Monday, October 27, 2014

How Do You Learn?

Not too long ago, our office purchased a new copier. This machine can perform an amazing range of functions, including scanning, collating and stapling, and two-sided copying.

The trainer zoomed through the various functions until my mind screamed, "overload." There was no way I could retain that much information in a short time. I'm thankful she left a booklet with instructions for each function.

In the beginning we referred to it often. Some of our staff members pick up new technology at lightning speed. They helped the rest of us nail down the features on an as-needed basis.

Knowledge in the writing arena comes much the same way for me:

1.  An initial dive into the details and almost drowning.
2.  Step-by-step instruction in each segment as needed.
3.  Prayer for wisdom and clarity of mind.

Each one served a purpose. The first gave me an overview of the craft and the business, while the second zeroed in on specific tasks I needed to master. The most important one - prayer - gave me the understanding I needed.

I could have thrown up my hands in despair after the first step. Yet, experience has taught me to single out what I require to accomplish my daily goals.

Writers and Readers:  What type of learning suits you best? Visual, hands on, written? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Igoghost


4 comments:

quietspirit said...

Susan: I am a combination of visual and hands on. When we got a new copier at the library where I worked, the salesperson SHOWED us how to do things ONE TIME. I felt like you did.

Karen Lange said...

I guess I do a little of each, and it just depends on what I am trying to learn. Prayer is a big help, that's for sure! :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit - I can empathize!

Hi Karen - Written directions are often complicated, but I guess they have to cover every scenario.

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I am visual but also like to see it in words. I am the kind of 'bullet' and 'abc' learner, neatly ordered, schematic... reading out loud helps me to understand better!