What is learning Traits?
1. Learning Dimensions
You learn best when you understand how you learn and ways to improve your learning! Learning dimensions is how you engage with materials, process information, and create learning goals!
Processing
Active learners thrive in hands-on math activities, group projects, and practical applications.
Reflective learners excel in individual study, taking time to think deeply and analyze math problems.
Perception
Sensing learners prefer step-by-step, practical approaches to math problem-solving.
Intuitive learners enjoy exploring theories and patterns, seeing the big picture in math
Understanding
Sequential learners prefer learning math in a structured, logical sequence, building upon each step.
Global learners understand math concepts holistically, often seeing the overall pattern before focusing on details.
Input
Visual learners grasp math concepts better through diagrams, charts, and visual aids.
2. Cognitive Traits
Cognitive Traits are like the superpowers of your brain—they’re the unique qualities that help you perceive, remember, attend to, and think about math.
Just like how some people are great at drawing or playing sports, Cognitive Traits are what make your brain awesome in its own way. Learning styles and preferences are not fixed! It’s key that you understand your mental toolkit for learning!
Practical
Practical learners prefer applying math to real-life situations, focusing on how to use math in everyday scenarios.
Example: “How to slice a pizza to feed 7 people equally?” These students excel in solving problems involving measurements, building lego, budgeting, and understanding discounts or percentages in shopping scenarios
Analytical
Analytical learners enjoy breaking down math problems into smaller, more manageable parts, focusing on logic and reasoning.
Example: “Understanding baking ratios for baking a brownie!” These students thrive in solving complex equations, dissecting geometric proofs, and analyzing patterns in sequences or functions.
Creative
Creative learners approach math with imagination and innovation, often finding unconventional solutions or connections between concepts.
Example: These students shine in exploring math through art, creating visual representations of mathematical concepts, and devising new problem-solving strategies.
3. Personalities
Openness
High Openness students may enjoy exploring abstract concepts and creative problem-solving in math
Low Openness students may prefer routine and practical applications of math.
Conscientiousness
High Conscientiousness students tend to be organized and diligent, leading to disciplined study habits in math.
Low Conscientiousness students may struggle with consistency in practicing and mastering math skills.
Extraversion
High Extraversion students may benefit from group learning and discussions in math, thriving in social math activities.
Low Extraversion students might prefer solitary study, focusing on individual problem-solving.
Agreeableness
High Agreeableness students may excel in collaborative math settings, fostering positive group dynamics.
Low Agreeableness students may lean towards independent learning, valuing self-reliance in math tasks.
Neuroticism
High Neuroticism students may experience anxiety in math-related situations, potentially affecting their performance.
Low Neuroticism students are likely to approach math with calmness and resilience, handling challenges more effectively.
Big Five personality traits
The five learner traits mentioned above come from various psychological models that scientists have tested for many years. Take the Big-5 personality test, for instance – it's a helpful and trustworthy tool to discover more about your personality traits!
4. Socio-Cultural Background
Your country, background, and family also matter! You might have different learning traits, preferences, or strengths based on your personal background. Find your country below, and we can tell you what your country-based strengths or learning traits might be!
Asian
If you are from Asia, such as China, Japan, or India, you might exhibit a strong inclination towards disciplined rote memorization and extensive practice in mastering mathematical concepts during your junior high school years. Your experience may involve rigorous drills and repetition. We understand that your school might prioritize grades and rankings, requiring you to practice extensively each day! These routines can foster your mathematical talents and traits!!
Learning Traits
- Rote memorization as a foundational strategy
- Engaging in extensive and dedicated practice
- Valuing precision and repetitive learning
- Adhering to rule-based learning approaches
- Placing emphasis on establishing fundamental foundations
- Prioritizing mastery over rapid progression
Your Cultural Talents
- Precise problem-solving skills through repetition
- Excelling in rule-based learning environments
- Building a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts
- Patience and dedication in achieving mastery
North American
For those from North America, your junior high school math education might have encouraged practical applications and real-world problem-solving. Your experience may involve connecting mathematical concepts to everyday scenarios, fostering an appreciation for the relevance of math in your daily life!
Learning Traits
- Emphasis on practical applications and real-world problem-solving
- Connecting mathematical concepts to everyday scenarios
- Fostering an appreciation for the relevance of math in daily life
Your Cultural Talents
- Strong ability to apply mathematical concepts in real-world contexts
- Developing practical problem-solving skills
- Seeing the broader applications of mathematical concepts
- Valuing hands-on and experiential learning approaches
European
If you are from Europe, you may have a learning preference that emphasizes a conceptual understanding of mathematics, valuing the exploration of underlying principles over memorization — Your experience might involve focusing on comprehending the ‘why’ behind mathematical operations, fostering your critical thinking and problem-solving skills!
Learning Traits
- Emphasis on understanding underlying concepts
- Valuing exploration of fundamental principles — “why?”
- Thinking practical skilks
- Prioritizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Your Cultural Talents
- Demonstrating a deep understanding of underlying mathematical principles
- Excelling in conceptual problem-solving
- Applying critical thinking to mathematical challenges
- Appreciating the ‘why’ behind mathematical operations
Middle Eastern
If you are from the Middle East, your success in junior high school mathematics may be rooted in a collaborative learning environment, where community support and shared knowledge are highly valued! Your experience might include a strong emphasis on group discussions and cooperative problem-solving!
Skills
- Thriving in collaborative learning environments
- Valuing community support and shared knowledge
- Strong emphasis on group discussions and cooperative problem-solving
Your Cultural Talents
- Strong memory retention through rote memorization
- Precise problem-solving skills through repetition
- Excelling in rule-based learning environments
- Building a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts
- Displaying patience and dedication in achieving mastery
- Nurturing a work ethic that aligns with cultural values on academic excellence
African
For those from Africa, your junior high school learning environment may have fostered a communal approach to learning, emphasizing collaboration and group problem-solving. Your experience could involve a learning style that values shared insights and collective problem-solving, contributing to your success in math!
Skills
- Embracing a communal approach to learning
- Valuing collaboration and group problem-solving
- Appreciation for shared knowledge and insights
Your Cultural Talents
- Excelling in collaborative learning environments
- Demonstrating strong teamwork and cooperation
- Nurturing a learning style that values shared insights
- Developing problem-solving skills through collective efforts
References
Research Publications
We conducted an in-depth literature review, analyzing 50 peer-reviewed papers, and performed a meta-analysis of the latest research on learning traits. This comprehensive approach allowed us to categorize the overarching themes within the research
Interviews
We conducted an online survey (N = 1200) to gather insights into the schooling experiences of North American graduates. Additionally, we utilized thematic and factor analyses to examine learning preferences, needs, and information processing