Aproaches to learning †Theories of learning styles and learning strategies Essay

Kolb (1984), in introducing the idea of the experiential acquirement circle and of eruditeness styles, defines learning as the process whereby knowledge is created through the break of expertise. He suggests that ideas are non fixed but are formed and modified through current and past survives. His learning wheel consists of four stages completing each stage is important to improve learning in the next stage progressive Experimentation (The learner actively uses the theories formed and also tries them in new situations.The latter takes him back to the take leave of the cycle. ) Concrete Experience (The learner is encouraged to become involved in new experiences. ) Reflective Observation (The learner reflect on his experience from different perspective. Enough time and supportive feedback is helpful in this stage. ) diddle conceptuality (The learner forms ideas and logical theories. ) Of course, not every unmatched acts in the same way, roughly prefer considering all possible alternatives whilst others like trying out as much as possible.Hence, Kolb associated four learning styles with his learning cycle the Converger, who applies ideas in a practical way, the Accommodator, who carries out plans and tasks involving him in new experiences, the Diverger, who has good conceit and ideas, and finally the Assimilator, who creates theoretical impersonates. Kolb also points out that learning styles are not fixed personality traits but relatively stable patterns of behaviour. Based on Kolbs model Honey and Mumford (1992) developed a similar model with new terms for Kolbs learning preferences (Honey and Mumford terms in brackets)Active Experimentation (Activist) Concrete Experience (Pragmatist) Reflective Observation (Reflector) Abstract Conceptualisation (Theorist) According to Honey and Mumford four learning styles can be rarefied the Activist, the Pragmatist, the Reflector, and the Theorist Activists strengths Acting quickly interested in actua lly doing things Putting ideas into action Activists weaknesses leave out of training and attention to detail Unlikely to consider many alternatives Pragmatists strengths compound theory and practice. Testing things out to get correct solutions Pragmatists weaknesses Lack of imagination Impatient Not interested in concepts and theories Reflectors strengths Collecting data from variety of sources Reflecting on experiences Reflectors weaknesses inescapably a lot of time before he is able to pass away Dislike precise instructions Theorists strengths Creating theoretical models paying attention to detail and systematic analysis Theorists weaknesses overcautious Relies on logic and usually does not trust feelings Needs a stated purpose.Honey and Mumford developed a Learning Styles Questionnaire to be utilise as a checklist to identify ones learning preference. Kolb states the confederacy of all four learning forms produces the highest level of learning by allowing more than powerful and adaptive forms of learning to emerge. But still, there is the danger of labelling great deal as theorists or pragmatists although most people exhibit more than one strong preference. To overcome this problem other theorists, e. g. Schmeck (1988) and Entwistle (1998), use the expression learning strategy which also includes personal traits.According to them people can not be labelled because they usually react flexibly on learning, depending on the expected outcome A student may read a book about the British history because he is actually interested in or because he needs to read it to pass an exam. every way involves learning, but in the second case the student is improbable to take notes about facts he is interested in but those the educate may ask. Bibliography Bendrey, M. et al (1996), Accounting and Finance in Business. London Continuum. Cottrell, S. (2003) The nurture Skills Handbook.New York Palgrave Macmillian. Entwistle, N. (1998) Styles of Learn ing and Teaching. London David Fulton Publishers. Brown, R. and Hawksley, B. (1996) Learning skills, studying styles and profiling. Dinton Mark Allen Publishing. Honey, P. and Mumford, A. (1992) The manual of arms of learning styles, Maidenhead Peter Honey Publications Ltd. Honey, P. and Mumford, A. (2000) The learning styles helpers guide. Maidenhead Peter Honey Publications Ltd. Kolb, D. A. (1984) Experiential learning experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey Prentice-Hall.