Learning styles.

Reflectors

Reflectors like to stand back and think about their experiences and to look at them from different perspectives. They prefer to collect the information they need for a task themselves and to think about problems carefully before coming to any conclusion. They are so thorough in collecting and analysing data about experiences and events that they can seem to act as if they are putting off coming to any conclusion. Reflectors are thoughtful people who like to look things in as many different ways as possible before making a decision. They take a back seat in-group work and in discussions, observe others, like to listen to others and get the drift of the discussion before putting their own points forward. People who prefer the Reflector learning style tend to adopt a low profile and have a distant, calm air about them. When they do act it is usually as part of a wider picture which includes the past as well as the present and the observations of others as well as their own.

Theorists

Theorists like to adapt what they see into their own words in order to create their own theories, which are accurate but can appear overly complicated. They think problems through in a step-by-step logical way, tend to be perfectionists and want rest until the information fits into their own way of thinking. Theorists analyse everything and are keen on structured thought processes based on existing principles, models and systems. They will frequently ask if something makes sense, they tend to be detached, analytical and objective and dismiss anything subjective or which can have more than one meaning. Their approach to problems is logical and they reject anything that does not 'fit' into their way of thinking preferring certainty to flippancy, which makes them feel uncomfortable.

Pragmatists

Pragmatists are keen on trying out new ways of doing things to see if they work in practise, they like to search out new ideas and take the first opportunity to experiment with them. Pragmatists do not beat about the bush and believe that if it works then it must be good, they like to get on with things and act quickly and confidently on ideas that appeal to them. A Pragmatist learning style is one, which is essentially practical and appeals to down-to-earth people who like making practical decisions and solving problems. They actively respond to problems and opportunities, which they see as a challenge rather than something to be avoided.

Conclusion

I prefer 'reflector' learning style. To develop more of a Reflector style of learning tries some of the following suggestions:

* Practise watching others especially when working in groups where others may be discussing issues that do not directly involve me. Observe how these other people interact, who participates and who does not, does anyone appear controversial or critical or constantly interrupt with their own viewpoint.

* Start a diary and spend 10 minutes every evening, writing down the day's events.

* Practise reviewing, think about what happened in a class or group, think what I enjoyed and what I didn't and see if I can identify why I feel that way.

* Find out some information about a subject that is new to me, think of all the possible sources of information and collect as much data as I can in a set amount of time.

* Reflector barriers to learning - tendency to sit back and hesitate, take so long collecting their thoughts that they miss the moment, can be overlooked as their thought processes can appear as a lack of interest.