Theories of learning - Kolb's experiential learning theory works on two levels: a four stage cycle of learning and four separate learning styles. The four stage cycle are: - Concrete Experience (coming across a new experience of a situation, or interpretation of existing experience); - Reflective Observation (reviewing a new experience and reflecting on the experience); - Abstract Conceptualisation (concluding reflection which gives rise to a new idea, or a modification of an existing abstract concept); - Active Experimentation (planning and then trying out what you have learned to see what result you get). The four stages are: 1. Experience 2. Reflection 3. Conceptualise 4. Test.
Honey and Mumford’s learning style theory has the purpose of persuading people to try their ‘test’ in order to find out their own personal way of learning which could be:
Activist like to be involved, like new ideas, lose interest quickly, like to dominate and have ‘jump first/think later’ mentality;
Reflectors like to observe from the edge of the group, consider things from a range of different perspectives, they let others contribute before they do, collect information before drawing a conclusion;
Theorists like to bring together different ideas to produce new ways of looking at things, they like things to fit into an ordered scheme, they think logically, often detached and remote rather than emotional;
Pragmatists seek feedback from others, they relate things to their own role, practical like to get on with things rather than talking about it, like to experiment and/or try things out;
For example, my style of learning related to the Honey and Mumford’s theory I am more of a pragmatist and reflector. Now that I know what I am more like