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Executive Summary of Assessments |
This Executive Summary of Assessments is based on data obtained through various self-assessments as well as through personal observations and reflections (including, but not limited to one week of Learning Logs). While no single assessment can provide a complete picture of an individual’s learning styles and preferences, this compilation does offer insights into patterns of strengths and weaknesses. The self-assessments used for this summary include:
According to the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Skills Index (SDLRS), my score (245 out of 290) falls in the "above average" range. This score indicates accurately that I prefer to determine my own learning needs and then to plan and implement my own learning. As the interpretation document indicates, this does not mean that I never choose to be in a structured learning situation. This term at FAU is a good example of my enjoyment of both types of learning environments. I am enrolled in two courses, each taught from a different perspective. Adult Learning provides opportunities for me to design a Learning Contract and implement ways to meet self-assessed needs and interests. Business Management is traditional and structured with no latitude for input from me. I am learning--and enjoying--both styles of instruction.
While many of the tendencies listed in the SDLRS score interpretation are valid for me, (creative, problem solver, intellectual), there are some areas of discrepancy. For example, I am more of a left-brained thinker than a right-brained thinker, and while I enjoy stimulation, I find that constant change is counterproductive to my overall sense of job/life satisfaction.
Learning Style Inventory (Barsch and Haynie)
According to this adaptation of the Barsch/Haynie Learning Style Inventory, my learning style preference scores are as follows:
The fact that I find it beneficial to examine all study materials and especially write out notes for frequent review tends to validate the scores. I find discussions (auditory) and making study sheets (tactile) to provide benefits as well; however, I agree with this inventory in terms of my basic preference.
Multiple Intelligences Survey (McKenzie)
In terms of Multiple Intelligences, my scores on this survey are as follows:
While at first somewhat surprised by these scores (with the exception of the visual score), through further exploration on interpreting how the scores translate into
"real world" domains, I must admit that the survey has a great deal of validity. My highest score, Intrapersonal, indicates that I am in touch with my own feelings and values. This is no doubt a result of my faith which undergirds every aspect of my life.I could have predicted a low visual score, as my spatial relations ability is practically nil. I have often thought that if schools were geared to this domain, I would never be able to succeed. I still get lost on the FAU Davie campus! (I compensate by always walking with a partner!)
The other relatively weak areas are Interpersonal and Kinesthetic. I do tend to prefer to work alone rather than in groups. My increased fascination with computers should develop the Kinesthetic area. It will be interesting for me to reassess my scores in a year!
The other areas tended to remain on a par with each other. The only surprise for me was that my Verbal strength was not scored higher. This has always been a very strong area for me. Perhaps that is an indication of some of the "holes" in this type of survey.
Learning-Style Inventory (Kolb)
According to this inventory, I fall into the "Converger" quadrant with some overlap into the "Accommodator" quadrant. I agree that I am good at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. Indeed, I have little tolerance for knowledge with little or no real world applications. I do have the ability to solve problems and make decisions based on finding solutions to questions or problems. The "Accommodator" aspect that I find particularly valid involves my new-found enjoyment of "hands-on" experience with computers. I find it interesting that the Career Map suggests that I would succeed in a technology-based career. (Because of my experience in Dr. Knee’s class, I will be the administrator on the Technology Team at Spanish River Christian School next year.) I have a "coaching" approach to dealing with others, and I must admit that security is important to me.
According to the Brain Works Personal Evaluation, I am strongly left-hemisphere dominant and am predominantly a visual learner. The qualities which I found to be valid include being organized, precise, focused on details and logical. I seek to assign meaning to my experiences as a way to learn, a fact underscored in the Kolb Learning Style Inventory. The visual aspect of my learning style indicates that I process information rapidly. I tend to structure constantly without necessarily verbalizing (an aspect which is somewhat annoying to my family). According to this evaluation, I have a unique ability to see what needs doing and to get it done. Due to the predominance of my visual learning style, I tend not to be reflective and find myself driven and distracted, with well-defined goals without the ability to articulate them. I agree with the "driven" aspect, but not with the "distracted" tag. I would be well-served to allow some distractions in the midst of a particularly daunting task.
I certainly agree that I am task-oriented, adept at finishing projects, and good at analysis. Unfortunately, the negatives associated with left-brain thinking (too focused on results, ignore important process issues, insensitive to relationship issues) are also valid! Results from this evaluation confirm the weakness in spatial relations as found in the Multiple Intelligences Survey.
Technology Competencies for Educators
Based on the Technology Competency Assessment, I conclude that my essential knowledge and skills in the area of technology are sound. I score high in most aspects of the following domains:
There are several areas of weakness, and these include:
Since this is a newly discovered area of interest and enjoyment, I am confident that I will strive to learn all that I can to expand my technology competency.
Additional Insights
From my own observations and reflection, I have noted the following characteristics of my learning styles and preferences:
