In this essay, I will be discussing my learning style critically and reflectively while evaluating how to improve it.
A persons learning style is their individual method of attaining and processing information in various scenarios. It will be unique to them as that is they're preferred approach to learning as it has the best results. (Dunn and Griggs, 2009)
Kolb (1984) considers individual approaches using the learning styles inventory. Through this four stages of learning, that of which requires specific learning abilities, are identified. Based on Kolb's theories, Honey and Mumford (2006) developed the learning styles questionnaire (LSQ). It suggests four basic learning style: those of the activist, reflector, theorist, pragmatist. (Appendix 1)
Though their questionnaire, I have recognised that I lean towards being a reflector. I prefer to observe and amass information. Contemplating ideas so that the most befitting conclusion is achieved. Despite being a Reflector as my dominant learning style, I have traits from the other styles. For example, I prefer to analyse and organise my thought process. I find it difficult to accept something that doesn't fit with my mindset unless proven otherwise. Studies show that my Asian cultural influence is a factor on how I learn. Barron and Arcodia (2002) divulged that race influences a person learning style. Furthermore, a common trait among us is being a passive learner rather than an activist. (Charlesworth, 2008; Wong, 2004)
Through understanding my learning style, I will be able to strengthen my weaknesses. Frankel (2009) highlights this because the reason for learning is so that we may acquire new skills as it is a continuous process throughout our lives.
Kolb (1984) ba...
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A big component of my learning style is hands-on experience; learning while doing. This usually involved someone with more experience instructing me as I performed the task. Through the hands-on approach, I picked-up the knowledge and gained proficiency as I went along. My learning style also involved standard classroom instruction, which usually meant listening to lectures and taking notes. My note taking was not the best so in order to make up for what I lacked in note taking, I would read the textbooks repeatedly until I understood what I was reading. I learned that in order for me to get a complete understanding from my readings and notes, there had to be a lot great deal of repetition ...
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Parker, M. E. (2006). Nursing theories and nursing practice (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
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And there is a four-type definition of learning styles: 1. Accommodators (CE/AE) 2. Divergers (CE/RO) 3. Assimilators (AC/RO) 4. Convergers (AC/AE)
The Learning Styles. What's Your Learning Style?
Parker M. E., & Smith M. C. (2010). Nursing theories and nursing practice (3rd ed.).
While reading Kolb 's Learning Styles Model and Experiential Learning Theory, I have identified myself as an accommodating learner. At first I was somewhat surprised, but the more I read about the learning styles, particularly after I completed Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory it made more sense. I have a very hands-on style, which matches perfectly with my enjoyment of performing tests to find the root cause of behavior that I’m investigating. However, sometimes I rush to make decisions on the impulse of having the task at hand finished, failing to analyze all the options that are available. Another element of the accommodate learning style that identifies me is the fact that I enjoy a good challenge. I found very interesting to solve difficult
Honey and Mumford say (Gallagher K., 2013, p. 23-24) that idyllically someone has a composed learning style, though some individuals have a robust preference for a particular style.
Teaching in the read/write learning style is improves the learning experience for others especially for this specific learning style. The read/write learning style is a very common and useful form of learning that is taught in an educational platform because of the nature of the learning style. Therefore, knowing how to tailor one’s lectures to meet the needs of the students with the read/write learning style is a refreshing and revitalizing method in providing the information to those who are in a position to learn and encourages the information taught to remain intact and new in their brain. Furthermore, being aware of one’s learning style allows the individual to receive the information to be understood competently. Awareness of your individual learning style can provide it’s advantages along with its disadvantages. The advantages of this awareness are that the individual knows how to receive the information in a way that is best suited for their abilities. This can allow the individual to be more in sync with what methods and tools are necessary to enhance the learning experience. Then, the disadvantage of being aware of the one’s learning style exists when the individual is consumed with the mentality that the only way to adequately learn new material is through their specific learning
Knowledge and practice issues have a long-standing history in nurse education and are a continuous source of controversy to which there is no easy or perfect solution (Hewison, A & Wildman, S., 1996). This tension between theory and practice and research which can be usefully exploited in teaching and research (Rafferty, Allcock, & Lathlean, 1996). Emphasizing the importance of the issue (Rolfe, 2003), states that the theory-practice gap is felt most acutely by student nurses. The student may find themselves torn between the demands of their tutor and the practicing nurses. They are faced with real clinical situations in which they are unable to generalize from what they have learned in theory. This gap creates the biggest challenge for most of the new graduate. If we don’t step up and fix this problem of the theory-practice difference, it can cause a huge problem because the principles of practice established in curricula are not well aligned with the principles operating in the workplace. If this problem is not deeply addressed, it may be another factor on why new nurses are leaving the practice
Personal learning styles are highly complex and unique to specific individuals. It is often difficult to pinpoint an exact learning style. Though there are different categories, we often fine tune them to our own abilities. By examining our traits and tendencies we create a clearer understanding of how we process and learn information. With careful review, I have developed a specific analysis of my learning characteristics, including an evaluation of skill levels. Based on what I have recently learned and know from experience, I have also devised a structured plan for improvement of time management and study skills.
Thought out our lives, we are faced with many different learning experiences. Some of these experiences have made a better impact than others. This can be attributed to everyone’s different multiple intelligences or learning styles. A persons learning style is the method though which they gain information about their environment. As a teacher, it is our responsibility to know these styles, so we can reach each of our students and use all of the necessary methods.