Editor’s Forum

EDITOR’S FORUM ROSA SOPHIA • MANAGING EDITOR

STYLIN’

What’s your learning style? If you’re looking to expand your skillset or refresh your memory, it’s useful to understand the methods that work best for you.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with a number of Industry Award winners. A common thread seems to connect them: They’re always willing to take risks. They have a positive attitude, a passion for exploration. “Hey, I’ve never done this,” they might say, “but I’m going to try it anyway and see how it goes.” Setbacks aren’t viewed as failures, but rather as lessons learned.

This month, we look forward to another round of education sessions at KnowledgeFest Orlando. But whether you’re at KnowledgeFest, a vendor training in your own city, an in-house training at your facility, or another educational event, the same fact applies: If you get to know your own learning style, you’ll be better equipped to grow your skillset and bring that information back to your team.

ARE YOU A VISUAL, AURAL, VERBAL OR KINESTHETIC LEARNER?

Understanding helps conquer trepidations. I’ve always been interested in working on cars, but attending automotive school taught me the fundamentals and helped dispel any fears. The same is true for technicians working to understand the ins and outs of DSP tuning, for example: Understanding helps lessen fear, but it always begins with a willingness to step beyond the boundaries of one’s comfort zone.

Educator Neil Fleming created the VARK model—Visual, Aural, Verbal and Kinesthetic—to help people understand learning styles. You might learn best from watching, listening, discussing or taking part in hands-on activities. Some people learn best on their own, while others learn well socially. We all know the power of networking. Many of us learn from speaking with peers at industry events, which is often just as valuable as listening to a presentation or asking questions in a classroom.

GATHER THE TOOLS THAT HELP YOU LEARN

What are your strengths? If you aren’t sure, take a moment to consider under which conditions you best absorb knowledge. Exercising patience helps in any educational endeavor, especially if you feel like you don’t do well in a classroom atmosphere. Do whatever you can to retain the information, without overwhelming yourself. As every technician’s been taught, use the right tool for the job. In the classroom, your tools might include your phone, a pen and paper, or “ even a recorder. Take photos of slides and jot down notes. You might even

As every record some of the discussion to review the following day, or when you return to the shop.

technician’s MOST IMPORTANTLY, TAKE IT ONE STEP

been taught, AT A TIME Listen. Discuss with your peers. use the right Observe during demonstrations. Take part in any hands-on educational tool for the job. opportunities. Afterward, ask yourself a few questions: What did I find most informative? Which method of learning helped me the most? What are three ” takeaways from this training, and how can I apply them in my work? If you’ve recorded part of the session, listen again to see if there’s anything you missed. Review your notes. Ponder any questions you may have, and follow up by reaching out to instructors or peers. You’ve already heard you shouldn’t try applying everything you’ve learned all at once upon returning to work. Start small and build up slowly in any endeavor. Such an approach will lead you steadily to accomplishing your goals. Find your style, gather your tools and stay the course. Your skillsets will grow, and hopefully, so will your excitement and passion for your chosen field.