Learning Styles And Approaches To Self-Learning

Classification of Learning Styles

A. Briefly explain the following terms with reference to learning styles:
1 Activist
2 Pragmatist
3 Theorist
4 Reflector
B. Evaluate the following self-learning approaches.
1 Learning through research.
2 Mentoring/coaching.
3 Seminars.
4 Use of the internet.
5 Social networks.
6 Secondments.

Compile the different types of learning styles and approaches in a professional report using Harvard Referencing to document your research.
• Title page.
• Contents page.
• Introduction.
• Separate sections for the different types of learning styles and approaches.
• Include additional research when explaining Parts A and B.
• References and Bibliography.
 
Task 2: LO1.2
Explain ways how you could encourage lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts (500 words). Your explanation should include the following:
1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
2 Further education (FE).
3 Linking higher education (HE) with industry.
4 Recognition of prior learning (RPL/APL).
5 Apprenticeships.
 
6) Write a report detailing improvements to the five areas above in Task 2 to make them more successful for lifelong learning. You will need to include evidence of research and theorists.(500 words)
TASK 3: LO1.3
Evaluate the benefits of self-managed to the individual and organisation (500 Words). Your explanation should include the following:
1 Improved ability range with personal learning.
2 Evidence of improved levels of skill.
3 Feedback from others.
Learning achievements

Learning styles can be simply defined as the behaviour and/or attitudes that determines the different approaches individuals have towards a preferred way of learning. They validate the fact that students learn differently. Since each individual student has different characteristics and requirements, it is of utmost importance that the teacher recognizes these and have their educational material i.e. daily activities, assessments and the curriculum cater for the said characteristics and requirements. The various classifications of student’s learning styles will be discussed later.

Self-learning, also referred to as autodidactcism or self-education, can be defined as the learning of a subject or subjects in which the person has had little or no exposure to formal education. Self-learning is sometimes viewed as a complement of modern education thereby encouraging students to do more independent work. Self-discipline and reflective capability are important traits required in self-learning.

Activists

These are characters who learn things by doing and develop the skills required while on the job. They get their hands dirty. Normally, they live in the present and are not interested in planning. Repetition bores them. Their approach to learning is open minded and they involve themselves fully and without any form of bias when faced with new experiences. They have a code, “I’ll try anything once”.(Pritchard, Allan, 2014). They act first and the consequences are considered later. Once the excitement from one activity dies, they get busy with next challenge that presents itself. Activists approach their problems through brainstorming, group discussions, competitions, puzzles and role-play.

Self Learning Approaches

These are characters who are keen on trying out new ideas, technique or theories just to see if they actually work in practice. They experiment the ideas with applications. They will experiment but not bother with the dissection of the results that follows. If something works, then it is good, if it does not work, then there is no need of wasting time wondering why it did not. They will instead move on to something new to try out. They view problems and opportunity as a challenge. The have a code, “There is always a better way” and “If it works, then its good”. They engage in discussions, case studies and take time to think about how to apply learning in reality.(Pritchard, Allan, 2014)

These type of learners like to comprehend the theory behind certain actions they engage in. They adapt and integrate the observations they make into logical theories. They are perfectionists who give their all until everything is in place. They dislike subjectivity and ambiguity and hence tend to be analytical, detached and dedicated to rational objectivity. Their code is, “If it is logical, it is good”.(Pritchard, Allan, 2014). The approach they take towards problems is logical. They will involve models, gather background information and apply theories in problem solving.

These characters learn by observation. They are the “look before you leap” type. They are really cautious and thorough. They would rather sit back and observe than take the lead. They take their time in decision making process by reviewing experiences from different perspectives and as such their decisions are sound. Their code is “be cautious”. They adopt a low profile and are often quite in groups.(Pritchard, Allan, 2014)

1: Learning Trough Research

This involves comprehension of learning in which the learner determines, does tests and reflection of their own learning goals in a responsible and self-managed way. It is usually realised through individual work

Mentoring refers to the support and encouragement offered to people on how to manage their own learning so as to maximize on their potential, performance improvement, and develop their skills. A mentor should instil and boost self confidence in a person.

Coaching may refer to the act of one person guiding another through processes that will ultimately lead to personal enhancement. It is about building a relationship that is based on choices rather than advice.(Boud, D. 2013)

Attending of seminars of conferences exposes one different ideas and experiences, which go a long way in improving their personal skills and development. Public speaking also improves greatly as the confidence to stand and communicate to people is boosted.

