Apply The Gregorc Learning Model To Identify Your Strengths And Weaknesses

Gregorc learning style originated in 1969 with the introduction of the energic model of style and evolved into the mind style model or Gregorc learning model in 1984. Anthony F. Gregorc, internationally acclaimed lecturer, researcher, author, consultant developed this model to offer a systematic approach to learning. Additionally, the Gregorc learning model classified four cognitive styles for processing, perceiving, and ordering information, which indicates the mental strength and abilities of every individual. By knowing more about Gregorc learning model, one can identify their strengths and weaknesses and work in a planned manner to accelerate their career path. Let’s find out more about how one can do it.

The Theory Behind The Gregorc Learning Model

Gregorc defines a few key terms to explain his Gregorc learning model. These terms are mainly divided into two qualities, namely perceptual quality and ordering ability. Let's understand the meaning of these terms.

Perceptual Quality

This quality can be of two types, i.e., concrete or abstract. A detailed description of these qualities is given below.

Concrete:

Concrete ability enables a person to get information directly through the five senses, namely smell, sight, taste, touch, and hearing. When a person uses a concrete ability, they deal with the objects or material that is present there directly, without seeking out any hidden meanings or drawing connections between concepts or ideas and reality. It means they are only observing “what it is”.

Abstract:

The abstract ability allows a person to conceive ideas, visualise, understand, or believe things that they can’t actually see. When a person is using abstract qualities, they are using intuition and imagination to understand things beyond “what is”. For example, a concrete thinker can recognise someone like eating an apple but a more abstract thinker can reflect on emotions like affection and love.

Although everyone has both abstract and concrete perceptual abilities to some extent. The one whose natural strength is more in the concrete may communicate in a literal, direct, no-nonsense manner. And the one whose natural strength is abstract may use more subtle ways to explain things, ideas, and concepts.

Ordering Ability

Ordering qualities means how a person arranges their ideas, thoughts, or information. These qualities are of two types, i.e., sequential and random. A detailed analysis of these two is given below.

Sequential:

This is the quality of mind that allows one to organise information in a step-by-step linear manner. When a person is using their sequential ability, he is following a logical train of ideas or thoughts. The person can plan activities and follow them rather than relying on random activities. Students who have more sequential thinking use a timetable or to-do list for effective study. They can have daily, weekly, or monthly plans.

Random:

With this ability, the mind organises information or ideas or concepts into chunks without following any particular order. If a student is doing things randomly, then he may often be able to skip or forget activities or procedures. It becomes difficult for students or a person to get things done efficiently within a certain time limit.

Gregorc Learning Model: Style

This model is designed to understand the learning process of an individual. There are four types of learning styles that are shown in the image. Using the Gregorc learning styles test, anyone can categorise themselves in the following categories and learn about their styles.

Abstract Random (AR):

The term "abstract" means they learn by visualisation and imagination. Random means they don't like structured, planned, and routine procedures. This means that students who have abstract random qualities learn best when broad and general guidelines are given. This type of person makes healthy relationships with others.

Abstract Sequential (AS):

Students or people who have abstract and sequential mind styles learn using visualisation but in a planned and organised manner. This type of student analyses situations and applies logic before making any decision or acting. They have the ability to act diplomatically while convincing others.

Concrete Sequential (CS):

A learner or student who has concrete and sequential abilities means s/he performs best when step-by-step detailed direction and organised lesson planning are provided. These types of students and people learn directly through head-on learning experiences through their five sense organs, namely the eyes, ears, tongue, skin, and nose.

Concrete Random (CR):

These types of students or learners have concrete and random mind styles, meaning they learn directly through their five senses and through a trial and error approach. Learners learn best when they compete with others and work through the problems. This category of learners or students like to take risks, experiment to find solutions, and work independently.

Gregorc learning models enable students and learners to examine their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. The best way for students and learners to perform well in their careers is to divide them into four categories so they can better understand who they are.