What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to a set of educational and developmental principles and practices aimed at helping individuals develop and apply essential social and emotional skills. It encompasses a range of skills, attitudes, and knowledge that enable individuals to understand and manage their emotions, show empathy and care for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

What Does the Research Say?

The benefits of social and emotional learning (SEL) are well- researched, with evidence demonstrating that an education that promotes SEL yields positive:

https://casel.org

https://apertureed.com/roi-sel-just-might-surprise/

Three-Fold Impact SEL Program from Ezamu.com

1. Technology toolkits for SEL
Inner-Heroes Software with a Self-Reporting Assessment Toolkit.
This toolkit allows a school to collect data that can be used to create a data-driven SEL application for a classroom and aids schools in acquiring end-user data that can be used to measure meaningful outcomes from an SEL application.
SEL Gamification Application using the VR Toolkit. Findings have shown that there is enormous potential for leveraging VR to foster empathy and compassion, core tenants of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
2. Theater and Drama for SEL
This is an On-site, Self-Funded Arts and Theater program for SEL, created by Don Lowery, the founder of True Color Temperament Theory.
This program involves parents and community members, Students, teachers, and administrators.
3. SEL workshops for schools
These are workshops that are conducted by experts in the field of social and emotional learning.

SEL programs typically focus on five core competencies:

  1. Self-Awareness: Recognizing and understanding one’s emotions, strengths, and limitations, as well as having a positive self-image.
  2. Self-Management: Developing the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and practicing skills such as stress management, self-discipline, and impulse control.
  3. Social Awareness: Developing empathy, understanding others’ perspectives and feelings, and appreciating diversity. This competency also includes recognizing social cues and understanding social norms.
  4. Relationship Skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships, including effective communication, active listening, cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
  5. Responsible Decision-Making: Learning to make ethical and constructive choices, considering consequences and the well-being of oneself and others.

SEL is typically integrated into educational settings, including schools and classrooms, but its principles and strategies can also be applied in other contexts, such as families, workplaces, and community organizations. It promotes the development of emotional intelligence, resilience, and social skills, ultimately aiming to improve well-being, academic achievement, and positive social behavior in individuals of all ages.

Why Social Emotional Learning is important for your school

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is important for schools because it promotes the overall well-being and development of students. Here are several reasons why SEL is important for schools:

  1. Emotional well-being: SEL helps students develop emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-management skills. It equips them with the ability to recognize and understand their emotions, regulate their behaviors, and develop healthy coping strategies. This leads to improved emotional well-being and resilience, reducing the risk of mental health issues.
  2. Academic success: Research shows that when students’ social and emotional needs are met, they perform better academically. SEL enhances students’ ability to focus, manage stress, and develop positive relationships with peers and teachers. It also improves their motivation, engagement, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for academic success.
  3. Positive relationships: SEL fosters the development of positive relationships and social skills among students. It teaches them effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, enabling them to build healthy relationships and collaborate with others. These skills are not only essential for school but also for their future personal and professional lives.
  4. Bullying prevention: SEL programs create a positive and inclusive school climate by addressing issues like bullying and discrimination. They promote empathy, respect, and kindness, encouraging students to understand and appreciate diversity. By developing social skills and emotional intelligence, students are more likely to resolve conflicts peacefully and prevent bullying behaviors.
  5. Life skills: SEL equips students with essential life skills that go beyond the academic curriculum. These skills include decision-making, goal setting, problem-solving, resilience, and responsible decision-making. By developing these competencies, students are better prepared to navigate challenges, make positive choices, and succeed in various aspects of life.
  6. Classroom management: Incorporating SEL into the school environment improves classroom management and overall student behavior. When students have strong social and emotional skills, they are better equipped to handle conflicts, manage their emotions, and engage in appropriate behavior. This, in turn, reduces disruptions in the classroom and creates a conducive learning environment for all students.
  7. Long-term success: SEL prepares students for long-term success in their personal and professional lives. The skills they acquire through SEL programs, such as self-awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills, are highly valued by employers and contribute to overall well-being. SEL helps students become responsible, empathetic, and productive members of society.

