One of the main theorists associated with learning is Kolb. Kolb looks at the ways adults learn referring to these as cognitive abilities, he says that learning processes begin as instinctive preferences during adolescence. Kolb identified two pairs of opposing factors which, combined together, show learning as a cycle with four different stages of learning. Each stage can be entered at any time but for learning to be effective the stages must be followed in a sequence. As you can see from the diagram the four stages are concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation. Kolb’s learning cycle can be applied to everyday practice.
Another important theory is the learning styles theory conducted by Honey and Mumford. They identified ways in which different employees learned and came up with four learning style preferences, reflector, theorist, activist and pragmatist. Honey and Mumford conducted a questionnaire in order to find out people’s preferred learning style/s (see appendix 1 for their questionnaire) Honey and Mumford (1986) stated that...’the learning style questionnaire is designed to probe the relative strengths of four different learning styles’. These are the four styles and what they mean-
-
Activists - who are ‘hands-on’ learners and prefer to have a go and learn through trial and error
-
Reflectors - who are ‘tell me’ learners and prefer to be thoroughly briefed before proceeding
-
Theorists - who are ‘convince me’ learners and want reassurance that a project makes sense
-
Pragmatists - who are ‘show me’ learners and want a demonstration from an acknowledged expert.’
The theorist Reid 2005 supports Honey and Mumford’s work by saying that...’learning styles can be a catalyst for promoting effective learning.’
There are a wide range of influences on learning and it is important to know what influences your learning in order for you to progress. Every individual may have different factors influencing their learning and it is vital to understand this. The key influences on learning are-
- Time
- Access to books, the internet
- Family
- Relationships
- Funding for study
- Friends
- Aspirations
- Employment
- Lifestyle
- Attitude and self-discipline
- Specific learning need
- IT skills
- Learning style
- Motivation
- Health
- Culture
- Environment
And much more!
A factor from this list that influences some individuals learning is the environment they are in. I am an example of this as my personal learning is affected by the environment because I have to work in environments that have adequate lighting and that are not too noisy. If it’s too noisy I am easily distracted and therefore can’t concentrate and I need to have a light on to stop me from getting headaches. Many people’s family influence their learning because when they encourage and support the individual it makes them work hard to make them proud and when there are family problems and discomforts they feel withdrawn from work causing the opposite effect. If some individuals didn’t have access to books or the internet then they would struggle to complete work as may find the internet simplifies a lot of information making it easier to understand. Motivation has an impact on my own learning and is a major part of learning for many others too. If there is no motivation then it takes a lot more time and effort to complete work. Whereas when people are motivated they can just get stuck in a try really hard. Aspiration has to be one of the main influencing factors for personal learning. Setting small achievable goals in order to reach bigger goals to finally achieve the final aspiration. For example I may set myself the goal of completing P1, P2 and P3 by the end of that day in order to keep on target so I can complete the whole unit to my preference. Once I’ve completed all my units, completed the course, got into university and passed the degree got myself a job then my aspirations will change.
During school years and even in the work place we are tutored, mentored and supervised all of these will impact an individual’s learning. All learners no matter what age require support to know how their learning is progressing. Learning can be measured by passing exams, completing assignment e.t.c. and it is important to receive feedback and reviews to help you in the weaker areas of your work. For example if you’re teacher is unorganized and not in a pleasant mood then this will reflect on a person’s learning because they will simply not what to be in that situation and switch off. In the work place if you have a supervisor praising and encouraging you for your achievements then you will be more eager to learn more to keep impressing your supervisor.
To evaluate, personal learning does not only impact on you but on the others around you, be it your class mates or staff or service users in placements. If you learn or develop new skills then others will benefit from them too. For example you may figure out you are a great listener and although it is you who required the new skill it may be the service user you have been spending time with getting to know and helping that really benefits from this skill. When you expand your knowledge or learn new skills it also can affect your practice as student because you become more confident and it means you can do a lot more in the practice. The teams of people you are working with or the staff in the placements are also affected as it takes a bit of weight off their shoulders and it allows them to experience new situations. Those who are being cared for gain the best result as it gives them more time. Time to be themselves, time to meet new people. Time is the best factor you can give a service user. It also means you can pass your knowledge and skills on and share and teach them to others who may not be so developed in the same areas as you.
Word count 1,286
