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now being used effectively in New Zealand, Britain, Finland and Sweden
and several other countries.
Four types of thinking style
Not only do we have preferred learning and working
styles, we also have favorite thinking styles. Anthony Gregorc, professor of curriculum
and instruction at the University of Connecticut, has divided these into four separate
groups:14
 Concrete
sequential.
Concrete
random.
Abstract
random.
Abstract
sequential.
We're indebted to SuperCamp consultant John
LeTellier for adapting the Gregorc model and providing the checklist on the next three
pages.15
We stress, however, that no thinking style is
superior; each is simply different. Each style can be effective in its own way.
The important thing is that you become more aware of which learning style and thinking
style works best for you. Once you know your own style, you can then analyze the others.
This will help you understand other people better. It will make you more flexible. And
perhaps we can all pick up tips from each other on how to be more effective.
Once you've made a graph for yourself on page 360,
consider these explanations to improve your own ability to learn, think, study, work and
enjoy life:
Concrete sequential thinkers are based in
reality, according to SuperCamp co-founder and president Bobbi DePorter. They process
information in an ordered, sequential, linear way. To them, "reality consists
of what they can detect through their physical sense of sight, touch, sound, taste and
smell. They notice and recall details easily and remember facts, specific information,
formulas and rules with ease. 'Hands on' is a good way for these people to learn."16
If you're concrete sequential - a CS - build on your organizational strengths. Provide
yourself with details. Break your projects down into specific steps. Set up quiet work
environments.
Concrete random thinkers are experimenters.
Says DePorter: "Like concrete sequentials, they're based in reality, but are willing
to take more of a trial-and-error approach. Because of this, they often make the
Contents Page Preface
Introduction
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