By incorporating SEL into the school curriculum and environment, educators can help students thrive and prepare them for a successful future. Social Emotional Learning is crucial for schools because it supports students’ emotional well-being, academic success, positive relationships, and life skills development.

EZAMU.COM SEL PROGRAM FOR SCHOOLS

About Inner Heroes Programme

Technology toolkits for SEL

Inner Heroes is an evidence-based and user-friendly Personality System that adds a critical component to social-emotional learning (SEL) that is missing in most programs. Inner Heroes, combined with SEL, promotes learning and skill building through online assessments and programs. It addresses the individual’s natural style of taking in information and making decisions. It demonstrates how each person has their own unique approach to life and how they go about actualizing social-emotional learning. Inner Heroes is based on Psychological and interpersonal personality theories. Four heroes, Thinker, Helper, planner, and Doer, are used to describe four distinct

SEL Using Edutainment by Don Lowry

Don Lowry is among the pioneers of experts and entrepreneurs who introduced self-inquiry and self-reporting assessments with the objective of understanding how personality styles can be used to initiate better communication and understanding between people in a multitude of places: at home, at school, at work, and in the community. He is the founder and expert who developed the popular True Colors system, which used four primary colors to designate personality types and behavioral styles.

With a track record that most in SEL ecosystems don’t have, he is now at the forefront of creating edutainment programs that help students become more emotionally literate, celebrate their individuality, and bond.

SEL by Dr. Nakawesa, PhD, Narrative Medicine

Culture is a particular group’s beliefs, customs, values, and way of thinking, acting, and communicating. Dr. Nakawesa’s SEL Workshop draws from different areas, including the ability to acknowledge, absorb, interpret, and act on the stories and plights of others.

VR Technology Toolkit For SEL, Developed by Moses Katakanya

This VR program aims to help students learn attention management and how to use the averters gamification concept in a VR program to learn social intelligence. This VR game helps improve the emotional fitness of students by teaching them to cope with stress and anxiety.

Moses spent 11 years as a Professional Service Consultant, consulting the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest public school district in the United States (with 734,641 students, 26,556 teachers, and a 7.59 billion USD budget). He currently develops software that focuses on mindfulness using Virtual reality and is working on a VR gamification project for SEL using the avatar concept and AI. An avatar is a virtual representation and embodiment of the user, facilitating movement, choice, and interaction within the virtual environment.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (BSCIS), a Certificate in Project Management, a Certificate in Unity Programming, and a Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to help you learn and Self-awareness.

  1. Reflection and Journaling: Set aside regular time for reflection and journaling. Write about your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and observations. Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest. Consider what motivates you and what challenges you. Journaling can help you gain insights into your own thoughts and emotions, facilitating self-awareness.
  2. Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from teachers, peers, and mentors. Ask for constructive criticism and input on your performance, both academically and socially. Honest feedback can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to receiving feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth.
  3. Explore Your Interests: Engage in various activities, clubs, and hobbies that align with your interests. Exploring different areas can help you understand what you enjoy and excel in. Pay attention to the activities that energize you and make you feel fulfilled. This exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of your passions and talents.
  4. Take Personality Assessments: Consider taking personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Traits assessment, and especially Inner Heroes Assessment that have proven to work well for students.
    These assessments can provide you with insights into your personality, preferences, and behavioral tendencies. While these assessments are not definitive, they can serve as a starting point for self-reflection and self-discovery.
  5. Take Learning Preferences Assessment: Self-awareness enables students to recognize their preferred learning styles and strategies. Some students may learn best through visual aids, while others may prefer auditory or kinesthetic approaches. When students understand their learning preferences, they can actively seek out and engage with materials and methods that align with their style, leading to more effective learning outcomes.
    Types of learning styles
    There are several types of learning styles that can help you learn, regardless of your environment. Knowing which style to implement for yourself and which style is best for others can help you learn and teach more efficiently.
  6. Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness through techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Mindfulness helps you tune into the present moment, observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and develop self-awareness. Regular mindfulness practice can enhance your ability to recognize your thoughts, emotions, and reactions in different situations.
  7. Seek Different Perspectives: Engage in conversations and discussions with people who have diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Actively listen to their viewpoints and try to understand their experiences. This exposure to different perspectives can challenge your own assumptions, broaden your understanding of the world, and contribute to self-awareness.
  8. Set Goals and Monitor Progress: Establish goals that align with your personal values and aspirations. These goals can be academic, personal, or extracurricular. Regularly assess your progress toward these goals and reflect on your achievements and setbacks. Tracking your progress can help you understand your strengths, areas for improvement, and the strategies that work best for you.
  9. Seek Support: Reach out to trusted teachers, counselors, or mentors who can support your self-awareness journey. They can provide guidance, resources, and constructive feedback. Utilize their expertise and perspective to gain further insights into yourself and navigate challenges effectively.

