Learning Styles

Communication and Collaboration Strategy Paper

Communication and Collaboration Strategy Paper
Communication is defined by Merriam-Webster as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. The word communicate is defined as transmitting information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood. Effective communication is achieved when all parties satisfactorily receive or understand the information being communicated. Just as when two people speaking different languages attempt to communicate, personality and learning styles can greatly effect communication. It is only when both sides understand each other, and understand the effects of personalities and learning styles that real effective communication is achieved.
In 1983, Howard Garner identified eight different learning styles in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The eight styles are as listed: linguistic; musical; logical–mathematical; spatial; bodily-kinesthetic; interpersonal; intrapersonal and naturalistic. When people of different learning styles must work together as a group they must be able to collaborate and communicate. The key to achieving this is understanding what type of learning style each personal uses. If the group consists of Logical-Mathematical, Verbal-Linguistic and Intrapersonal styles then the group should consider conveying information in ways that are best for each style. For example a Logical-Mathematical learner will want to write outlines and develop charts and graphs; a verbal-linguistic learner will need to hear the information and may want to write it down, and the intrapersonal learner may need some time to think and process the information before the group begins the next step of the project. Understanding of how group members learn and being able to adjust project tasks and group meetings to incorporate everyone’s individual style will... [continues]

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