourage Hands-On Practice: Facilitate opportunities for him to learn through doing. If he’s taking a zoom class, see if there’s a way he can practice the skills in a low-stakes environment before applying them in the class.
Support Emotional Engagement: Try to cultivate environments where he feels emotionally connected to the material. This could involve discussing how the new skill can enhance his hobbies or interests, making the learning experience more meaningful.
Patience and Reassurance: As he navigates new skills—especially with technology—patience is key. Reassure him that struggling with abstract concepts is common and that many practical learners find themselves in similar situations.
Conclusion
In summary, your father’s learning style is indicative of a practical and solution-oriented brain, which can sometimes feel at odds with environments that emphasize theoretical understanding. By embracing this perspective and tailoring communication and learning strategies to his strengths, you can help him feel more comfortable and confident as he explores new skills. It’s also essential to celebrate those strengths, emphasizing the unique value that his practical approach brings to problem-solving and creativity. Your journey to understand him better will undoubtedly foster deeper communication and connection, which is a beautiful mission in itself.