Self-management and personal development are crucial skills for high school students as they navigate their academic journey and prepare for future success. Understanding one’s personality traits can provide valuable insights into personal strengths, areas for growth, and effective self-management strategies. Below, we give a framework examples of using personality assessment to learn Self-Management

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) using Big Five personality theory framework to help you learn and Self- Management

Self-management, also known as self-regulation or self-control, refers to an individual’s ability to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve their goals and adapt to different situations. When it comes to the Big Five personality theory, which describes five broad dimensions of personality, each dimension can influence an individual’s self-management style. Let’s explore how each personality trait may relate to self-management:

  1. Extraversion: Extraversion is characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and positive emotionality. Extraverts may excel in self-management when it comes to initiating and maintaining social interactions, expressing themselves confidently, and maintaining a positive outlook. However, they may also need to manage impulsive tendencies and balance their need for social stimulation with other responsibilities.
  2. Agreeableness: Agreeableness refers to traits such as kindness, cooperation, and empathy. Individuals high in agreeableness tend to excel in self-management related to interpersonal relationships. They may prioritize maintaining harmonious interactions, controlling their own behavior in conflict situations, and considering the needs of others. However, they may need to ensure they don’t neglect their own needs and assertiveness in the process.
  3. Conscientiousness: Conscientiousness is associated with being organized, responsible, and self-disciplined. Highly conscientious individuals typically exhibit strong self-management skills across various domains. They tend to set clear goals, plan ahead, and persevere in the face of challenges. Conscientious individuals may excel in time management, self-motivation, and adhering to routines. However, they may also need to avoid excessive perfectionism or rigidity and allow for flexibility when necessary.
  4. Neuroticism (Emotional Stability): Neuroticism reflects emotional instability, anxiety, and negative emotionality. Individuals low in neuroticism (high in emotional stability) may find it easier to manage their emotions, maintain a calm and composed demeanor, and cope effectively with stress. They may engage in self-management strategies such as relaxation techniques, emotional regulation, and seeking social support. On the other hand, those high in neuroticism may require additional effort to manage their emotions and may benefit from techniques like mindfulness, stress reduction, and cognitive restructuring.
  5. Openness to Experience: Openness encompasses traits such as curiosity, imagination, and openness to new ideas. Individuals high in openness may excel in self-management when it comes to seeking out novel experiences, exploring new possibilities, and adapting to change. They may embrace self-reflection, creative problem-solving, and self-improvement strategies. However, they may need to ensure they maintain focus and follow through on commitments, as they may be prone to shifting interests and distractions.

