Everyone has probably experienced that stage in studying where they feel like no matter how much they work on it, the material doesn’t seem to be sticking. There are various methods employed at school and in our homes which can get a little overwhelming at times. Until you find the right fit, you may find yourself having to keep trying out new study methods, before finding one that helps you understand and retain information in the best way.
While this may not seem like a priority to most people, finding your learning style can massively improve your study habits and maybe even help you enjoy going through your reading materials!
Knowing your own learning style can be an extremely useful tool in your arsenal, whether you are a student or not. Not only will it help you succeed in academics, it can boost your confidence as well. You will be equipped with the knowledge and information you need, and you will no longer feel like you are not doing enough in the classroom.
We keep mentioning learning styles, and the most important thing you need to know about them is that there is more than one. This means that even if the way you are studying now does not seem to work for you, there is no need to worry. All it means is that you need to try out other ways of studying.
Logical learning which we are exploring here today is one of the eight learning styles or “multiple intelligences” discovered by psychologist Howard Gardner. Gardner suggests that traditional psychometric views of intelligence are not comprehensive and are way too limited, which is why he proposed this theory.
But what is logical learning and how can you find out if this is a style you might benefit from?
Characteristics of Logical Learners
Logical learning is actually just shorthand for logical-mathematical learning. As the name implies, it leans more towards a person’s skills in reasoning, problem solving and gaining knowledge through abstract visual information, numbers and through critical thinking by exploring cause and effect relationships.
If you find yourself thinking methodically, or in logical and linear order, you may just be a logical learner!
People who are adept in the method of logical learning are notably good at utilising reasoning and logical sequencing in order to digest information. Their strengths lie in math, logic, problem-solving and visualising patterns.
It is when you like numbers and looking for logical methods to solve problems that you can classify yourself as a logical learner. If you are comfortable with working with the abstract then, chances are, you are a logical learner.
You probably enjoy the “hard sciences” side of school, computer science, technology, math, chemistry, drafting, etc. This is because these subjects are structural and mechanical in a way, and this is something that logical learners enjoy.
These types of learners benefit from their formidable visual analysis, problem-solving, and memory skills that help them see the world in an organised, interconnected way.
Extremely good with their hands, these learners enjoy building and creating something with the use of computers. It may be coding, design, or anything else on a computer, but you can expect them to excel at it.
They like and actually thrive on structure and order. People with this learning style do well with tasks that have a definite set of rules and instructions. Logical learners are somewhat strict in terms of going by the book when it comes to procedures, logical sequences, or rules. This is one of their weaknesses, that can nevertheless be turned into their strength.
If you can relate to the descriptions we have given above, chances are you are a logical learner. You are now well-aware of your learning style and you can make use of this knowledge whenever you get stuck on an assignment.
However, just knowing that you are a logical learner is only half the battle. What it really boils down to is how you maximise this learning style, to make studying more enjoyable for yourself.
We’ve compiled some tips for logical learners to help maximise their study sessions! Read on to find out how you can learn better and smarter:
#1: Visual Representation
We’ve mentioned that logical learners see the world through an interconnected point of view, which is why visual representation can greatly help them process information. By using maps, charts, diagrams, and other visual aids, logical learners will be able to connect the dots and solve things in their own way.
By doing this, they can learn about how small pieces fit into the big picture, and how one thing affects another. This is particularly helpful in cases when they are faced with book analyses, science papers, and similar tasks.
Information overload is something that often happens while studying, but thankfully, there is a way to help yourself through it. If you plot out information, you will be able to comprehend things better, since you’ve made a handy visual aid for the copious amounts of data you’re faced with.
This is particularly helpful when visual representations aren’t readily available in textbooks and handouts. You can make one of your own! Doing this can actually help you retain information better, since studies have shown that writing your own notes helps you remember.
You can even make lists, since logical learners thrive on system and order. You will be able to efficiently categorise and organise everything you need to remember, while helping yourself retain those pieces of information as well.
#2: Seek patterns, associations, and relationships
One of the ways you can also maximise your learning style is by looking for patterns and relationships in everything you read. It may not just be limited to what you are currently studying, because you can link everything you have already learned; doing so will help things stick in your memory, since you have associated them with something in your past!
Apart from relating these patterns to what you have studied before, you can also try relating them to real life patterns. Don’t let what you’ve studied just be confined to paper; let it seep into your daily life as well! Having a personal perspective on the things you study will help them make sense to you.
#3: Don’t over-analyse
Something that can plague logical learners is their need to thoroughly understand something. While this may be a mostly positive thing, it can be their downfall as well, since it can lead to them getting stuck on a certain topic. One tip we have for you is to read through everything and if you can’t understand it, skip it at first and revisit the topic later. Doing this will make sure that you keep studying rather than keep dwelling on something you’ve missed.
#4: Stay focused
No matter how many books you read, if you don’t focus on them, it will be as if you’ve worked twice as hard to only digest half as much.
Make sure that before you start any study session, you put away things that can potentially be a distraction to you. Better yet, stay in a room without television or computers so that you won’t be tempted to break your focus.
#5: Have a well-structured study schedule
Once you get your assigned reading, you should already plot it in your calendar. This is a great way to train yourself to be organised, and to help keep you on track of all the things you need to read.
Stick to your schedule so that you are able to accomplish urgent tasks on time, and so that you can keep moving from topic to topic. Just be sure that you allot yourself breaks in between your study sessions!
#6: Break concepts down in an understandable way
Understand, don’t memorise. A common misconception about studying is that you need to memorise everything you read. While it can be beneficial for you to do so, what’s more important is that you understand what you are reading. This is because when you truly understand a topic, you will be able to provide answers in your own words, since you have a good grasp on what you have read.
Logical learners are highly skilled in seeing how things are interconnected. They are able to breeze through complex patterns, challenging math question, and enjoy strategy games.
Your personal learning style will be a big factor in how you perform at school. It’s important to know which one you flourishing in, and use it to your advantage. If you think you are a logical learner, then follow our tips above to help you get a head start on studying!
Do these traits sound familiar to you or do they apply to someone you know? Share this article to help them out! Whatever learning style your child has, Rehoboth Christian College is the perfect place for parents looking to send their children to a nurturing and academically enriching Christian school. Have your loved ones see the world from a Christian view while making lifelong friendships.
