Sunday 16 December 2012

Learning styles

Yesterday I read a 1000-word essay done by YK which caused my jaw to drop. Over the weekend, the recruits were given an assignment to write about their experience in the army. YK wanted me to remind him after dinner in case he forgets. He said he should be able to complete it in 15 minutes.

I woke up the next morning to find the 2-page essay on the table and read it out of curiosity. Till now, I've never had a chance to read my son's work even though he contributes to some websites. What he had churned out in 15 minutes was really impressive. Even though he is a science student,  I'm now convinced that he can even pursue a career in writing if he wishes.

Unlike many children I know, YK has never liked reading even though he grew up with access to a big library of books. He has never read a novel in his life and cannot understand my love for reading. During his O Level exams, he surprised me by scoring a distinction in literature though he confessed that he did not even read the text book. In fact, I found it lying around the house and ended up reading it instead.

As his mom, I know that he is a fast learner and he speaks well but I've always wanted him to broaden his general knowledge. My attempts to make him read the newspapers have proven to be futile.  While he is getting news updates through his smart phone, I think it is inadequate. He only  reads reference books and prefers to glean knowledge through other mediums. He swears by Wikipedia and spends hours watching documentaries and videos on Youtube.

I probably worry too much. He has proven time and again that you don't have to be a bookworm to acquire knowledge. While I've always known about his audio/visual learning style, I'm finally able to embrace it after 20 years.

So parents out there, identify your children's learning style and instead of trying to change them, help them to flourish from there.

6 comments:

Petunia Lee said...

Apples don't fall far from the tree. You dad was intelligent. Your mom was too. Your brothers are smart and you are too. Your kids are smart. It was unfortunate that their childhood years held some distractions that may have thrown them off a little. They'll be successful people. I'm sure of it!

Open Kitchen Concept said...

Wow I wish I could read it! :)

Blur Ting said...

Thanks Petunia. To be fair, his father is highly intelligent, just not given the proper guidance when young.

My Sinfonia said...

I remember being stunned by the writing of my brother. He hardly opens his mouth. Live and learn...live and learn.

Amel said...

Wise wordssssss...my parents never forced us to be the same. My brother is more into music and art, whereas I'm more into language. It's a privilege to have parents who support you to be the best that you can be, to do what you love doing instead of what they hope that they want us to do. :-)

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