It’s important to note that these descriptions provide a general overview, and individual differences exist within each personality trait. Additionally, self-management skills can be developed and strengthened through practice, regardless of an individual’s personality profile.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) using MBTI personality theory framework to help you learn and Self- Management

In the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality theory, self-management can be understood through the lens of each individual’s preferences across four dichotomies:

Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): Extraverts tend to draw energy from external stimuli and interactions, while introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone.

In terms of self-management,

  • –  Extraverts may excel in managing their energy by seeking social engagement and external stimulation. They may benefit from actively engaging with others for support or bouncing ideas off them.
  • –  Introverts, on the other hand, may focus on self-reflection and internal processing as part of their self-management strategies. They may prioritize finding quiet and solitary spaces to recharge and maintain their well-being.

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Sensing individuals tend to focus on concrete details and practical information, while intuitive individuals are more inclined to perceive patterns, possibilities, and abstract concepts.

In terms of self-management,

  • –  Sensing types may prefer structured and organized approaches. They may find it helpful to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize tangible goals.
  • –  Intuitive types may engage in self-management by exploring various possibilities, envisioning future outcomes, and seeking creative solutions. They may benefit from taking time to reflect on the bigger picture and consider alternative approaches.

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Thinkers prioritize logical analysis, objective decision-making, and consistency, while feelers value subjective experiences, personal values, and empathy.

In terms of Self-Management,

  • –  Thinkers may focus on problem-solving, rational decision-making, and objective evaluation. They may excel in setting clear boundaries, making logical plans, and objectively assessing their progress.
  • –  Feelers may prioritize self-management through emotional awareness, understanding personal values, and seeking harmony. They may benefit from considering their emotions and values when making decisions, and nurturing relationships as part of their overall well-being.

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Judging individuals tend to prefer structure, planning, and organization, while perceiving individuals are more flexible, adaptable, and spontaneous.

In terms of Self-Management,

  • –  Judging types may excel in setting goals, creating schedules, and adhering to plans. They may value order and structure in their approach and find comfort in clear timelines and deadlines.
  • –  Perceiving types may approach self-management by being open to new information and possibilities. They may prefer a more flexible and adaptable approach, adjusting plans as needed and embracing spontaneity in their self-management strategies.

It’s important to remember that the MBTI is a theory of personality, and individuals are complex and multifaceted. While the MBTI can provide insights into individual preferences and tendencies, it is not a comprehensive measure of personality or self-management capabilities. Developing effective self- management skills can benefit individuals regardless of their MBTI type.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) using INNER HEROES personality Assessment framework

The Inner Heroes Assessment framework is a tool designed to support Social Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping individuals identify and develop their inner strengths and qualities. It aims to promote self- awareness, emotional intelligence, and positive character traits among individuals, particularly children and adolescents. The framework is based on the belief that everyone possesses inner strengths or “inner heroes” that can be cultivated and harnessed for personal growth and well-being.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Each of the four Inner Heroes personalities has their own unique strengths and talents as well as challenges (weaknesses) inherent in who they are. It requires paying attention to what comes natural to each and flows easily and effortlessly without resistance. The focus needs to be on maximizing what each does best while minimizing personal challenges.

For example, if we consider how each will approach decision making, we will see the differences. If we treat a Doer personality with the same expectations of how a Planner will go about making decisions, we will tend to judge them by the same traits and skill set and possibly determine that one is more capable than the other. One way is not better than the other but instead they are different.

Albert Einstein:

‘”Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

This quote addresses the harm that can be done by not understanding, accepting, appreciating differences in each person, and nurturing their unique genius.

