Getting to Know Me
Recently, as part of my course in reflective-reflexive practice I completed two activities related to my learning style and my personality traits.The first activity was the VARK Test. See my results below:
Based on these results, my learning preference is multimodal, which wasn't surprising to me. I know that I have very strong sensory perceptions and have always been told I'm good with my hands; hence the high kinesthetic score. I like to make things; I like to putter around in the garden and I love to cook! I also love to doodle. I am constantly doing things with my hands. So, as far as my preferences go, the results seemed to be spot on.
Ironically though, my read/write score, being the lowest was very surprising to me. I love to read and make my living teaching students to read and write. Could this score be sending me some subliminal message? I'm still wondering about that...
The other activity was the Big 5:
Again, no major surprises here. My scores for Openness, Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were almost equal and I know, for sure, that I am neither an extrovert nor neurocentric. Interestingly, when I stand in front of my class or a lecture theatre, I am far from introverted or shy. So, I guess it depends on my context.
Both of these activities lead to some introspection and thinking about me and while I'm aware that these tests are tried and, probably true, I wondered about their authenticity in determining my particular learning preferences and my personality traits. As I reflected and I thought about the role of cultural context and upbringing and life experiences in shaping who I am now and I have to admit that I wasn't the most comfortable with the "labels" conferred by these tests, even as I acknowledge that they do have their place and serve a purpose. I was particularly intrigued by a Tedtalk by Dr Tesia Marshik (2015) in which she encouraged "critical self-reflection" as we contemplate these "tests". I thought I would share it below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=855Now8h5Rs
As I embark on this course on the journey the programme I am fascinated by the things I am learning and by all the unexplored areas yet to be navigated.
Ironically though, my read/write score, being the lowest was very surprising to me. I love to read and make my living teaching students to read and write. Could this score be sending me some subliminal message? I'm still wondering about that...
The other activity was the Big 5:
Both of these activities lead to some introspection and thinking about me and while I'm aware that these tests are tried and, probably true, I wondered about their authenticity in determining my particular learning preferences and my personality traits. As I reflected and I thought about the role of cultural context and upbringing and life experiences in shaping who I am now and I have to admit that I wasn't the most comfortable with the "labels" conferred by these tests, even as I acknowledge that they do have their place and serve a purpose. I was particularly intrigued by a Tedtalk by Dr Tesia Marshik (2015) in which she encouraged "critical self-reflection" as we contemplate these "tests". I thought I would share it below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=855Now8h5Rs
As I embark on this course on the journey the programme I am fascinated by the things I am learning and by all the unexplored areas yet to be navigated.
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