Understanding Your Own Learning and Your Students’ Strengths
This exercise is designed for:
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Teachers
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Tutors
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Lecturers
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Teaching assistants
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Learning support staff
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Students training to become educators
The aim is to help professionals understand their own learning style, and then apply that understanding to support their learners more effectively.
Part 1: Understanding Your Own Learning
Before supporting others, it is useful to reflect on your own learning journey.
Think about your time in education.
What subjects did you find easy?
Examples may include:
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reading
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writing
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science
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art
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sport
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practical work
Write your answers:
What subjects did you find difficult?
Examples may include:
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mathematics
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spelling
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reading long texts
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organisation
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exams
Write your answers:
What were your strengths as a learner?
Examples:
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creativity
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communication
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problem solving
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leadership
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visual thinking
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practical skills
Write your answers:
What did you struggle with the most?
Examples:
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remembering instructions
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time management
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planning assignments
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confidence in certain subjects
Write your answers:
How did your strengths influence your career?
Think about how your abilities helped you choose your profession.
For example:
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Strong communication skills may lead to teaching.
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Creativity may lead to art or design.
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Problem solving may lead to science or engineering.
Write your answers:
Part 2: Understanding Different Types of Thinking
People think and learn in different ways.
Some common thinking styles include:
Visual thinkers
People who learn well through pictures, diagrams, and visual information.
Verbal thinkers
People who enjoy reading, writing, and discussing ideas.
Practical learners
People who learn best through hands-on activities.
Analytical thinkers
People who enjoy solving problems and analysing information.
Think about your own thinking style.
My thinking style is:
Part 3: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice
Now think about the learners you teach.
How do you recognise a learner’s strengths?
Examples may include:
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creativity
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leadership
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curiosity
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practical ability
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communication skills
Write your thoughts:
How do you recognise when a learner is struggling?
Signs may include:
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avoiding certain tasks
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frustration or anxiety
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difficulty following instructions
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problems with organisation or memory
Write your thoughts:
Part 4: Recognising Strengths and Difficulties in Disabilities
Many learners have disabilities or learning differences.
These may include:
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dyslexia
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ADHD
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dyspraxia
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dyscalculia
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autism
These conditions often include both strengths and difficulties.
Example: Dyslexia
Common difficulties may include:
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spelling
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reading accuracy
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writing organisation
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remembering sequences
However, many people with dyslexia may also show strengths such as:
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creativity
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visual thinking
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problem solving
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imagination
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big-picture thinking
Teachers should recognise both the challenges and the abilities of learners.
Part 5: Supporting Students’ Future Pathways
Teachers and tutors can help learners think about their strengths and possible career paths.
Ask students questions such as:
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What subjects do you enjoy most?
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What activities do you feel confident doing?
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What skills do you think you are good at?
This can help learners understand:
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their abilities
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their interests
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possible career directions
Key Message
Education should not only focus on what learners cannot do.
It should also recognise what learners can do well.
When professionals recognise strengths as well as difficulties, they can help learners develop confidence, motivation, and future opportunities.
✅ This exercise would work well in your book as a section titled something like:
“Understanding Your Own Learning Before Supporting Others.”
or
“Recognising Strengths and Difficulties in Education.”
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