Honey and Mumford – based on the work of Kolb Learning Styles Honey and Mumford – based on the work of Kolb

Activists “here and now” gregarious, seek challenge and immediate experience, open minded, bored with implementation!

Activists Learn best: new experiences, problem solving, challenge and change Work in teams, role playing, puzzles, competitions, brainstorming, chairing/leading Learn less well: lectures or long explanations. Following precise instructions, absorbing data on their own

Reflectors “stand back”, gather data, ponder and analyse, delay reaching conclusions, listen before speaking, thoughtful

Reflectors Learn best: Observe others, opportunity to review what happened, producing analysis and reports Paired discussions, feedback from others, coaching, observing activities Learn less well: Leaders or role players, being rushed, tight deadlines, deep end learning

Theorists Think things through in logical steps, assimilate disparate facts into theories, rationally objective, reject subjectivity and flippancy

Theorists Learn best: Structured situations with clear purpose, chance to question/probe ideas Models, statistics, quotes, background info, applying theories Learn less well: Situations that emphasise emotions and feelings, unstructured activity, poor briefing, doing things without knowing principles/concepts

Pragmatists Seek and try out new ideas, practical, down to earth, enjoy problem solving and decision making, quickly bored with long discussions

Pragmatists Learn best: Immediate opportunities to implement what learned, link between topic and job, model they can copy, try out with feedback Case studies, problem solving, discussion Learn less well: No apparent pay-back to learning, “all theory” event, no practice or guidelines, insufficient reward perceived

However…. The evidence is poor – maybe works best as a lens Learners should learn in all modalities Beware of teaching only in your own preferred style