Understanding the Differences in Learning Styles: A Personal Reflection on Theory vs. Practice
As we navigate through life, we often discover that each of us possesses a unique way of processing information. This realization has become particularly pronounced for me as I observe the distinct learning styles between my father and myself. While we share a wonderful bond—he is not only my dad but also one of my closest friends—I often find myself reflecting on how differently we approach and understand information.
At 85 years old, my father enjoys good health, yet he has exhibited certain traits throughout his life that continue to spark my curiosity. I’m particularly dedicated to understanding these traits, especially as he embarks on learning a new skill and faces challenges in grasping theoretical concepts during online classes.
Challenges in Processing Information
Here are some of the traits that indicate his struggle with abstract reasoning:
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Phonetic Reliance: My father often finds it difficult to differentiate sounds from words and sometimes leans heavily on phonetic pronunciations without realizing it.
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Struggles in Theoretical Conversations: He has a tough time keeping pace with discussions that involve legal, medical, or philosophical concepts. In such scenarios, he tends to revert to familiar clichés to maintain a sense of belonging in the conversation, rather than articulating his own thoughts.
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Mental Multitasking: In conversations, he frequently closes his eyes as he speaks. This seems to be a strategy to help him hold onto his thoughts while he communicates, which can be quite challenging for him.
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Dependence on Others: He often relies on family members to endure his “word salad lectures,” where he might meander through topics in a way that makes little sense, all in an effort to feel included.
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Memory Lapses: Forgetfulness is common for him; he may misplace objects, forget names, or even create new ones.
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Conceptual Inaccuracy: My father rarely focuses on conceptual accuracy. For instance, the other day he confused scoliosis—a spinal condition—with issues related to his knees. Despite having dealt with these health concerns for years, he still struggles to connect the dots.
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Easily Misled: He often finds it difficult to discern accurate information from what people say, making him susceptible to misunderstandings.
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Tech Troubles: Technology poses another challenge. He might struggle with basic prompts on his computer. For instance, if a dialog box asks if he wants to replace an existing file, I find myself needing to explain this for a long time. Sometimes, I have to personify the computer to help bridge the gap in understanding.
Strengths and Abilities
In addition to these challenges, my father also has many strengths that reflect his practical learning style:
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Pragmatic Problem Solver: He has a knack for tackling challenges in a hands-on manner, demonstrated through various professions such as a graphic artist (before the tech age), underwater photographer, and gardener. His ability to create elaborate garden designs and even a rock wall with a water feature showcases this talent.
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Natural Instinct in Practical Scenarios: He once shared how he struggled with theoretical aspects of a diving course but intuitively knew what to do when he hit the water, while others around him floundered in their understanding.
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Artistic Excellence: An impressive visual artist, his ability to translate concepts into tangible artwork is exceptional and speaks to his practical mindset.
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Grounded Approach: When it comes to making plans—like how we should celebrate Christmas—he excels in keeping things straightforward, which is a refreshing contrast to my tendency to get swept away by abstract ideas.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate your engagement in my journey to understand the enigma that is my father. I have my own theories about his learning style, speculating that he may simply be an artistic individual with Specific Cognitive Traits (SCT) or Conceptual Processing Disorders (CPD). However, I would love to hear your thoughts or any insights you might have on this intriguing topic.
Understanding the differences between theory and practical learning styles can offer valuable insights into how individuals process information, especially when observing traits in someone like your father. Indeed, the contrast between theoretical and practical approaches can reveal much about cognitive functioning, preferences, and capacities unique to individuals.
Theoretical vs. Practical Learning Styles:
Considering your father’s traits, it’s apparent he leans towards a practical learning style. His ability to adapt quickly in real-world situations, such as underwater photography or gardening, highlights his strengths in applying skills rather than conceptualizing them abstractly. This practical orientation might be a pivotal factor in understanding how he engages with new information, such as during his Zoom classes.
As individuals age, cognitive processing can change. Many, like your father, exhibit a slower pace in processing abstract information, which may influence how they communicate and comprehend complex theories. His struggles with concepts, forgetfulness, and reliance on familiar tropes could suggest a more significant cognitive load when trying to “keep up” with theoretical conversations.
Understanding that older adults may process information differently can be beneficial. Not only does it help in framing conversations more effectively with him, but your awareness allows for adapting teaching styles to meet his specific needs.
Your father’s mix of strengths and struggles may also point toward neurodiversity, a term that encompasses various cognitive styles and learning abilities. Conditions like Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or even Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in older adults can lead to challenges in abstraction or working memory. While you mentioned he could be artistic with traits linked to SCT (Sluggish Cognitive Tempo) or CDS (Cognitive Discomfort Syndrome), it is essential to remember these are merely theories without formal diagnosis. Consulting with a professional could help provide clarity.
Practical Advice on Learning Support:
Concrete Examples: When he is learning a new skill, especially if it’s theory-heavy, ground the lessons in tangible experiences. For instance, if he’s learning about concepts in gardening, pair these discussions with hands-on projects. This will allow him to see the application of theoretical ideas in a practical context.
Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids such as infographics or diagrams to represent information graphically, which may help him retain and recall relevant concepts better.
Chunking Information: Break down lessons into smaller, manageable segments. This technique reduces cognitive overload and can lead to better retention of ideas. Discuss one small topic at a time and encourage him to apply that before moving on.
Communicative Patience: During discussions, provide a supportive environment where he can express thoughts without feeling rushed. Encourage storytelling rather than strict accuracy in language; this can enhance his confidence when sharing ideas.
Leverage Strengths: Use his artistic talents, perhaps by engaging in creative projects that allow him to express theoretical concepts visually. This approach marries his strengths with learning, fostering an environment where he feels competent and engaged.
Your insights into your father’s cognitive processing are commendable and reflect a strong desire to connect and understand him better. By recognizing how he processes information and adapting to his learning style, you can support him more effectively in embracing new challenges while celebrating his undeniable strengths.