How the overall educational system of the United States can be looked at differently to promote different learning techniques and stimulate learning of all groups getting individuals better prepared for life outside/after school.

Name of Winner: Siyani Merriweather

Winning Essay:

While I have a large appreciation for the educational system, I can largely see how it can combine different learning styles to better assist students in school and their profession. In the education system it is commonly misconstrued that when it comes to teaching and learning that one size fits all. Each student cannot learn the same material the same way, being that everyone has a preference on how to obtain information. There are four different learning styles which are: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. The issue is typically schools only cater to one of those styles. A better way to approach this is by schools equipping the student’s skills associated with every learning style, so when it comes to being a professional they would have been exposed to various strategies. The first style is visual. This learner sees in pictures and is an observer. They can recall previous information and obtaining new information by seeing it in a picture in their mind. These learners memorize by strong visual associations, and have a difficult time remembering verbal information unless written down. How to cater to this learner can be done in multiple ways. Asking them to draw a poster on what they have learned, drawing pictures or diagrams, presentations, and using patterns or shapes. In the professional setting they will use this style by drawing out business goals, visual presentation for a business leader, and infographics attract as well. These visuals should perfectly correlate with the material that is being depicted. The second style is auditory. This learner obtains information best when it is heard or spoken. They acquire information best when recited out loud. They like to engage in lectures, group discussion, auditory reading, and talking. Repetition is their routine way of obtaining the information. Using a mnemonic device, a device that helps with memorization, is beneficial to this learner. These learners prefer their voice or someone else's rather than written words. This style can be shown in the professional setting through meetings, oral presentations, and networking events. The third style is reading/writing. This learner prefers written words and is text-based. This may seem like visual, but this learner is captivated to learn through actual words, not pictures. These are the avid readers. They are attracted to writing: essays, diary entries, short stories, and sentences, as well as reading: books, articles, blogs, and dictionaries. Ways to fulfil this learner is by having them write a sentence explaining what they learned, making flashcards, research projects, giving journal questions and essays. In a professional setting this can be utilized with written outlines, research, structured business, and even slogans. The fourth style is kinesthetic. These are tactile/physical learners. This is an hands on learner that learn best by doing rather than seeing, hearing, or writing. Touching, doing, experimenting are the ways these learners secure information. These students are typically active and usually engaged in social events. Ways to accommodate these learners can be exercises that require movement to demonstrate, labs, role playing, games, and even dances. Once the material is tied into something that can be experienced or physical the students should understand the concept. A hands-on person makes for a great business leader since a business requires action. This style can build a great dynamic in the work force that builds a great team. Role-playing is a physical effective way to learn when it comes to consumers and negotiation. As someone who is not only in school, but also practices in a professional setting at an Animal Hospital, I am a kinesthetic learner. I benefit vastly by being hands on. Practicing different strategies on the same situations is an appreciable way to being able to succeed. Once the student masters their learning style they will be able to carry their tactics into their professional life, because they will have the ability to approach their role in different ways to be benefits and efficiency to a business. As a business it is greatly valuable when multiple learning styles can be blended together to create a strong productive workforce. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this application and essay.