My Learning Connections

The idea of recognizing what patterns of learning contribute to an individual's processing, sequencing, and learning of new information was a new concept for me. Therefore, I found it fascinating to read about the various learning patterns... especially because I could immediately see how the different patterns play a part in the way that I learn. Interestingly enough, I connected a little bit with each of the patterns... although there were two of the patterns that I recognized as being more valuable to me as a learner. Below, I have created an overview of how each of the patterns connects (or doesn't connect) to the way that I do things, think, and learn.

The Sequential Pattern: This is the pattern that I believe I connect with the most. I like to perform tasks in a step-by-step manner and want all work to be neat and complete. I feel like I make better decisions when I am using this type of patterning, and I feel like I learn best in this mode.

The Precise Pattern: I use this schema when needed, which is quite often. In my mind, I prioritize tasks, and I use precise patterning for tasks of the highest priority. Again, I feel that I am fairly successful in accomplishing tasks and learning when using this type of patterning.

The Technical Pattern: I use this learning pattern more and more as I get older (and busier). I think it's interesting that this pattern is called the "technical pattern," because I see a direct connection between this pattern and the way that I approach things more technical--like new technology. Although I love technology and love to tinker around with things and figure them out, I can't say that I prefer to start out this way. Nonethless, I find myself doing this frequently--just diving in and getting started (for example, playing around with a new piece of technology instead of reading the manual first). One reason that I think that I do this is because I feel like I have less and less time to get things done... therefore, I get the sense that I'll save time by diving in [though, this is probably not the case most of the time.] Yes, I'm probably learning... but, I'm probably learning at a slower rate (or at least not getting all of the information that I could be getting had I chosen a different pattern for the task).

The Confluent Pattern: Again, although I don't prefer to "take a risk" or "make a guess," I will sometimes do this. However, I am more reluctant to take a risk rather than going with what I believe to be tried and true.