LEARNER

Learner
Theme Description
You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices you. Your excitement leads you to engage in adult learning experiences—yoga or piano lessons or graduate classes. It enables you to thrive in dynamic work environments where you are asked to take on short project assignments and are expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one. This Learner theme does not necessarily mean that you seek to become the subject matter expert, or that you are striving for the respect that accompanies a professional or academic credential. The outcome of the learning is less significant than the “getting there.”
Action Items
You want to continuously learn and improve.



You enjoy the process of learning as much as what you actually learn — perhaps even more.



You get a thrill out of learning new facts, beginning a new subject, and mastering an important skill. Learning builds your confidence.



You can get frustrated about wanting to learn so many different things because you fear you’ll never be an expert.



You are energized by the challenge of keeping up with constantly changing fields. Take courses in a wide variety of subjects in order to keep your interest levels high.



Identify your own learning style. How do you learn best — through doing? By reading? When you listen to experts? When you are able to work with friends in a group? Find your best learning environments and organize your life so that you are in these environments more. Use your Learner talents to learn about yourself — and achieve more in the process.



Find ways to track the progress of your learning. If there are distinct levels or stages of learning within a body of knowledge or skill, celebrate your progression from one level to the next. If no such levels exist, create them for yourself. (For example, set a goal of reading five books on the subject.)



You love the challenge of a steep learning curve, so beware of learning plateaus. Seek opportunities to stretch yourself with more difficult or complex assignments and courses.



Spend time talking to your professors. Soaking up their knowledge and learning from them will be enjoyable and highly motivating.



Learning is meaningful to you. Keep the mentality that you are never done learning, not even when school is over. You are a lifelong learner. Keep a journal of “lessons learned” that you can go back to often.



You love the process of learning so much that the outcome may not matter to you. As a result, you may have a number of unfinished projects that you plan to come back to “someday.” Partner with Strategic, Activator, Focus, or Achiever to make your Learner talents even more productive and purposeful.



Keep a journal in which you reflect on what you learned from your classes and other experiences.



Read outside material that is related to your courses. This approach will not only impress the professor; it also will help you develop a better understanding of the subject.



Exceed expectations. Do more than the syllabus requires of you.



Look at every situation as a possible learning experience. This approach will help you become aware of what you do well and where you need help.



Always ask, “What did I learn from this?”



Join study groups that challenge you.



Study in an environment that allows you to get into a “study mood.” This approach allow you to get the most out of your studies.



Figure out questions that will be asked, and practice answering them in preparation for discussions and exams.



Identify classmates who share your thirst for knowledge, and get to know them.



Have lots of conversations on subjects you are passionate about with people who are interested in learning.



Build relationships with those from whom you want to learn.



Choose challenging courses that will broaden your knowledge base in important areas.



Enroll in college honors and departmental honors classes.



Choose on-campus jobs that will provide learning experiences, such as working as a professor’s assistant.



Don’t restrict your learning experiences to the classroom. Engage in activities in which you can expand your knowledge about subject that interest you most.



Find opportunities to work with faculty and teaching assistants to make your college experience more meaningful. It will deepen your understanding of intellectual topics, concepts, and principles.



Go to the career center on your campus and take several different career inventories. What does each one tell you about your interests? What career possibilities do they suggest for you to explore? Your enjoyment of this self-discovery can motivate and guide you as you begin the career planning process.



Talk to your mentors about the career planning process. Ask them how they made the decision to pursue their career. Learning about their strategies will provide you with possible tools for your own learning process.



Read and study all the career possibilities that interest you. Research each one and learn what it’s really like to be in those careers over a long period of time.



Choose a work environment that encourages constant learning or where study is a way of life.



Environments that value the learning process will bring out your best, particularly if you will have opportunities to develop strengths.



Many college professors have exceptional Learner talents. Interview your favorite professors about what they find rewarding in their work