Ways Of Encouraging Lifelong Learning In Personal And Professional Contexts

Surfing different websites in search of specific articles or solutions to various problems can make people gain knowledge. The internet is vast and contains huge amounts of data. Dedicated sites like Google offer easy access to useful information which people can use to gain the required knowledge.

There are many social networks out there like Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, and Twitter among others. People can spend time in these networks, chatting with friends or learning new things. People share information, including current affairs and motivation which one can apply for the betterment of one’s life. Problems that require solutions can be posted in social networks so that people from other places may provide solutions.(Boud, D. 2013)

These can be viewed as ‘job trials’. It involves temporary leaving one’s current position of employment to another under a different or same employer. This experience may help one learn a lot about another post and possibly apply the ideas and knowledge gained within their employed position(Boud, D. 2013). Secondments should be carefully negotiated to maintain confidentiality of vital information within an organisation.

Lifelong learning may be referred to as the process of learning throughout one’s life. It requires a change in the mind-set of an individual and usually goes hand in hand with accountability.

Considering CPD (Continuing Professional Development), introduction of changes with regards to the way in which students are assessed, and development of a student portfolio as a means of assessment can discourage superficial learning. It will lead to adoption of a learning style. Tutors should identify the key role they play in encouraging students to apply their skills and knowledge into practice thus allowing students to develop lifelong learning skills. Being well-educated with good academic background doesn’t automatically mean employment, employers are looking for well-balanced people who are keen to learn and develop.

In case a person is unemployed, the available time can be put in to learning something new which may end up opening channels that would not have otherwise been available. When employed, a person can make good the chances of training, mentoring or coaching opportunities that come up. This will enable them work on their continuous professional development and hence cement their position of employment or even be in line for a promotion.

In the modern day and age, new things are always coming up. Be it technology, inventions or discoveries. It becomes essential that in order to keep up with the changing trends an individual should seek further education (FE). In particular, technological advancements are at an all-time high, organizations encourage that the employees should keep themselves updated at all times. This will entail seeking further education as a way to encourage lifelong learning.

Improvements to Encourage Lifelong Learning

Most organizations have to train the employees once they are hired. This process can be costly and time-consuming to the organization. The reason why this is so is that, most of the learning done in the education systems doesn’t provide hands on practical skills required in the industries. Linking of the education provided in the system with the industry will facilitate the nurturing of students who possess the skills required by the industry. The industry benefits from innovations made by the students while the education system will receive additional resources to equip the individual with skills.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) maybe referred to as an assessment process of the learning acquired by an individual be it formal, informal or non-formal prior to enrolment in a given programme. RPL encourages individuals to enroll or re-enroll into formal education which leads to qualification and awarding of credit for things already known in the programme. Through lifelong learning, one may qualify for many credits enrolled for, by possessing skills acquired informally. RPL eliminates the need for ‘duplicate learning’ i.e. learning what one already knows. It encourages an individual to keep on acquiring and upgrading their skills and work towards attaining formal qualifications.

Apprenticeship is a system offering on-the-job training with some accompaniment of classroom work study and reading. They are mainly for employers who want to have a qualified workforce with instilled skill and loyalty. The apprenticeship system can be used to employ new staff and also develop the skills of the employed individuals. It is part of lifelong learning that ensures the employees are up-to-date and qualified. Apprenticeships cultivate productive, loyal, enthusiastic and hardworking people who readily address skill shortage and enhance the reputation of the organization.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) revolves around continuous acquisition of knowledge and skill. Proper time planning can go a long way in ensuring an individual is able to set aside some time specifically dedicated to improving on the skills acquired or to acquire more. This will also ensure that there is no overlap with personal or work commitments in the case of an employed individual. I’m the case of students, proper time planning will ensure that they don’t end up missing classes in the pursuit of professional development. Organizations should also facilitate frequent mentorship and coaching programmes that aim at developing the skills of the employees and also exposing them to new ideas that expands their knowledge.

Construction of adequate facilities to provide education to people want to seek advanced or additional knowledge in various subjects can go a long way in improving the offering of further education to individuals. Operation of the facilities should be in such a way that distant and online learning is incorporated to ensure that people from far off places get a chance to further their studies. Where sit in classes are required, part time options should be offered such that individuals who are employed are able to expand their knowledge base. Technology fairs are another good way to expose the employees in an organization to ensure that they are up-to-date with the current technology. At a personal level, spending more time with people who are intellectual can expand one’s knowledge base as their habits will rub off on you and they are bound to share their knowledge with you.

