In The Zone

Learning Styles

Each of us has a preferred method for learning new information. Some people like to hear descriptions of circumstances, while others prefer to see or read about new things. Still others like to learn by active participation and experimentation. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each learning style.

Data-gathering Style

Auditory/Hearing:

If you have this type of learning style, you are comfortable when someone tells you a story or describes to you in words new techniques or unusual circumstances. You may find it easy to remember what you have heard. You are also likely to enjoy conversational discussions about new information where you can ask questions and listen to what people have to say. Additionally, you may be less comfortable visually scanning new information and trying to figure out what it means based on pictures or written words.

Visual/Seeing:

Many successful anglers effectively learn new information by looking at it. If you tell such people something they may or may not make sense of it, or remember it. However, if you show them a picture or give a demonstration they can see, that information will be indelibly etched in their minds. Visual learners often have good visual scanning skills, meaning they can look at a complex array of information and quickly differentiate what is important from what is not. In some instances, however, such individuals may have difficulty remembering information that is heard but not seen.

Kinesthetic/Doing:

Some people just like to get out there and experiment with new information. They like the experience of manipulating things with their hands. Such individuals are best at remembering information they have had a chance to put into practice. Similarly, they may have difficulty recalling things they have heard or seen but not been able to hold onto or work with on their own.

To illustrate, think of how you dealt with that fancy new liquid crystal sonar/GPS unit in your boat. Did you start by reading the instruction manual front to back to learn as much as you could from words and pictures about how the unit operated? Or did you ask someone who already had this unit to describe to you the major functions? When you ran into trouble did you go back and reread the manual, or did you call up the service department and ask them what to do? Or maybe you did none of the above. Maybe you just got in your boat and turned the thing on! Perhaps you figured that by pushing this button and then that button and then turning that knob over there you could eventually figure out on your own how the thing worked.

As is probably apparent, there are risks as well as benefits associated with each learning style. Of course, no one learns just one way. We use all of our senses all the time to take in, sort, and understand new information. To be a successful angler, however, you should start by recognizing your preferred learning method and depending on it when new information comes along. However, learning theory research clearly shows that using several learning styles is more effective than relying on only one.

To use the sonar example, consider finding out how your unit works by using all three of the sensory processes noted above. In other words you might start by having someone demonstrate to you how this unit is similar to and different from the one you had before. You could then spend some time on the water trying different functions yourself to see how they work. When you encounter difficulties, you might try reading the manual before you decide to call the toll-free service number! Over time, the information you see and hear and manipulate with your hands will become a permanent part of your repertoire.

Processing Style

There are several ways to describe how people process information once they have gathered it. Two general categories worth discussing are analytical and intuitive styles.

Analytical-- Analytical types tend to process information carefully and deliberately. They tend to seek out facts, data and practical information before they make decisions. Analytical individuals focus on logic, accuracy and precision. They like to do things right the first time. However, people who are overly analytical can get too wrapped up in details and fail to see the big picture. They can also have trouble making decisions when only a limited amount of factual information is available. Such individuals are good at learning from their mistakes, and they rarely make the same error twice. However, they can be overly critical of themselves when their decisions or performance do not work out as expected.

Intuitive-- Intuitive individuals, on the other hand, take whatever information is immediately available and act on it. Such people are good at going with the flow, as it were, and they tend to trust their hunches and impressions rather than look for a logical argument to justify their choices. Such individuals excel in ambiguous or uncertain scenarios where reliable factual information is not always available. Such people like to experiment, and they are quick to switch gears and trying new things. However, they tend to struggle when dealing with matters that require precise attention to detail. They often are good at remembering general concepts and ideas rather than the specifics of circumstances. They may jump from one thing to the next and appear scattered or poorly focused. However, they tend to be comfortable with circumstances as they are, and they tend to be self-accepting as well.

Once again, most people have both analytical and intuitive characteristics that they use in different circumstances. To be sure, you want to rely on your most efficient, natural information processing system when you have to make difficult decisions. However, you will be most effective if you cultivate and use both styles. Think of it this way: you may be great with a spinnerbait in the spring, while your fishing partner is excellent with a Senko. However, the guy in the next boat who is good with both these techniques will out-fish either of you individually!

Learning new data-gathering and information processing techniques is like putting new baits in your tackle box. The more options at your disposal, the better you will fish. Count on it!