Aproaches to learning - Theories of learning styles and learning strategies Essay Example for Free

Aproaches to schooling Theories of culture styles and learning strategies EssayKolb (1984), in introducing the idea of the experiential learning bike and of learning styles, defines learning as the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of expertise. He suggests that ideas are non fixed notwithstanding are formed and modified through current and past bonks. His learning cps consists of quad stratums completing each stage is important to improve learning in the next stage Active Experimentation (The learner actively uses the theories formed and also tries them in new situations.The latter takes him grit to the start of the cycle. ) Concrete Experience (The learner is encouraged to become involved in new experiences. ) brooding Observation (The learner reflect on his experience from different perspective. Enough time and supportive feedback is facilitative in this stage. ) Abstract Conceptualisation (The learner forms ideas and logical the ories. ) Of course, not everyone acts in the same way, some favour 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 visual modality and ideas, and finally the Assimilator, who creates theoretical positions. 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) wistful Observation (Reflector) Abstract Conceptualisation (Theorist) harmonise to Honey and Mumford four learning styles can be wonderful the Activist, the Pragmatist, the Reflector, and the Theorist Activists strengths Acting quickly interested in actually doing things Putting ideas into action Activists weaknesses Lack of grooming and attention to detail Unlikely to consider many alternatives Pragmatists strengths Integrating theory and practice. Testing things out to necessitate correct solutions Pragmatists weaknesses Lack of imagination Impatient Not interested in concepts and theories Reflectors strengths Collecting data from modification of sources Reflecting on experiences Reflectors weaknesses Needs a lot of time before he is able to start detest 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 used as a checklist to identify ones learning preference. Kolb states the combinat ion of all four learning forms produces the highest level of learning by allowing more powerful and adaptive forms of learning to emerge. But still, on that point is the danger of labelling people as theorists or pragmatists although most people exhibit more than one hard 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 well-nigh the British history because he is actually interested in or because he needs to read it to good-by an exam. Either way involves learning, but in the second case the student is unlikely to take notes about facts he is interested in but those the tutor may ask. Bibliography Bendrey, M. et al (1996), Accounting and Finance in Business. London Continuum. Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skil ls Handbook.New York Palgrave Macmillian. Entwistle, N. (1998) Styles of Learning 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 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.