(1) - Areas for personal development - My Learning Styles Indicator Psychometric Test Results

In order to gain an insight into my type of personality and learning styles, as well as identifying my personal strengths and weakness, I completed the ‘Learning Styles Indicator’ psychometric test. This test comprised of a series of questions with two possible answers, which provided me with an overall learning style to conclude my psychometric test. Looking at my results from the test, the image below shows my current learning style, which identifies that I am a ‘Activist’ learner. However, as the blue circle on my results graph is situated on the border line more so than in the darker regions of the segment, this means that I’m more so an activator but do incorporate the ‘Clarifier’ learning style too. This graph also shows that little learning styles of a ‘Innovator, or Explorer’ will be used by myself.

The diagram shows that I have a preference for the 'Activator' style and common traits of an activator are listed below:

From looking at these traits, an activator might choose to study subjects that:

• •          are structured, contain facts, are practical and useful
• •          demand high standards
• •          have consequences rather than just interesting theories
• •          can be related to their own experience
• •          provide problems requiring solutions

I would agree with the points made above, as I’m always giving myself high standards, and aiming to achieve the best possible grades and outcomes, either at university or personal tasks. In addition, I believe that I’m more to the point and like to focus on the action and show little procrastination, and also enjoy organisation facts, situations and people in order to deliver results. My results report also identified many more interesting points on my current learning style, such as, the type of learning environment activators prefer, and what motivates activators to learn something new.

To conclude my analysis of my results, the test also produced a list of an activators ‘most natural talents’, which offer me an insight into strengths. These talents comprise of:

•        working with real issues
• •          converting ideas into action
• •          grasping basic issues and seeing their practical implications
• •          being involved and interacting with others
• •          grasping the facts, handling the detail and engaging in practical activities
• •          giving or responding to clear instructions and structure

I would have to agree with the results about converting ideas into action and ensuring that I grasp basic issues and seeing their practical implications. I like to ensure that I understand what I’m doing thoroughly to ensure I execute the test successfully. In addition, I believe one of my strengths is working together with others, and interacting, which has developed my communication and confidence. Therefore I have identified that planning, communication and confidence are three personal strengths I believe to possess currently. However, I hope to further develop each skill throughout my placement to develop my employability. 

In terms of my weaknesses, activators are criticised for:

• •          jumping in too quickly before all the information is known
• •          trying things out too soon
• •          becoming frustrated if the pace is too slow
• •          having pre-conceived ideas which make them less flexible
• •          being impatient

From looking at these points above, my aims throughout my placement are to take a step back from the situation, be patient, and listen to all the information before jumping to conclusions. This aim will be called ‘developing patience' which links into 'controlling my mind’. This will link into ‘The Chimp Paradox’ mind management book which I’m currently reading throughout my time on placement. This programme aims to develop one’s mind management to create successful and happy outcomes, and will be reflected upon throughout my blog.