Why you might not be learning as effectively
Tags: codenewbie, discuss, productivity, watercooler
Published: 2021-04-18 04:21:59

As a #CodeNewbie, a common means of learning here is to: 

- read articles to improve your knowledge,
- and later write your own to internalize your learning.

However, I want to point it out explicitly that... 

> Your learning style could be a reason why you feel that you are not learning as much as you intend to *despite doing the actions above*.

**How you learn** affects heavily: 
- *how much you are enjoying* the stuff you learn and 
- *the pace that you are learning* them. 

Therefore it will be beneficial for you if you can identify what kind of learner you are and what you can do to learn better.

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## Learner Archetypes

There are 4 common learner archetypes according to the [**VARK** model](https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/4-different-learning-styles-to-know) (**V**isual, **A**uditory, **R**eading/Writing, **K**inesthetic). 

![https://www.mysimpleshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/04145930/500x300_VARK_Oct_27_2016.png](https://www.mysimpleshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/04145930/500x300_VARK_Oct_27_2016.png)

Image retrieved from [mysimpleshow](https://www.mysimpleshow.com/learning-styles-the-vark-model/)

Below is my subjective view on how the 4 types of learners would learn and how content creators can cater their content for the various kinds of learners.

1. **Visual** 🖼️
    - For visual learners, pictures are especially louder than words for them.
    - Including images such as charts, screenshots, memes (use with precaution, consider your target audience) in articles will help these learners learn better. Break down into bullet points instead of giving text walls.
2. **Auditory** 💬
    - Most people [think in words rather than pictures](https://www.thinkonyourfeet.com/think-words-images/). For auditory learners, they take this same process to the external world to learn.
    - They would be the main supporters of podcasts, audiobooks and narrated tech videos.
3. **Reading**/**Writing** 📝
    - The nature of programming *languages* meant that **there is no running away from text, articles and documentation for learning the syntax and concepts of programming. Every CodeNewbie has a side of a Reading/Writing Learner.
    - However, with how static text can be, it will be great if every writer puts in more thought in how and why they are writing articles for their target audience.
    - Given that the speed of reading is faster than listening, that there are learning platforms popping up which emphasize on this fact such as [educative.io](http://educative.io), [codeacademy](https://www.codecademy.com/).
4. **Kinesthetic** 🙌
    - The hands-on learners!
    - By hands-on, it may differ from person to person on whether they learn effectively by following a tutorial guide in hands-on or they experiment for themselves.

---

Aside from the **VARK** model of learner archetypes, there's also another renowned categorization of learners illustrated as [an infographic by Funders & Founders](https://notes.fundersandfounders.com/post/55187809751/types-of-learners).

![https://64.media.tumblr.com/f26e3143dcf0322227285b88f9cbc1db/tumblr_mpsanrnCp21s6bw99o1_1280.png](https://64.media.tumblr.com/f26e3143dcf0322227285b88f9cbc1db/tumblr_mpsanrnCp21s6bw99o1_1280.png)

You can see there's some overlap of learner types, and these archetypes again are not absolute. 

You could be a *mix* of the archetypes! You may prefer having a mix of different mediums to spice up your learning  ✨ These archetypes just make it easier for you to identify your learning style. 

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## Learning Routine

Sometimes, aside from your learning style, your routine also matters. 

e.g. I have a developer friend who likes to head to the gym physically after work before he heads onto the mental gym and learn 💪

For me, I'm pretty lazy when it comes to physical exercise nowadays with COVID19. But if I still feel like being productive after work, I will make sure to take a nice shower 🚿, physically walk out of my house 🚶‍♀️ and grab a good dinner 🍚 before staring at my computer again.

Both of these routines are intentional to force a **cognitive switch from work mode to learning mode.** Sometimes you could even have a *parenting* mode or a *play* mode, it is important to relax and be conscious about your mental state - be aware whether you are ready for learning.

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## Conclusion

**Knowing what helps you to learn better** is beneficial for you in choosing the resources you pursue *in the limited time that you have set aside for productivity,* and also how you might want to structure your routine to learn. 

So what archetype are you? Is there any learning routine you are taking on now that you would like to share with the community? And what else do you want to see #CodeNewbie to help you improve your learning experience? Let's discuss~ 🎵