A learning style is defined as the different ways we apply when learning, that is, the cognitive, affective, and physiological characteristics that we use to respond to a learning situation. Generally, all people tend to use different styles; there is no pure style but one usually predominates.
According to educational theorist David Kolb, learning styles come from genetics, experiences, and environmental demands. Each person’s own learning style is made up of particular strategies and characteristics.
While all skiers learn with a mixture of the following learning styles, each one tends toward a dominant learning type:
- If we are doers, we have a tendency to experience the motor approach ourselves through trial and error (concrete experience) rather than listening to explanations on how to perform it. Being practical and functional, we are easily bored by technical commentary. We prefer to move constantly rather than stand still and wait. We have a tendency to impatience by being the first to try out the new proposal.
- If we are observers, we tend to learn through contemplation, i.e., assimilate better when observing (reflective observation). Explanations are not effective for us unless we can create images as they provide us with an essential indicator. We rely on observation of others and the instructor/trainer to determine our own visual references.
- If we are thinkers, we need a clear, concise, descriptive explanation of what is to be done because we require to understand the reason for the execution (abstract conceptualization). In this way we understand the technical concept before executing it. We are analytical, theoretical, logical, and prefers reading to listening and reflecting before and after an execution.
- If we are feelers, we learn through sensory experiences, that is, we depend on bodily sensitivity to connect between what we do and what we understand (active experience). We quickly assimilate sensations suggested by the ski pro. We use sensory feedback because this is how we build the ‘how’ we should feel the movements. We are intuitive: we try until we find the way to execute the movements correctly.
Kolb separates learning into two aspects:
- Perceptual learners observe the situation and collect information. Feelers and thinkers belong to this group.
- Procedural learners process the information to be learned and these are observers and doers.
Sensory modes of learning
Three sensory modes are used in learning to ski: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
Although we tend to learn through sight, the auditory channel is considered a secondary means of assimilating concepts and sounds produced by motion. The auditory is oriented to the assimilation of concepts and the focusing of different sounds through the ears.
While the kinesthetic learning style is relatively slow in relation to auditory and visual learning, it has the advantage of being a pervasive learning style that is difficult to forget due to motor retention or muscle memory.
