What is Your Gregorc Learning Style?

There are many theories on how people learn. I relate to Dr. Anthony Gregorc’s model of learning styles.  In "The Way They Learn", Cynthia Tobias explains that according the Gregorc, the way in which we view the world is our perception, either concrete or abstract, and the way we use the information that we perceive is our ordering, either sequential or random (18). When you put everything together, the four combinations are:

• Concrete Sequential (CS)
• Abstract Sequential (AS)
• Concrete Random (CR)
• Abstract Random (AR)

Everyone will have a dominant learning style with a few common traits of any of the other learning styles. So which are you? Visit "Check Your Personal Thinking Style" and take the test to determine your dominant learning style.

Students who “are” dominant CS are typically well-organized, dependable, and detail-oriented, though, they are perfectionists and impatient as well. They expect others to be consistent, to follow the rules, to give specific directions, and to take responsibility for their actions (Tobias 30).

Students who “are” dominant AS are able to conceptualize ideas and must analyze a situation before making a decision, however, they may show a lack of friendliness or interest in others and are highly opinionated. They expect others to use logic and reason, be deliberate, and to keep issues factual (Tobias 38).

Students who “are” dominant AR are spontaneous and they understand how others feel, nevertheless, they are unpredictable and overly sensitive to criticism. They expect people to let them know where they stand through feedback, to not put them in the middle of conflict, and to show appreciation (Tobias 44-45).

Students who “are” dominant CR are independent, intuitive, and creative, yet, they are also impulsive and stubborn. They expect others to be flexible, tell them what they did right instead of wrong, and to point them in the right direction then leave them alone (Tobias 54).

What is your dominant learning style?  I am a dominant concrete sequential learner and I do not do well with vague instructions. I need to know exactly what I need to do. I understand this may be similar to hand-holding; however, I do what I can to try to read between the lines when necessary. Be very aware of the negative perceptions of your dominant learning style as they are your weaknesses. Figure out a way or get help to overcome these shortcomings if they are damaging to your education. Did you learn anything about yourself?