7 types of learning styles - discipleship

In my coaching group last week with Home Grown Mission we discussed what it means to be a learner.

This grew out of our discussion on trying to define "disciple" and "discipleship" - something we've been working through for the past couple months.

The word "discipleship" comes from the greek word, “Mathetes,” which means "learner." The root, “math” indicates “thought accompanied by endeavor”. So...

...discipleship involves learning and doing...

Different people learn in different ways. We tend to demonstrate preferences in learning styles much like we demonstrate personality-type preferences. In the class last week we went through 7 different learning styles and how they connect with our faith and discipleship practices. I found this to be quite good.

Our tendency is likely to involve trying to disciple others in OUR preferred learning style. The challenge, therefore, is to acknowledge how each individual is wired differently. Discipleship doesn't have to look one particular way. The key is to discover what makes it "come to life" for the one(s) we are discipling.

Here are the Seven Learning Styles:

• Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
• Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
• Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing (readers, note-takers, journaling).
• Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch (learn by doing; no instruction manual types).
• Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
• Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
• Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Personally, I probably learn best through Solitary, Verbal, and Logical styles. I prefer reading something to hearing it. I also need time to think things through. I'm not very good "on-the-spot." I think this is reflected in my use of discipleship habits like daily devotional reading, journaling, and contemplation.

Anyway, I found this quite insightful and worth considering further...