Page 21 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

6• Chapter 1

Suppose for a moment that you have purchased a piece
of furniture or a toy that requires assembly.
Visualize the contents of the box. Usually there are parts
and a set of directions. How do you attack this problem? Do
you

1. Read the directions thoroughly and/or study each dia-
gram before beginning assembly?

2. Read the directions aloud or ask someone to read them
to you as you put it together?

3. Look at the parts, ignore the directions, and start to as-
semble it right away?

If you selected number 1 as the action you would most
likely take, it is conceivable that you have a visual learning pref-
erence. An auditory learner may prefer to hear the instructions
or speak them aloud—number 2. The kinesthetic learner knows
how the pieces fit together and jumps right in—number 3.
The following table describes some of the characteristics
typically displayed by the three types of learners. Take just
a few minutes, using your own self-awareness and the table.
Try to decide whether you would describe yourself as an au-
ditory, visual, or kinesthetic learner.