Thinking and Learning
Thinking in Pictures
Temple Grandin is famous for thinking in pictures and being able to create and play videos in her head. She has made a career out of this ability. But it does have drawbacks: abstract thinking is not easy (it requires a visual representation) and she cannot get her head around algebra.
Detail
Some people like to work with detail. They like to build the bigger picture from the detail. This focus enables them to see pitfalls and mistakes that are invisible to big picture thinkers. Consequently, they always want detail put onto outlines.
Big Picture
Big picture thinkers like to think strategically, but focusing on the problem as a whole. They work from the big picture down to the detail. They can struggle to understand someone who works from detail to the bigger picture.
Both Detail & Big Picture
A few people like to solve problems by working from the big pictures and from the detail simultaneously.
Logical Thinking
Most people are not very good at thinking logically. It has to be taught. However, autistic people have a reputation for logical thinking. This does not apply to all autistic people by a long way, but is a likely factor in why so many autistic people find a niche in technical roles.
Emotion
Emotion plays an important part in learning. It is much easier to learn something you find interesting. An enthusiastic teacher who knows how to make their subject interesting also helps. Emotion is very important for motivation and decision making.
Categories
Some people are very good at sorting things into categories. Other people are much less good at this. Some people struggle to sort into categories because, for them, items fit into more than one category.
Process
Some people love following a process, while others hate it. Most people are inbetween. It is interesting that some people like maths becuase it provides processes to follow to get to a solution. However, those who are best at maths at the highest levels are those who seek to fully understand.
Rote Learning
Rote learning is shallow learning which is just memorising of facts. There is no focus on understanding.
Deep Learning
Deep learning goes beyond memorising facts to understanding and being able to engage with the material for reflection, finding connections, and problem solving.
Concrete Thinking
Concrete Thinking is practical hands on thinking. It concerns things that can be touched and handled. Building and handling physical money, for example.
Abstract Thinking
Abstract Thinking concerns thinking about things that cannot be touched and handled. Economics and philosophy are examples of abstract subjects.