2. I learn practical skills poorly by reading and by verbal explanation. I have to be shown, and I have to touch things, to learn them best. one of the more senior guys is pretty good at walking me through procedures, and I learn better from him; the other guy (who was the only guy I could get direction from today) tends towards rushed explanations of the "it's really easy, just do this and this and this, got it?" sort. Which brings me to...