Learning Styles

Learning a new skill can be helped by understanding how best one learns. To know which approach is most suitable for oneself, the learning process itself can be made more efficient and enjoyable. Likewise when teaching a topic, it can help to know the styles used by whomever is learning. Of course, depending on the activity, one is limited to the approach that can be taken (e.g., I might want to reflect but urgent action could be required); a less dominant or a blend of styles might even be more applicable (such can help to become a bit of an “all-rounder” though).

Honey and Mumford (1989) highlight one theory of Learning Styles whereby they propose four distinct styles (Activist, Reflector, Theorist, Pragmatist) that people use when learning. Whilst people can have characteristics of all four they typically use one or two of these styles mainly.  To decipher which is your predominant style, use the pointers below and/or click on the link for the questionnaire.

1. Activists: learn by doing, liking to personally engage themselves in new experiences; they’re open to new experiences, they’ll give “anything a try” and they tend to act first think second, they’ll “leap before they look”.
Activists learn best when:

• involved in new experiences, opportunities, puzzles, problems
• working with others; problem solving, games, role-plays, group discussions
• thrown in at the deep end
• leading a group, competing

Activists learn least when:

• listening to lectures
• reading long explanations
• solo work
• analysing and interpreting lots of data
• following precise instructions

2. Reflectors: learn by looking and thinking about what occurred, liking to consider many possible points of view and implications before concluding or deciding. They tend to be cautious and thoughtful.
Reflectors learn best when:

• they stand back and observe first
• given space to consider and examine before commenting or acting
• given a chance to review events, doing tasks without tight deadlines
• working in pairs

Reflectors learn least when:

• made to lead in a group
• made to decide without info
• doing things unprepared
• rushed by deadlines
• in inflexible situation

3. Theorists: learn by having models, concepts, certainty, and facts, liking to understand the theory or reasons behind the actions. They’ll analyse and synthesise and tend to dislike subjective judgements.
Theorists learn best when:

• activities are supported by ideas/concepts that form a model, system or theory
• in a structured situation with clarity of purpose
• they can enquire and explore
• they must understand complexities

Theorists learn least:

• when the emphasis is emotion and feeling
• in unclear situations or activities
• when acting without knowing the rules or “lay of the land”

4. Pragmatists: are open to learning applicable info. They’ll seek new, progressive ideas and they like to “just get on with it”, getting impatient with lack of clarity and slow/no movement. They are practical, unpretentious people.
Pragmatists learn best when:

• the link between topic and need is obvious and existing
• they are given techniques with practical advantages
• they can get experts’ feedback
• they can copy a template or a role play.

Pragmatists learn least when:

• there is no practical benefit
• there are no clear instructions or guidelines
• it appears to be “all theory”

Click here for my worksheet on Learning Styles.

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