In older teens, learning styles questionnaires help identify how their personality is developing in terms of self-perception, motivation, perseverance and self-control. Whilst you might have identified your child as a tactile learner in lower primary, with a tendency toward logical thinking (according to Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory discussed in Part Two), how do you know if your child has developed non-cognitive skills that define their true character? How do you know if they have what it takes to be successful?

Essential Questions to Ask Your Teen

1. What career do you see yourself doing?

The real question you need to ask … What skills do you have?

A 2013 report from the UK Education Endowment Foundation found non-cognitive (or ‘character’) skills are becoming less-important as cognitive (IQ) skills in determining future job prospects. As if to illustrate the point further, Futurewise New Generation, which offers advice on UCAS and careers, reports: “…a recent study by researchers by Oxford University and Deloitte found that about 35% of current jobs in the UK are at high risk of computerisation during the next 20 years.”

2. What course will you be taking?

The real question you need to ask … What research proves this is the right course for you?

The possibilities are endless, the courses numerous, the career at the end of it no longer guaranteed and the cost of it - huge! Why would you make a decision as expensive as tertiary/further education with little research? Would you spend so little time researching the cost of a £50,000 car, without knowing if you’d like to drive it at the end of the purchase? Why choose a course/career without trying it out first?

Yet, this seems to be the kind of decision teens are being asked to make as early as first term in lower sixth form.

How Can Learning Styles Influence Career Choices?

The tried and tested C Jung and Briggs Meyers type personality test leads to an understanding of how you think and the careers that might suit you. A good place to start, but keep in mind you might change (a little) as you get older. My own experience is I’m the same personality-type as I was at 16!

The site explains the personality test types for Extrovert/Introvert, Intuitive/Sensing, Thinking/Feeling and Judgement/Perception. A great site to explore if needing careers advice, study options, or simply to understand how you think and react when learning and interacting socially. Not only does it have a fascinating description of each type, but it is quite inspirational too!

How Does MagiKats Use Learning Styles?

A learning style may not be the reason people are hired, but it is the reason people succeed. A great match between the way your child learns and their chosen career is the best way to ensure they enjoy the future and succeed! How will they know if they can persevere and show true grit? Does working with people motivate them? Do they enjoy critical-thinking? Or analysis?

At MagiKats Mathematics and English we feedback our observations on every child’s learning throughout their time with us. Students can learn with us all the way from pre-school to GCSE or Highers. We employ a rich variety of learning styles, engaging our learners in every workshop. As students progress through the MagiKats learning stages, our multiple-styles approach invites curiosity about the world and their place within it.

To learn with MagiKats, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you.

From the team at MagiKats HQ