Beating a Dead Horse: Abstract Sequential Learners

I just finished providing a training for a group of teachers on how learning styles impact education.  During this session I was talking about Gregorc's Abstract Sequential learning style, using my own husband as an example.

You see, my husband is an off the charts abstract sequential learner. He has the ability to talk non-stop about a topic he cares or is concerned about, and seemingly cannot or will not stop.

And - not for the first time - I had a teacher approach me after the session and say, "I have one of those husbands at home, too. I never understood why he has to keep talking. And now it makes perfect sense."

Very different learning styles resulting in a lesson it took me 14 years of marriage to learn... Why can't he just say what he is thinking once and stop? Why does he have to "beat a dead horse"?

The answer... abstract sequentials sometimes HAVE to keep talking to process their own information! They must verbally satisfy their inherent need to explore all avenues before coming to a conclusion and need an ear to listen to their thought process.

Likewise, in the classroom when an abstract sequential student is not given the opportunity to completely solve a problem or thoroughly explore the answer to a question, academic and behavioral problems can arise.

So how do we deal with Abstract Sequential students in the classroom?

• Assign a "problem solving buddy". Another student to share thoughts and ideas with. This buddy allows the abstract the opportunity to orally problem solve while keeping the student from dominating the teacher's time.
• Ask questions. Engage in a dialog to allow the abstract sequential time to explore his thoughts, play devils advocate, and work out the answer in his mind - after examining all of his options.
• Help stay on topic. Allow the abstract sequential time and space to explore, but help him learn to stay focused, discarding the ideas and thoughts as he rules them out.
• More ways to interact with your students
  

Problem solved? Well, maybe not completely. But these ideas should help you survive, while allowing him to thrive. Are we still talking about the classroom or the marriage?

For additional information on the various learning styles:

How to determine your own personal learning style
Learning styles database