Each individual has a different learning style, and recognizing yours can greatly elevate your learning experience. While some will gauge knowledge theoretically, others need to dip their toes into the work to practically understand how it is done. Becoming a practical learner involves developing skills and habits that allow you to apply what you learn purposefully. Let’s discuss how you can become one!
Practical Learning is acquired by learning through action. Real-life experience and knowledge are gained by practicing skills with a “hands-on” approach. A practical learner aims to achieve specific learning outcomes by considering the process of learning a serious endeavor. For them, learning should be an easy and enjoyable experience to understand concepts.
A practical learner will need clearly defined goals and a sense of control over their learning endeavors. Goals provide direction to achieve the desired outcomes which makes it easier for a practical learner to stay motivated. Set long-term and short-term SMART (Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals to meet your expected outcomes.
Practical Learners learn best through hands-on experience that helps them retain what they have learned and put new skills into practice. By engaging in projects related to the subject that you learn and gaining real-world experiences through internships and volunteering, you can help reinforce your skills. Online learning platform TechClass, offers training with projects related to real-world scenarios that allow learners to practically experience what they are learning.
As a practical learner, structured learning programs that provide regular feedback as you learn will help in understanding your strengths and weaknesses. It provides insights into areas that require improvement such as seeking guidance from mentors, gaining constructive feedback from peers, and self-assessment of your journey.
While effective time management is crucial for purposeful learning, practical learners excel in learning alone where they have control over their pace and timing. That said, creating a schedule to manage your time effectively and prioritizing important tasks will help you learn better while avoiding procrastination.
Practical learning requires critical thinking to analyze the information at hand, evaluate various perspectives, and then make decisions accordingly in real-life experiences. Critical thinking is cultivated with practice by questioning assumptions, analyzing different sources, and reflecting on what you have learned. Similarly, a practical learner will also be open-minded to explore new ideas and gain enough perspectives to navigate along the experience. You should explore diverse topics and stay updated with the latest trends to stay curious about new developments.
Practical learners will need to thrive among other people in the workplace. By adopting the following learning design principles, practical learners will be more motivated to find success.
Practical learners will be more driven to achieve results and engage with learning when the outcomes result in attainable rewards such as earning a badge or certificate. This highlights mastery of the subject and allows a more focused approach toward the task.
A practical learner will need to be shown what skills are required to achieve their goals and the most effective ways to learn those skills. This gives the learners clarity on what they need to know and do to obtain results as they have the agency to choose their own path towards fulfilling the task.
By providing regular feedback through multiple channels such as summative assessments, self-assessments, or quizzes in an online course, learners are able to gauge how effectively they understand the subject. Feedback on the go will help in improving learning experiences and result in better outcomes.
Becoming a practical learner requires a combination of self-awareness, discipline, and a proactive approach to applying knowledge. By embracing this learning style, you can gain practical experience while following a structured pathway at your own pace and time. This allows you to embark on a purposeful learning journey that not only enhances your knowledge but also equips you with the skills to navigate the complexities of the real world.
Embracing a practical learning style is a powerful step toward career growth, yet finding the right environment to consistently apply new skills can be a challenge. Moving from theoretical understanding to hands-on mastery requires structure, regular feedback, and opportunities for real-world application that are often difficult to coordinate manually.
TechClass provides the modern infrastructure needed to bridge this gap. By utilizing structured Learning Paths and an interactive Training Library, the platform allows learners to engage with content through simulations and projects rather than static text. With built-in gamification and automated feedback loops, TechClass helps individuals and organizations turn the principles of practical learning into a scalable, everyday reality.