The Inner Heroes Assessment framework typically involves the following steps:

  1. Self-Reflection: Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They are guided to identify their strengths, challenges, and areas for growth.
  2. Identifying Inner Heroes: Participants are introduced to a range of positive character traits, such as kindness, perseverance, empathy, resilience, and courage. They are encouraged to identify the traits that resonate with them and feel authentic to their personal experiences.
  3. Self-Assessment: Individuals assess themselves on each identified inner hero using a structured assessment tool. The assessment may include self-report questionnaires, interviews, or observational measures.
  4. Goal Setting: Based on the assessment results, individuals set goals for personal development. These goals may focus on strengthening specific inner heroes or improving overall social and emotional well-being.
  5. Skill-Building and Practice: Participants engage in activities, exercises, and discussions that promote the development of their identified inner heroes. This may involve practicing skills related to empathy, emotional regulation, problem-solving, communication, or conflict resolution.
  6. Reflection and Feedback: Individuals regularly reflect on their progress, challenges, and successes. They receive feedback from educators, mentors, or peers, which helps reinforce their efforts and provides guidance for further growth.
  7. Integration into Daily Life: The ultimate aim of the Inner Heroes Assessment framework is to help individuals apply their inner heroes in their daily lives, both in personal and social contexts. This may involve implementing learned skills, making positive choices, and exhibiting character strengths in various situations.

The Inner Heroes Assessment framework aligns with the principles of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), which emphasizes the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. By identifying and cultivating inner heroes, individuals can enhance their social-emotional competencies, resilience, and overall well-being.

It’s important to note that the specific implementation of the Inner Heroes Assessment framework may vary across different programs or contexts. Educators, counselors, or SEL practitioners may adapt the framework to suit the needs of their target audience, age group, or cultural context.

Inner Heroes adds another layer to understanding social and emotional learning. The idea of classifying individuals according to four main personality types is not a new idea. The eminent physician Hippocrates described four dispositions or temperament – choleric, phlegmatic, melancholic and sanguine – as long ago as the fifth century B.C. In the modern era, Carl Jung’s landmark work Psychological Types reaffirms the ancient belief in fixed patterns of behavior.

According to Jung, each of us is born with a particular basic personality and our goal is not to be like anyone else, but to become our “best self.” Despite its powerful influence, Jung’s typology was not adaptable to everyday use until the relatively recent development of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which sparked a renewed interest in personality theory.

Psychologist, Dr. David Keirsey, in his book Please Understand Me, explains the relationship between the four temperaments and the sixteen Myers-Briggs Types. Don Lowry further simplified the 4 temperaments with True Colors and the concept of how the temperaments experienced self-esteem differently. Carolyn Kalil wrote the first True Colors book, Follow Your True Colors To The Work You Love, which has an updated title Follow Your Inner Heroes To The Work You Love. This book helps people match their natural gifts and talents to the work they love.

Jung recognized the universality and diversity among people with these fixed patterns regardless of age, gender, or race. These temperament patterns have proven to be universal in their content and language not only in the US but with cultures worldwide since the 1980’s.

Jung also recognized that the differences in how we approach life can lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication. Inner Heroes and Self-Emotional Learning support teaching people that understanding, accepting, and appreciating differences can unite us rather than divide us.

The need to understand these fixed patterns in the four different hero types that show up in families, classrooms, and cultures will be addressed here although this is true of any context that involves people.

Families and the environment have the most impact on the social and emotional development of their children. Therefore, the need for both emotional and social awareness begins with parents. Inner Heroes teaches parents to become self-aware of their own personality strengths, uniqueness, and parenting style.

Once parents understand who they are, they need to understand each child that has similar personality traits, as well as, the children who have different personality traits. Parents are compatible with children who are more like them because they share the same values. Many of the challenge occurs with children in the family who are different from the parents.

Inner Heroes Temperament theory is very known and used by many colleges, universities and HR.

Inner Heroes Temperament theory was developed by Ms. Kalil, an expert in the field of Career Counseling with over 30 years of counseling career at UCLA, El Camino College, and many other colleges in the US. Carolyn is active in the Career Development field and was a former 2008 president of the National Employment Counseling Association, a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). She has written bestseller books in her field.

