• Question: Why do we all learn in different ways? What makes us so different from one another?

    Asked by emiliagibson to Claire, Kate, Matt, Rob, Sam on 20 Jun 2013. This question was also asked by mylifeisacatalyst.
    • Photo: Claire Lee

      Claire Lee answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      Great question! I don’t really know if I can answer “why”. There are a LOT of different factors that go into this. Genetics, for example. Some people are naturally talented at math, others are more creative. You’re a particular, unique mix of each of your parents. (Chat to them and see if you can pick out the similarities you share with each of them, in behaviours and things you like/dislike as well as physical characteristics).

      Another important factor is how you were brought up, your environment, etc. A logically-minded person brought up by two musicians will end up very different to the same person brought up by two scientists, for example.

      Your personality plays a part too – are you outgoing or quiet? What motivates you? And finally your age also has an effect (young children learn very differently to adults).

      There is not one “better” or “more correct” way to learn. True, schools have in the past typically taught in a way that favours a particular type of learner. But this is changing as more people start to understand the way people learn. A good teacher is one who can teach in all the different ways, so that all different types of students can benefit.

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