As a mentor, you want to help your mentee achieve their learning goals and develop their skills. But how do you know what kind of learning style suits them best? And how can you use technology to support their preferred way of learning? In this article, we will explore some common learning styles and how technology can enhance your mentee's learning experience.
Learning styles are the various ways people process and retain information, which can influence how a mentee prefers to learn, communicate, and solve problems. While there is no one correct learning style, there is a range of preferences that may vary depending on the context and task. The most commonly used models of learning styles are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading/writing, and logical. Visual learners prefer to use images and diagrams to understand information; auditory learners prefer sound; kinesthetic learners prefer movement; reading/writing learners prefer text; and logical learners prefer logic. Each type of learner has its own strengths: visual learners have a good spatial sense and vivid imagination, auditory learners have a good ear for language and tone, kinesthetic learners have a good sense of balance and coordination, reading/writing learners have a good memory for words and details, and logical learners have good analytical and critical thinking skills.
I have come across many students who are visual learners. One of my mentees processed information only by walking and reading. They all have their strengths therefore it's pivotal that we understand the learning style before giving them information. This helps in connecting with the mentees in a better way.
To identify your mentee's learning style, you can ask them directly, using a questionnaire, quiz, or conversation. Additionally, you can observe their behavior and strengths in different learning situations to see if they prefer to watch a video or listen to a podcast, use visual aids or verbal cues to remember information, learn better by doing or by observing, take notes or record audio, and if they like to work alone or in a group. Another way to identify their learning style is to experiment with various formats, tools, and strategies and ask for their feedback. Finally, you can monitor their progress and performance and adjust accordingly.
Technology can offer many opportunities to support your mentee's learning style and enhance their learning experience. For example, you can use online platforms, apps, and software to create and share visual materials, such as slides, infographics, mind maps, animations, and videos. You can also create audio materials, such as podcasts, voice messages, audio books, and music. Additionally, you can create interactive materials like games, simulations, quizzes, and surveys. Furthermore, you can create text materials like blogs, articles, reports, and ebooks. Finally, you can create logical materials such as spreadsheets, databases, charts, and graphs. You should also encourage your mentee to use online sources that provide relevant information in each of these categories.
It is essential to recognize and support your mentee's learning style, while also balancing it with other learning styles. Doing so can help your mentee build a more comprehensive and adaptive approach to learning, while also introducing them to multiple perspectives and tactics. To achieve this balance, you can mix and match different formats, tools, and strategies to deliver the same information. You can also challenge your mentee to try out new ways of learning that are outside their comfort zone. Lastly, you can help your mentee reflect on their learning process and evaluate their learning outcomes by asking them to pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, compare different approaches, or set new goals and action plans.
Communication is essential for creating a successful mentoring relationship and supporting your mentee's learning style. Respect and support their style, and avoid imposing your own preferences or judgments. Be clear and consistent about expectations and objectives, and explain how and why you use different methods and techniques. Check for understanding and comprehension, and clarify any doubts or questions. Additionally, be responsive and adaptable to your mentee's needs, adjusting the approach and pace accordingly. Solicit feedback, listen to their suggestions, and incorporate them into your practice. Acknowledge their efforts and achievements, provide constructive feedback, and guide them as needed.
Be very careful about getting too hung up on the concept of a formal “learning style.” Research aside, feeding into the idea that someone needs to cater to a specific learning style can leave them missing opportunity simply because they believe they’re limited to a certain medium for learning effectiveness. Instead, get to know them as an individual and assess their overall goals and comfort level with technology. From here, you can coach them towards the kinds of technology that can stretch their skills while also meeting them where they are. This is especially important in the digital age where familiarity with emerging technologies and the trends that come with them are especially important in one’s career development.