Introduction: the importance of being aware of your learning preferences

In this unit you will have an opportunity to undertake a number of self-assessment exercises which will increase your awareness of how you learn best and provide you with strategies to take advantage of your learning preferences. The guidelines provided in this unit are introductory and generic (in so far as that is possible!). You need to be aware of discipline-specific conventions in this regard. It may be that there are ways of learning that are not particularly suitable in certain subject areas. All learning skills should ideally be developed within the particular parameters of your discipline(s). As you engage in the university learning experience you will progressively develop knowledge of subject-specific discourse, and through participating in it come to understand its particular conventions. In the meantime, if in doubt, check with your lecturers.

It might be an idea to keep a record of the results of these self-assessment exercises in your learning journal (see unit, 'Reflective learning: keeping a reflective learning journal'. You could also record the suggested strategies outlined therein for effective learning in your preferred style(s).

Learning objectives

At the end of this unit you will be able to:

• understand why awareness of your learning preferences makes you a more effective learner
• verify your learning preferences
• determine whether you are right or left brain dominant
• understand the theory of multiple intelligences and establish your strengths in this regard
• find and develop strategies to enhance your personal learning
• establish whether these strategies and ways of learning are appropriate to your subject area.