Learning Styles

Review Learning Theories Training Cycle MBTI Management/Leadership Style

Lesson Objectives (Addendum 8-10) Describe four stages of the learning cycle / differentiate between four learning styles. Describe your particular learning style, characteristics... Match learning situations to the appropriate phase.

Learning Style How do people learn best? What difference does it make in designing training?

Kolb’s Learning Cycle (4) > Concrete Experience v <

Concrete Experience Specific experience (personal involvement) Relate to people Sensitive to feelings/people Examples?

Reflective Observation Kolb’s Learning Cycle > Concrete Experience v Reflective Observation <

Reflective Observation Observing (watching & listening) Different perspectives Look for meaning (thoughts/ feelings to form opinions) Examples?

Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization Kolb’s Learning Cycle > Concrete Experience v Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization <

Abstract Conceptualization Logical analysis (conclusion) Systematic planning Assimilate new ideas into old Refer to outside theories Create rules or models

v > < Kolb’s Learning Cycle Concrete Experience Active Experimentation Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization <

Active Experimentation Get things done (apply to other situations) Take risks Experiment with similar situations Problem solving Action oriented

Individual Learning Style Preferred mode of learning Preferred phase(s) of cycle

Preferred Style (5) Some variation of each; most have a dominance (preference) in one or two stages! : Concrete Experience Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization Active Experimentation

Moving Through the Cycle

Kolb’s Learning Cycle (8) > DIVERGER CE v AE RO AC <

Diverger Imaginative (sees many points of view) Understands people (observes, then acts) Brainstorms (generates lots of ideas) Open minded (aware of feelings, values, attitudes)

Kolb’s Learning Cycle > CE DIVERGER v AE RO AC < ASSIMILATOR

Assimilator Planning (logical form) Creates models/theories (practical value) Define problem (less people oriented) Patient

v > < Kolb’s Learning Cycle CE DIVERGER AE RO ASSIMILATOR AC CONVERGER

Converger Good problem solver/ decision maker (technical/ problem oriented) Deductive reasoning Logical

v > < Kolb’s Learning Cycle CE DIVERGER ACCOMMODATOR AE RO CONVERGER ASSIMILATOR AC <

Accommodator Get things done (action-oriented/hands-on) Leader/risk taker (gut feelings) Practical/adaptable

Learning styles > Activist Reflector v Pragmatist Theorist <

What’s your style? Diverger Assimilator Converger Accommodator How Do You Learn?

v > < Kolb’s Learning Cycle Concrete Experience Active Experimentation Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization <

Your LSI Results What are the points on the axes? What do you prefer more and what do you prefer less? What does the shape of the rectangle tell about you?

Discuss in groups Strengths Career choices Weaknesses Ways to strengthen weak side (look on opposite side of diagram)

How can I use this to best advantage? So what? How can I use this to best advantage?

Applying the Learning Cycle Individual strengths & weaknesses Learning situations Career choices Training situations Team situations

Applying to Learning Situations Keep a learning journal What were my aims? What happened? How did I feel about what happened? What have I learned? Where does this lead me?

Apply to Career Choices Business-related careers Examine where strengths lie Expect to change as you mature

Apply to Training Use the entire learning cycle Try to meet all learning styles Don’t emphasize only one side thinking/doing or concrete/abstract

Summary Describe four stages of the learning cycle / differentiate between four learning styles. Describe your particular learning style, characteristics... Match learning situations to the appropriate phase.