Learning Styles
IntroductionTypes of styleLearning tips
Introduction to learning styles A complex field of research, proliferating
since Honey and Mumford in 1982 Findings adopted by many large
organisations Common finding that learning patterns
are not well suited to actual range of preferred learning styles
Wide range of models to characterise learning styles
Range of models include:
Honey and Mumford (1982) distinguished between four preferred learning styles:
ActivistReflectorTheoristPragmatist
Honey and Mumford model (1.1)Activists learn best from activities in which
there are: New experiences and challenges Short ‘here and now’ tasks including
teamwork and problem-solving Excitement, change and variety ‘High visibility’ tasks such as leading
discussions
Honey and Mumford model (1.2)
Reflectors learn best from activities where they:
Are allowed or encouraged to watch/think/ponder on activities
Have time to think before acting Can carry out careful, detailed research Have time to review their learning Don’t have pressure and tight deadlines
Honey and Mumford model (1.3)Theorists learn best from activities where: What is offered is part of a system,
model, concept or theory They can explore the interrelationships
between ideas, events and situations They are asked to analyse and
evaluate, then generalise They can question basic assumptions
or logic
Honey and Mumford model (1.4)Pragmatists learn best from activities if: There’s an obvious link between the
subject matter and a ‘real life’ problem They are shown techniques for doing
things with practical advantages They see a model they can emulate, or
can concentrate on practical issues They are given immediate opportunities
to implement what they have learned
Range of models (2)
Pask (1988) distinguished between:
Holist learners, who prefer to form a global view of what is learned and make relations between its parts
Serialist learners, who prefer to take a step-by-step approach
Range of models
Broader distinction made between:
Visual/holist learners Verbal-sequential learners
Range of models
Common distinction between: Visual learners, who prefer to learn
through seeing Auditory learners, who prefer to learn
through hearing Kinaesthetic learners, who prefer to
learn through ‘hands on’ physical activity
Tips for visual learners Use visual materials such as pictures,
charts and maps Use colour coding and highlighting Look carefully at headings/patterns of
topics; take notes and use handouts Brainstorm using illustrations, mind
maps; skim read to get an overview Visualise information in picture form
Tips for auditory learners Participate frequently in discussions nd
debates Make speeches and presentations Use a tape recorder as well as notes Read text aloud Create musical jingles to aid memory Speak to a tape and listen to yourself
expressing ideas
Tactile/kinaesthetic learners Take frequent study breaks Move around to learn new things (e.g.
read while on exercise bike; model clay to learn a new concept)
Stand up to work Use bright colours and turn reading
material into posters/models Skim read before reading in detail
Finally… Remember that we’re all different – you
don’t have to fit one mould If you’re not learning well, or bored by
learning, try out new strategies that suit you better
The more types of learning activity you engage in, the more you’re likely to cover your preferred styles
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