Start >Learning Process > Some Learning Styles
 
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Learning styles are just each person's favourite ways of learning. By identifying these favourite ones it helps the mentee and the mentor, coach etc to identify and plan the most appropriate learning opportunities for the individual. This does not mean, however that a person doesn't use any of the other styles available.

People learn through a variety of learning styles and each individual will use those which are most comfortable to them, so therefore best suited for them. It is important for the mentor to be aware of the mentee's choice of style(s) so that any support, guidance or learning opportunity is the right approach for that individual.

There are various theories in relation to how people learn.

Some learning styles are based on the senses:
Auditory
 Individuals learn by hearing and verbalising eg discussions, lectures etc
Visual
 Learn best by seeing eg diagrams, demonstrations, words written down etc
Kinesthic
 Individuals learn by touch and doing eg making a product, activity task etc

 

Honey and Mumford (1986) identified four learning styles:

ACTIVIST Person learns best by being involved in activities. They act first and then think about the consequences - learn from trial and error. The individual enjoys learning through problem solving challenges, competitive team activities etc. Least beneficial is passive learning eg reading, lectures etc.
REFLECTOR Learns best by being allowed to learn from the achievements and mistakes of others as well as themselves. This person listens and observes others and likes to think through all the possible options before reaching a conclusion. Least beneficial learning occurs when they are forced to act quickly without planning and also where they have to take the lead.
THEORIST In this style the person learns best by analysing problems in a logical step-by-step approach. The individual enjoys learning objectively through using models and principles. The least beneficial learning occurs where there is no apparent purpose to the topic or there is ambiguity.
PRAGMATIST Learns best when theories and techniques can be put into practice. Individual is more task-orientated than people. Likes it when things are functional within a real-life situation. Least beneficial learning occurs when there doesn't seem to be any immediate benefits from it. Dislikes open-ended discussions which go round in circles and theory based learning.