Beyond her work in the Educational Realm, Fortune 500 companies like Google, Cisco Systems, and Warner Brothers have used Carolyn’s books in managerial training and team building. Some organizations use it with parents to improve relationships with their children, while therapists use it to help couples understand their individual differences. Carolyn’s work is also popular in workforce centers, high schools, government agencies, and the military.

Because of Career Pointer self-assessment success in Colleges and HR departments, Ms. Kalil partnered with Moses Katakanya, a software engineer who spent many years consulting and working with schools, and Dr. Emil Kalil, Ph.D., an educator, trainer, and scientist, to turn it into a software toolkit.

Read more about her work at Innerheroes.com and Learn more about the Inner Heroes personality types

Carolyn Kalil, M.A., a former California Community College System Counselor, Author, Career Coach, Consultant, and CEO of DreamMaker Publishing Inc. Carolyn holds an M.A. in Counseling Education and is the best-selling author of Follow Your True Colors To The Work You Love.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Self-awareness component can help you discover your learning Style.

There are (8) types of learning styles (Below are the tips and the benefits)

Article source: Indeed.com

There are many ways to learn at work and school, so understanding those styles can help when starting a new class or taking on a new position. Adopting various styles can also help when trying to understand how others learn in the same environments. Knowing which style works best is essential to learning new information more effectively. In this article, we review various learning styles, their benefits, why it’s important to understand them and how to use them.

Types of learning styles

There are several types of learning styles that can help you learn, regardless of your environment. Knowing which style to implement for yourself and which style is best for others can help you learn and teach more efficiently. Here are the most common styles of learning:

1. Visual learning

Visual learners process information best through sight. This learner absorbs material best when presented via graphs, images, charts, and maps. Videos and written material work well for the visual learner too, as they can be processed and retained by the learner as a visual memory. Visual learners tend to be observant, with strong attention to detail. Tips for working with visual learners include:

  • Use visual aids in presentations and discussions.
  • Draw diagrams of complex ideas.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Self-awareness component can help you discover your learning Style.

  • Provide handouts during presentations or meetings.
  • Allow learners to take notes and sketch images while obtaining information.
  • Provide video tutorials when possible.

2. Auditory learning

Auditory learners process information best by listening to it. They may prefer oral instruction over written directions or visual diagrams. Lectures, podcasts and conversation-based learning are ideal for the auditory learner. Also, while these learners rarely take notes, they may repeat concepts and ideas out loud to help retain the information. Tips for working with auditory learners include:

  • Read written information aloud during presentations and meetings instead of depending on visual aids and handouts. You can also provide audio recordings of training and meetings.
  • Schedule conversation-based meetings and question-answer sessions.
  • Incorporate acronyms and catchy phrases to make information more memorable.
  • Encourage learners to read information out loud and to repeat important concepts.

3. Reading and writing learning

Reading and writing learners process information best when using written materials. Books, reports, handouts and printed slide shows work well for this learner. These learners do best when they take written notes on the provided information. These learners enjoy research and reading, and typically use these tactics to develop their professional skills. Tips for working with reading and writing learners include:

  • Provide text-based visuals to reference during verbal presentations.
  • Encourage note-taking during training and meetings.
  • Provide additional readings for further insight on important topics, which can include physical books or digitally written materials.
  • Assign essays and reports to these learners to test for comprehension.

4. Kinaesthetic learning

Kinaesthetic learners process information best when using a hands-on approach. These learners learn by doing and need to physically participate in the topic being discussed. These learners tend to be energetic and have trouble keeping still. If hands-on learning isn’t an option, it’s best to incorporate movement in some way to help the kinaesthetic learner stay focused. Tips for working with kinaesthetic learners include:

  • Incorporate movement by having training sessions during a walk, or requiring candidates to walk around a room to obtain information.
  • Kinaesthetic learners strive in role-playing learning scenarios.
  • Have them physically perform the act being learned.
  • Use flashcards or other active approaches to learning.
  • Incorporate frequent short breaks to allow the learner to get up and move. This prevents restlessness and aids in retaining focus on the topic at hand.

