Learning Styles 4 - Conscientiousness: Fitting in or Losing the Plot?

This forth short article is about the third of the five elements of the LSP model - conscientiousness. This is another possible channel for the basic learning drive - to learn within a social context, understanding and adapting to the needs and complex rules of those around you.

The roots of the word conscientious  "con" (together) + "science" (knowledge) tell you that this attribute is about being part of a group, a society, perhaps even a team. Using your learning drive in a way that fits in, and provides for the common good can be a great boon. We are all part of a society, and our work affects other people, whether for good or bad, it has effects. As John Donne put it:

"No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Our relations to others, especially in the context of exam preparation, must also be thought of as a two-way street. The way you relate to others affects how they relate to you. Having peace and space to study, delegating work so that you can study, giving and receiving help, or working together can all be positive benefits of having other people in your life. Indeed too many candidates try to do it all themselves, without asking for help or recognising that other people are in the same boat - study groups can be a great resource, providing practical help, common motivation and a sense of 'us against the world'. 

However, like each of the learning attributes, conscienciousness has it's hazards, which need to be recognised and managed. In the exam, it's just you and the exam paper (or examiner/s). Like it or not, exams are a solo event. And as a unique individual you will have needs which may not fit in with what others want. So, yes it is important to have awareness of the people around you, and to make the most of their help, but sometimes just a little selfishness is necessary too!