Introduction
Choosing an appropriate learning model might significantly improve the comprehension of new information, stimulate personal growth, and assist in developing professional qualities. Learning is a complex and multifaceted subject, and various people require diverse approaches. For instance, some individuals prefer the practical method and need to have the empirical experience to remember certain things. Others might need a more theoretical approach and favour the classrooms over personal involvement. The third group might better acquire information that is presented visually, and the fourth group prefers learning from other people’s experiences. Ultimately, there is a large variety of learning styles and models that every individual needs to get accustomed to if they want to find an appropriate method. In this paper, I intend to compare my personal learning model with some of the most prominent frameworks and discuss how I can improve my method.
My Learning Model
Before discussing other models, it is essential to provide a brief description of how I learn things and perceive information. I believe that the four most significant factors in my framework are observation, experience, research, and history. The first two variables are interconnected since I learn not only from personal experience but also from the wisdom of other people. Observation and active listening of how other people do things and make decisions help me to come up with innovative strategies and approaches. Nevertheless, the experience might now always suffice; therefore, I prefer to support it with reliable data. I believe that research is of utmost significance in the digital age, and professionals need to back up their decisions with facts. Lastly, history plays a crucial role in my learning model. I prefer to utilize only the tested practices and methods to ensure a high probability of success. Overall, these four principles constitute the foundation of my learning model.
Principles of Learning Models
Nevertheless, as mentioned briefly before, there is a large variety of learning styles and principles that could also be implemented in the model. The factors might include the type of perception (i.e. visual/auditory), structure (organized/chaotic), social aspect (learning in isolation/interaction), etc. (Leatherman, 2021). These features do not constitute a learning style by themselves but rather determine what method is appropriate for the individual (Leatherman, 2021). Ultimately, most learning models are a combination of the said factors. For instance, the VARK (visual, auditory, reading, kinesthetic) method implies that people are generally divided into two groups of learning preference (Ho, n.d.). The first category needs to utilise all types of perception to improve their productivity, while the second group needs to focus solely on one factor (Ho, n.d.). Other models might target the cognitive structure of the brain, such as Kolb learning style, or immerse the learner in the appropriate environment to hone their skills (Ho, n.d.). Ultimately, there is a large variety of factors that determine the learning models.
Sales Communication Model
The current method primarily revolves around the skills that are necessary for effective sales communication. Commonly, they include active listening, empathy, persistence, curiosity, and specific directions (Ye, 2020). Since it is an objective-oriented learning model, it significantly develops the communication competencies and the associated qualities of an individual. Nevertheless, the principles of the sales communication model (SCM) might also be implemented in any type of learning process. For instance, active listening and observation are one of the most significant factors of learning; persistence and curiosity keep the motivation on a high level, and it is always useful to speak in specifics. Therefore, while the primary objective of the SCM is to improve communication competencies, this model might also enhance the overall productivity of an individual.
I believe that the major similarity of the SCM with my learning model is observation and active listening. Ultimately, this quality is essential to efficiently perceive information and is the foundation for a large variety of methods. However, I could potentially benefit from a more communicative and spontaneous approach to learning. As mentioned before, I prefer to support my decisions with data and generally rely on tested practices and methods. While I do believe that structure is essential for efficient learning, a more improvised strategy might potentially enhance my learning habits. Ultimately, sometimes it might be more effective to learn by mistakes, and the qualities of SCM, such as empathy, curiosity, and communication, encourage a bold approach.
Planning Model
Another highly prominent learning method is the planning model. Derived from the name, the current framework emphasizes logic, structure, rational thinking, thoughtful decision-making, and planning. This approach has initiated several learning models, such as the Rational Model of Decision Making and the Rational Planning Model (Uzonwanne, 2016). However, both methods share the learning structure and the problem-solving framework. The consequence is the following: identification of the problem, the conjecture of the solution, analysis, research and data collection, overview of alternative theories, choosing the best solution, and implementation (Uzonwanne, 2016). Similar to the SCM method, the planning model does not only address learning but can also be utilised for various purposes. However, regardless of the objective, the major components of the theory include rational thinking, scheduling ahead, and organised structure. Logical learning is one of the most productive models for people with a developed left side of the brain that is accountable for rational thinking (Leatherman, 2021). Therefore, this model is appropriate for people who prefer organised learning and value logic.
The planning learning method is relatively similar to my personal learning model since they share the same primary characteristics, such as the necessity of research. However, unlike the planning model, I value experience more and consider that learning from others may frequently be more beneficial than following a strict protocol. Therefore, despite the seeming similarity, there are some differences between my learning model and the planning method.
Discussion
Having analysed some of the prominent learning methods, it is essential to reflect on them and propose certain improvements to my own model. I believe that my learning model is located in the middle of the spectrum between the sales communication model and the planning model. Essentially, it implies that my current learning model might benefit from both the SCM and the planning methods by emphasizing some of their components. For instance, I believe that curiosity and communication competencies of the SCM model might significantly enhance my learning habits. On the other hand, I might also benefit from implementing a strict hierarchical structure for some of my tasks and utilise the planning model to the full extent.
Conclusion
Summing up, in this paper, I have examined some of the most prominent learning models, identified major factors of studying, and applied this knowledge to my personal learning model. There are some factors in both the SCM and the planning model that could potentially enhance my learning habits and improve the overall productivity. Therefore, it is possible to modify my learning model by combining the mentioned methods.
References
Ho, L. (n.d.). 7 different learning models: Which one fits you best? Web.
Leatherman, J. (2021). How to use the learning style quiz to accelerate your learning? Web.
Uzonwanne, F. C. (2016). Rational model of decision making. In A. Farazmand (Eds.), Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance (pp. 1-6). Springer International Publishing AG.
Ye, L. (2020). 15 communication skills that are crucial to sales success. Web.