5. Logical learning

Logical learners process information best by using rational ordered methods of information processing. They do best when receiving direct instructions and concrete rules. They prefer categorised tasks and information. Logical learners work well with patterns and are capable of quickly identifying relationships within a system. Oftentimes, logical learners are proficient with numbers as well. Logical learners have strong organisation skills. Tips for working with a logical learner include:

  • Provide logical structure, direct instructions and concise goals.
  • Provide facts and figures relevant to the information.
  • Encourage learners to categorise information and tasks using charts, tables and diagrams.
  • Incorporate systems and outline patterns in information. This is especially helpful when learning abstract and complex topics.
  • Provide critical thinking and problem-solving exercises, and encourage independent work sessions to build these skills.

6. Social learning

Social learners process information best through collaboration and communication. They enjoy being part of a group or team. Many social learners are highly extroverted and are skilled at developing relationships. They also appreciate listening to other people’s thoughts and ideas. Due to these traits, these individuals do well in leadership roles. Tips for working with social learners include:

  • Provide opportunities to learn and work in groups.
  • Provide feedback and opportunities to discuss their work.
  • Incorporate role-playing techniques that allow for interaction with others.
  • Encourage social learners to teach others how to learn new skills or tasks.
  • Offer opportunities for social learners to speak up about their thoughts, ideas and questions.

7. Solitary learning

Solitary learners process information best when working independently. They strive in quiet environments and often keep to themselves. These individuals are introspective and reflective, and they tend to have strong self-motivation and management skills. The solitary learner may have more than one preferred style. For example, an individual can be a kinaesthetic solitary learner, meaning they learn best through performing a task hands-on independently. Tips for working with a solitary learner include:

  • Provide private and quiet areas.
  • Ask questions and check in often, as these learners tend not to speak up on their own.
  • Provide goals where you can check their progress and help keep them motivated.
  • Provide opportunities to deepen understanding of concepts by connecting them to things they have learned previously.
  • Provide resources to access independently.

8. Naturalistic learning

Naturalistic learners process information best when working with nature. These individuals benefit from hands-on experiences with the natural world. They enjoy seeing and interacting with natural materials and objects. Naturalistic learners tend to have an interest in science and environmental topics. They tend to find patterns, conduct experiments and use scientific theory to support their understanding of topics. Tips for working with naturalistic learners include:

  • Give them opportunities to perform experiments and work hands-on.
  • Relate information to the environment and other natural topics to provide value to this learner.
  • Encourage naturalistic learners to draft reports and log findings.
  • Treat complex concepts like ecosystems, by emphasizing the systems, interactions and patterns between tasks or pieces of information.
  • Allow for learning outside, even if the topic is unrelated to nature.

Benefits of learning about the different styles

There are many reasons to learn about different styles of learning. Whether you are an employee or an individual, you can benefit by understanding what style you most closely align with and how to use that knowledge to your advantage. Being aware of your own learning style allows you to ask for the resources and adjustments necessary for you to learn and work most proficiently. When determining your learning style, you assess your areas of strength and weakness. This self-analysis can be beneficial in your career and personal development.

As part of a team, it is also helpful to understand the style of members in your group. This helps you be patient with others and provides you with an opportunity to help them. For example, if a team member is a visual learner and your group holds conversation-based meetings, you can suggest offering printed handouts to aid those with different learning types. As a supervisor or someone in a leadership role, it is helpful to understand the varying types of learning styles, so you can accommodate staff, by including multiple learning tactics into training and meetings.

Learning styles are typically how individuals gather, comprehend and retain new information, knowledge and workable skill sets. They can help you understand how to manage, lead, learn and complete tasks to the best of your ability. Individuals can determine their learning style by assessing their strengths, weaknesses and preferences. Consider the times that you tried to learn new information, perform a new task or develop a new skill. Determine what worked and didn’t work, and use that information to try new methods related to your learning style.