Different Learning Styles

Learning is the act of acquiring knowledge through experience and making reference to things around you. This raises the issue of the difference ways or styles people learn. In this essay I intent to explain the different types of learning styles and also breakdown into detail the acquiring of knowledge with reference to Honey and Mumford study theory (1986) who developed the work of David Kolb (1984), which consist of the four learning cycle: Concrete experience, Application of ideas, Abstract concept & generation and Reflective observation.

It will also look at examples of learning activities that suit the different styles. It is however questionable as to which learning style suit who and what ways different people learn and come to the same conclusion, besides, it has been proven that no one has a better learning style than anyone else. The different learning styles created by honey and Mumford (1986) are as follows:

• Activist
• Reflector
• Theorist
• Pragmatist

There are strengths and weaknesses in each of these styles. It has been argued by honey and Mumford(1986) that learning is improved when one really find out about the kind of style he or she produce, and by so doing we can identify our strengths and weaknesses, thus producing effective results and obtaining the best quality way of learning. It is understood that his theory must be applied, other than that learning will not be effective as it should, therefore all four stages must be completed. Mumford(1986) stated ’Many people are activists’’ honey in nature and acquire their skills through concrete tasks , furthermore they learn best by getting more involved in concrete tasks and exploring through business games and competitive teamwork as stated in Kolb’s theory. ACTIVISTS(concrete Observation)- This the first stage of the learning style and it is determined that these category of people learn best by getting involved in activities or concrete task and from relatively short task such as business games and competitive team work exercise.

They turn to like trying anything just once, Tend to revel in short term crises- and also enjoy fighting. Secondly they are interested in exploring new experiences, and finally getting involved with other people, because it is their way of understanding things better around them. REFLECTORS (reflective observation) are referred to in the second stage of honey and Mumford’s which they defined as their four personal styles of learning. This style relates to kolas learning theory, which he named as Reflective observation. People learn best by viewing and reflecting on what has happened in certain situation. They stand back, listen and observe. In other words, they are named visual learners. Taking into consideration pupil and a lecturer in front of a classroom where this kind of learner look at the body language and facial expression of the teacher and fully understand contents of the lesson being thought.

THEORISTS (abstract conceptualisation) are those who learn best by absorbing new ideas and are distance from real life situations, producing characteristics like being attracted to basic principles, theories and system. They also learn through a hands-on approach, exploring the physical world around them.

PRAGMATISTS (Planned experience) are the types that learn best they notice the differences between real life and new information. some of their characteristics are: researching positively new ideas or techniques which may apply in their situation.

Such people respond to problems and opportunities as a challenge, and are also keen to use ideas from training courses.

As stated above, It is been finalised by researchers that there are strength and weekneses in each of the learning styles, also has been confirmed by honey and Munford that learning is enhanced if we think about our learning styles so that we can build on it for more effective skill. It is understood that his theory must be applied, other than that learning will not be effective as it should, therefore all four stages must be completed. Honey Mumford(1986) stated that Many people are activists in nature and acquire their skills through concrete tasks , furthermore they learn best by getting more involved in concrete tasks and exploring through business games and competitive teamwork as stated in Kolb’s theory.

Apart from all the other forms of learning styles, Kolb and Mumford theory still stands as the authentic styles which when we apply to our everyday life, makes much sense and its easy to determine your own. Furthermore after all the above explanation, individuals always get to the same point, no matter what skill they incorporate, so far as the right approach is used. It is very important to be aware of the kind of style used in acquiring knowledge so that so as to increase learning opportunities. Kolb and Mumford theory still holds with our everyday life activities in the sense that it is considered the best way of acquiring knowledge in all areas, and if applied, effective learning is fully achieved. (Laird1985)

Stated that ‘stimulation through the senses is achieved through a greater variety of colours, volume levels, strong statements, facts presented visually, use of a variety of techniques and media’. All the above learning styles suit each other in a way that, they all apply to the same way people think, thus every individual falls in each category. This evidence proves to be true and importantly effective learning occurs as a result of effective use of study skills, awareness of the learning styles, good time management and finally, motivation. On a final note, every style of an individual is unique and the least preferred style should be identified and that makes it much more interesting since that is where the most development will take place and also encourage more opportunities.

Reference:

Oxford brooks University. Website www.brookes.ac.uk/services/ocsd/2_learnt chi/theories.htmla Honey, and Mumford(1986) Studying for business, Study guide 1(40033A)