1. Personal Professional Development Understanding Ways of Learning

2. n This relates to task 5 on your assignment brief n You need to produce a report which explains the different influences of how someone learns n You will need to relate to your own experience as well as what you read in books and on the internet n A list of the points which you need to cover is included in the assignment brief

3. n Produce a report aimed at a new BTEC National Student that explains key influences on individuals’ learning processes. (Unit 6 P1) n Your report should be divided up into headings and should address the following:

4. n There is no one way to write the report, but you may wish to split it into the following sections

5. Environmental Factors n The Learning environment n Resources

6. Individual Factors n Self-discipline n Aspirations n Motivation n Learning Styles

7. Delivery Methods n Informal versus Formal Learning n Tutoring n Mentorship n Supervision

8. Skills needed n Study skills n Literacy n Numeracy n IT skills n Research skills

9. The Learning Environment n What kind of learning environment do you find easiest to learn in n Some people prefer silence, some people prefer noise, but establishing the correct learning environment is essential n Environments should try and meet different learners needs n In small groups identify what your ‘ideal’ learning environment would be and why

10. Resources n When any learning takes place it is essential that people have access to the necessary resources n On a basic level this could be a pen and paper, but access to I.T, appropriate equipment and literature can be essential n It is important to have a dedicated area where learning can take place which meets you own needs

11. Formal Learning and Informal Learning n Formal learning is when we set out to achieve and succeed in meeting a learning aim or objective n Informal learning may be the experience and skills which we achieve in our everyday lives n Can you think of an example of each of the above?

12. What kinds of things motivate someone to learn and keep their motivation What motivates you in your learning/studying?

13. n Sense of achievement n Self esteem/self confidence n Positive reinforcement from family/staff/friends n Positive outcome- possibility of job or future further study n Gaining knowledge/experience n Future aspirations

14. Learning Styles - Which One are You? Peter Honey and Alan Mumford have identified four main learning style preferences. By thinking about your preferred style, you can try and apply this to learning new things. If you're able to use your natural style, you're likely to find learning much easier and quicker. Peter Honey and Alan Mumford have identified four main learning style preferences. By thinking about your preferred style, you can try and apply this to learning new things. If you're able to use your natural style, you're likely to find learning much easier and quicker. The following slides on learning styles slides 6-18 are taken from www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk

15. Reflector n Reflectors Reflectors like to stand back and look at a situation from different perspectives. They like to collect data and think about it carefully before coming to any conclusions. They enjoy observing others and will listen to their views before offering their own.

16. n Reflectors learn best when: n observing individuals or groups at work n they have the opportunity to review what has happened and think about what they have learned n producing analyses and reports doing tasks without tight deadlines

17. n Reflectors learn less when: n acting as leader or role-playing in front of others n doing things with no time to prepare n being thrown in at the deep end n being rushed or worried by deadlines

18. Activists Activists like to be involved in new experiences. They are open minded and enthusiastic about new ideas but get bored with implementation. They enjoy doing things and tend to act first and consider the implications afterwards. They like working with others but tend to hog the limelight.

19. n Activists learn best when: n involved in new experiences, problems and opportunities n working with others in business games, team tasks, role-playing n being thrown in the deep end with a difficult task n chairing meetings, leading discussions

20. n Activists learn less when: n listening to lectures or long explanations n reading, writing or thinking on their own n absorbing and understanding data n following precise instruction to the letter

21. Theorists n Theorists: Theorists adapt and integrate observations into complex and logically sound theories. They think problems through in a step by step way. They tend to be perfectionists who like to fit things into a rational scheme. They tend to be detached and analytical rather than subjective or emotive in their thinking.

22. n Theorists learn best when: n they are put in complex situations where they have to use their skills and knowledge n they are in structured situations with clear purpose n they are offered interesting ideas or concepts even though they are not immediately relevant n they have the chance to question and probe ideas behind things

23. n Theorists learn less when: n they have to participate in situations which emphasise emotion and feelings n the activity is unstructured or briefing is poor n they have to do things without knowing the principles or concepts involved n they feel they're out of tune with the other participants e.g. with people of very different learning styles

24. Pragmatists Pragmatists are keen to try things out. They want concepts that can be applied to their job. They tend to be impatient with lengthy discussions and are practical and down to earth.

25. n Pragmatists learn best when: n there is an obvious link between the topic and job n they have the chance to try out techniques with feedback e.g. role-playing n they are shown techniques with obvious advantages e.g. saving time n they are shown a model they can copy e.g. a film or a respected boss

26. n Pragmatists learn less when: n there is no obvious or immediate benefit that they can recognise n there is no practice or guidelines on how to do it n there is no apparent pay back to the learning e.g. shorter meetings n the event or learning is 'all theory'

27. n So what kind of learner best suits you- this can help you determine the way which you learn most effectively n It is important to remember that many learners may have a number of different elements

28. Ways to support someone learning in a work based situation Either in work or on placement can you think of how some skills are learnt

29. Mentorship

30. Supervision