The process of learning is critically important in all human beings and understanding your individual learning style is key for effective learning. Learning styles is defined as the composite of characteristic cognitive, affective, and physiological factors that serve as relatively stable indicators of how a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the learning environment (Keefe, 1979). Learning style is the way each person absorbs, understands and uses information.
Some of our learning style may be inherited. That is we are born with certain traits that affect how we learn. Learning styles are therefore very unique to each individual and as is also the case with myself. As a student in India I was used to studying in a structured environment and values were instilled by my parents, teachers and peers to study with high motivation and persistence. Bright light and formal classroom setting were the environmental factors that I was used to. I think this is mainly because I grew up in a tropical climate. For this reason I have a hard time studying in the winter season. Also I need a quiet environment to learn and do not like to be disturbed when I am learning.
Another major environmental factor that I was used to in India was a formal classroom setting. Even in the evenings we would go to tuition's, which are small formal study groups. The teaching in India was very formal and analytical. That is why all Indians have strong math skills. Generally like all Indians I have strong preference to study in the afternoon and evenings. I learn best with physical lectures in classes given by professors, because lectures were the primary means of delivery in India.
I excel in learning with interactive instructional activities requiring physical involvement, for example building models doing laboratory experiments etc. I learn best by touching, moving and interacting with space. I have a strong preference for group learning than