Assignment 2 - Learning Styles

Learning Style Test 

Looking at my results from this little test, I can see that it is partly true. I have always known that I’m the sort of person who likes to get on with things, Like to make a start, but while considering certain constraints that makes me more of an Activist, and less of a Pragmatist.  I can see the points that are made about activists are true about me; I do like to brainstorm and just generally make a start. I certainly have  a ‘I’ll try anything once’ approach, even when it doesn’t work out for the best, but I feel it is better to regret something you tried, than regret not trying it. 

I also enjoy reflecting on events that have happened, so this test result is true also; I feel that by looking at the past it can help me to make a decision in the present that will eventually help me in the future.  I feel that others have a valid input and deserve to be listened to, I’m happy to listen and to raise my points in discussions when I feel it is valued. I agree that I’m not much of a theorist, I don’t mind if things don’t slot nicely into little theories, and I understand that something can be involved in two or more theories, which all have very different techniques and principles. I would however like to work on my theorising and hopefully this practice has helped me to realise that this is an area I would like to improve.

 

Review of Learning Styles (Mumford 1997) 

Activists:

Activists like to be involved in new experiences and are enthusiastic about new ideas. They enjoy doing things and tend to act first and consider the implications afterwards. They are unlikely to prepare for the learning experience or review their learning afterwards.

Activists learn best when:

• involved in new experiences
• problems and opportunities
• working with others in team tasks or role-playing
• being thrown in the deep end with a difficult task
• chairing meetings, leading discussions

Activists learn less when:

• listening to lectures or long explanations
• reading, writing or thinking on their own
• absorbing and understanding data
• following precise instruction to the letter

Reflectors:

Reflectors like to view the situation from different perspectives. They like to collect data, review and think carefully before coming to any conclusions. They enjoy observing others and will listen to their views before offering their own.

Reflectors learn best when:

• observing individuals or groups at work
• reviewing what has happened and thinking about what they have learned
• producing analyses and reports doing tasks without tight deadlines

Reflectors learn less when:

• acting as leader or role-playing in front of others
• doing things with no time to prepare
• being thrown in at the deep end
• being rushed or worried by deadlines

Theorists

Theorists like to adapt and integrate observations into complex and logically sound theories. They think problems through step- by-step. They tend to be perfectionists who like to fit things into a rational scheme.

Theorists learn best when:

• put in complex situations where they have to use their skills and knowledge
• they are in structured situations with clear purpose
• they are offered interesting ideas or concepts even though they are not immediately relevant
• they have the chance to question and probe ideas

Theorists learn less when:

• they have to participate in situations which emphasise emotion and feelings
• the activity is unstructured or briefing is poor
• they have to do things without knowing the principles or concepts involved
• they feel they're out of tune with the other participants, for example people with different learning styles

Pragmatists

Pragmatists are eager to try things out. They like concepts that can be applied to their job. They tend to be impatient with lengthy discussions and are practical and down to earth.

Pragmatists learn best when:

• there is a link between the topic and job
• they have the chance to try out techniques
• they are shown techniques with obvious advantages such as saving time
• they are shown a model they can copy

Pragmatists learn less when:

• there is no obvious or immediate benefit that they can recognise
• there is no practice or guidelines on how to do it
• there is no apparent benefit to the learning
• the event or learning is 'all theory'

Referenced Material

1. HONEY, P. and MUMFORD, A. (2001) The learning styles questionnaire. London: Peter Honey Publications
2. MUMFORD, A. ( 1997 ) How to manage your learning environment. London: Peter Honey Publications.
3. KOLB, D.A. (1984)Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2006) Learning Style [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/learnstyle.htm [Accessed 12/11/2011]