My Learning Style

Starting at a young age, learning became ingrained into our minds. Each teacher taught differently, therefore we had to discover our unique way of learning. As we progressed through elementary, middle, high school, and even college, we develop our learning skills to make us successful. From my experience, a person's learning style reflects their personality traits. Their learning style gives you an understanding of what type of person they are and how their mind works. Knowing how you learn can make you a better and more successful student.

What Success Really Looks Like

While many believe understanding learning style leads to success, according to Angela Lee Duckworth, an indicator of success could be a person's "grit". I believe grit is a measurement of a person's motivation or determination. Motivation is a big part of success. Without it, people would give up when the going gets tough. Success is a grind and grit is used to push through the obstacles.

To discover my specific learning style, I took the Index of Learning Style (ISL). The ISL is an instrument that Richard M. Felder and Barbara A. Soloman of North Carolina State University developed to help people determine their learning styles.    

My Learning Style

As you can see from the picture, I'm a balanced learner when it comes to being an Active vs. Reflective Learner. I've notice that I retain information better through hands on experience. But, I also like to sit back and reflect on what I've been taught. I'm also fairly balanced as a Sensing vs. Intuitive Learner with a little leaning toward Intuitive. Lectures and repetition bore me. However, I like learning facts and new intuitive ideas. As a Sequential vs. Global Learner, I'm also balanced. Some classes, I'm able to learn the material and follow the process. Other classes require me to take time until I finally "get it". I believe I'm very logical and able to simplify the main idea. Between a Visual vs. Verbal Learner, I'm more of a Visual learner. I need to see examples and work it out myself. It takes longer for me to process the information through verbal communication. Hands on learning lets the information sink in quicker. Overall, the test made me aware of specific learning strategies that are unique to me.

Bored During Lectures

With the help of Felder and Soloman, I can apply my learning style to myself. Knowing that I'm a reasonably balanced learner, except more Visual Learner, I can use this to my advantage. I will be more aware of which material takes longer to understand and which material is easy. This will help me focus on the material that takes longer to grasp. Also, I will be more focus in lectures. Even though lectures are boring, I am aware that retaining verbal information takes longer for me to process. As a Building Construction major, hands on experience is a major part of of the program. This fits perfectly into my learning style. I will be able to retain more information and apply it faster.

Personal learning styles varies per person. A persons "grit" depends on their inner motivation or determination. Add those two together and you can be a very successful person or a confused individual. Fully understanding your learning style and having that "grit" can lead to a successful career. I believe I can use my understanding of my personal learning style to my advantage. My "grit" or determination is not even in question. I know that I can work through any obstacle. In time, I know I will be successful because of my understanding and "grit".

Career Reflection

My Desk Hutch

At a young age, I always wanted to be an engineer. I would spend hours coming up with ideas and use Lego's to build it. From building the Death Star and Hogwarts, I learned that my creativity was endless. My imagination created some spectacular buildings and planes. Now, the Lego's sit in my closet but I still go to it when I'm bored or have a burst of creativity. As I grew older, I learned to work with my hands and create useful items, such as my desk hutch. I thoroughly enjoyed making stuff by hand. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.

I applied for Engineering as my first choice and Building Construction as the backup. Virginia Tech's Engineering is one of the best in the nation. Knowing full well that the Engineering school at Virginia Tech was extremely competitive, I felt that Building Construction was a secure back up. Building Construction was similar to Engineering in many ways and if I wanted to I could go through with the steps to transfer into Engineering. But as of right now, it's not part of the plan. Building Construction has sold me on its 100% job placement after graduating and a high starting salary. So finding work after graduating seems promising. Maybe I'll be able to pay off my student loans much sooner.

My Hunt Group

So far, class has been pretty interesting. I've met a bunch of cool people and made a lot of friends. We've learned about rework and the difference between concrete and cement. Also, we learned about how companies would have to go vertical if they fell behind. Going vertical means the company would have to cram a lot of work in a short period of time. We had a great time doing the Scavenger Hunt with my team, #13. I was able to see construction in action at various locations on campus. I was amazed at all the construction that was taking place at Virginia Tech. There was a lot happening next to Bishop-Favrao Hall. In a span of over a week it seems that not much is not being accomplish. However, if you look closely you can see that work is actually being done.

I can't wait to get all the safety stuff out of the way and start building stuff in the shop. What I hope to gain from this class is experience and knowledge of the construction industry. I would like to work with my hands in the shop and design some stuff as well. In class, I don't have any concerns because I know I'm capable of tackling any obstacles that are in my way. My friends know I'm a hard worker and will accomplish what is asked of me. Hopefully with this knowledge and experience I can eventually start my own company. Maybe start this company in the Northern Virginia area because of its continual growth. Or in the West Coast because of the great weather. I guess it will have to depend on the situation.

Reflecting back on my decision to stick with Building Construction, so far it seems like a very good idea. Class is fun and engaging. The people are great. I cannot wait to actually start doing stuff in the lab.