Unit 5 Discussion: Relfections on Your Learning Style

[randyturpin]

Post a reflection on your learning style and the implications for your vocation as a student and as a minister. Be sure to dialogue with LeFever’s Learning Styles.

Any time you complete a Discussion Forum assignment, be sure to respond to what others have posted as well.

[Rob Baker]

Since the retreat, I have been contemplating the results of the learning assessments that we took for this class. My feelings have fluctuated considerably at different times when reviewing the results. Reading the LeFever text brought a considerable amount of clarification for me concerning my dominant and secondary traits, as well as the other learning styles that I don’t possess. I saw myself clearly when LeFever mentions on page 57 that the common sense learner has the need to tie everything to the “now.” She explains, “Their strength is the application of ideas, and if what is being presented is too “pie in the sky,” something for which they can see no conceivable use, they will dismiss the information as unimportant.” I tend to be very realistic in my approach to everything. One of the disadvantages of this trait is the negative impact that it has on one’s ability to exercise faith in seemingly impossible situations. It takes a continual effort on my part to remember that all things are possible with God; even when the outcome seems impractical and makes no common sense. LeFever reinforces this idea on page 50 when referencing the analytical learner. In describing the tendency for the analytical learner to emphasize thinking over feelings she says, “Their thought processes tend to be limited to what is logical, analytical, critical, and generally impersonal.” It is pointed out on page 51 that the analytical learner is often “picky, stuffy, and critical.” However, I would suggest that through the power of the Holy Spirit, an analytical learner could overcome these tendencies and become someone who is tolerant of other’s opinions and input. In fact, it is possible for the analytical learner to take the suggestions and utilize them in a practical and effective way. Overall, this analysis has been very helpful to me personally. I have been able to identify the positive traits and the negative traits of my learning styles and make an effort to maximize my strengths while minimizing my weaknesses. Lord, my desire is to be more like you. As I learn more about myself, help me to appreciate the traits that you gave me, and utilize them to bring glory to your name. Amen!

[Lizzierod]

My learning style came out to be mostly imaginative. I am a people person, I like be able to help a person find out their strengths and build on them. I am the type that respects others thoughts and feeling. I like to get to know the group and then work together for a common goal. I am the type that needs people around them that are supportive and share a common vision.
I believe that in my ministry of counseling this type is helpful because imaginative learners take learning personally so they are attentive to the needs of the others. I feel too that the imaginative learner can read human behavior pretty well because of their need to be personal and build relationships. This is good when trying to gain the trust of the counselee.
Some of the downfalls though are that the imaginative teacher or counselor may get too personal and not separate him or herself from the counselees’ situation. I usually have a way of getting too close and go way beyond the boundary of counselor and counselee. I hope that with my studies here at the seminary I will be able to learn more of how to be an effective witness and counselor.

[Lizzierod]

Bro. Rob,
I am like you, I have learned so much about myself and I know I wil continue to as the semester goes on. It is amazing how God uses all things to bring His message of grace and love to us all. I too sometimes find it hard to remember that all things are possible with God, especially in this world where we all need to see results right away and if they are not profitable then do away with it. Is'nt great to know that our Heavenly Father is slow to anger and full of mercy and grace. AMEN!

[Chadrick]

Just a few thought on my personal learning style. "I am a common sense learner!", but I also see my self as an "imaginative learner".
I enjoy hearing the ideas of others, looking at a problem from all angles and then trying together as a team to "get it done".
I look forward to this this class to open my eyes to my weaknesses and help me understand how I can truly learn the most, by getting in the right kind of learning enviorment.

[Pastor Dean]

This book in my opinion should be required reading for any pastor or teacher. The Holy Spirit made understanding the different learning styles come alive by the LeFever text was layed out. My wife and I did the quiz in chapter 17 and we laughed through the quiz becuase it was so right in respect that I am a Common sense learner and she is a dynamic learner with cross over into Analytic learner for me and Imaginative learner for her. It answerd what we thought for last 14 years of marriage, but made it plain so that we both could understand why we appoarch life the way we do. We both related to Amy Grants situation when she first was married and how tough it was. Her mother help her understand, "No these are the hard times."
From my stand point of a pastor/teacher I thought I had a pretty good understanding of differnet learning styles. I have taken several classes on leadership develop and working with people for 15 years. How wrong I was! Understanding now each of the hemispheres functions and relate to each other. It is true that educational system have been big on the verbal many focusing on the left side of the brain. I myself feel into that trap being left handed. I grow up fearing subjects such as math and english, becuase they were structured for the left side of brain. I fear even working on my graduate work questioning my writing skills. Now understand why I love the arts and wants pictures to identify with, not just words.