Encouraging teaching of practical skills rather than purely theoretical material in higher learning institutions can with time, bridge the gap between the industries and higher education. Instilling practical mind-sets in the students will ensure they get right into the industrial workforce without going through training to acquire the required skills. Inviting prominent personalities from the industries to offer talks to students in higher learning institutions about what is required of them in the industries can stir the need to acquire practical skills while still in school.

When enrolling into formal programmes, exemptions should be offered to individuals found to possess the learning that is to be offered in the said programme. This, of course, is after conducting Recognition of Prior Learning assessment. People with skills acquired through formal, informal on non-formal ways can as such gain formal recognition and be awarded credits. The exemptions would greatly improve the war recognition of prior learning is viewed. This way, many individuals will be encouraged to join formal institutions as they are aware that any learning relevant to the programs enrolled will be recognized. In the process, long-life learning is promoted.

Acquiring additional training and putting into practice the learning acquired can complement the apprenticeship offered to an individual. In learning institutions, engaging in apprenticeship activities during one’s free time can enable an individual build practical approaches to the learning taught in school. Projects can be assigned to students to build on their skills. Organization should encourage apprenticeship by hiring/employing apprentices.

Team work skills

The art of team work in learning institutions provide an individual with the necessary social and team player skills that can be employed in the work place/organization

In trying to show what knowledge an individual has acquired, they learn how to do presentations to other people and also boost their confidence through public speaking. In the long learn the skills acquired by the individual may benefit the organization.

Self-learning improves the individual’s communication and writing skills. Through interaction with peers and the sharing of knowledge, individuals are able to learn things they did not know about. In academic setups, some people are chosen to be class representatives and hence are able to nurture leadership skills at an early age. This will be useful to the individual in terms of personal growth. Self-learning challenges individuals to come up with their own learning that they are able to share and hence connect with others.

Through self-leaning, individuals are able to achieve goals set at a certain phase of their lives. Their intellectual capacity is increased together with the confidence they possess and this makes them more capable and full of opportunity compared to their counterparts who do not practice self-learning. As they grow to their peak, their margin of error at the personal or professional level reduces greatly and they can easily get the top positions in any organization. This will contribute greatly to their career growth.

Decision making

Through self-learning, individuals are able to acquire vital decision making skills through the various learning experiences (work or education) they have been exposed to. This could be a huge advantage to the organization that has employed the individual as they will have someone on board who can be relied upon to make critical decision.(Graves, N. 2013)

Through personal experiences, individuals are able to learn about moral judgement and also situations that will require such judgement. This could be a profession wise advantage to the organization.

Through one’s pursue of work, education, hobbies or interests, exposure to different problems is unavoidable. The way the individual handles such problems leads to development of problem solving skills obtained through self-learning. Such kind of skills are transferable and can be applied to deal with problems in an organization that hires such an individual.(Graves, N. 2013)

Personal commitments may limit the output of an individual when assigned to do some tasks by the organization. However, an individual, through skills acquired from self-learning, knows that focusing on the organization’s objectives will enable them to be committed to the tasks assigned, for the benefit of the organization. Therefore, organizations will look for flexible individuals.

Organizations are able to get individuals who are responsible, dedicated and capable. Important and crucial duties could end up being assigned to them. Individuals with such kind of skills acquired through self-learning end up being promoted in the organization and will act as role models to their fellow employees. Encouraging them to engage in self-learning. This will be a huge benefit to the organization.(Graves, N. 2013)

References

Back, D. and et. al., 2003. Interpersonal skills in organizations with management skill booster passcard. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Morgenstern, J., 2004. Time management from the inside out. New York: Henry and Company.

Boud, D. 2013. Enhancing learning through self-assessment. London: Routledge.

Collin, R. and Hammond, M. 2013. Self-directed learning: critical practice. London: Routledge.

Graves, N. 2013. Learner managed learning: practice, theory and policy. London: Routledge.

Pritchard, Allan, 2014. Learning styles. Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: New York: Routledge.

Wikipedia, 2016. Learning styles. Viewed on 20 September 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles>.

Wikipedia, 2016. Lifelong learning. Viewed on 20 September 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning>.

UK Essays, 2016. Self-managed learning, definition and discussion. Viewed on 20 September 2016, <https://www.ukessays.com/essays/education/what-do-you-understand-by-self-managed-learning.php>.

Self-managed learning. Viewed on 20 September 2016, <https://www.dissertationhomework.com/essays/education/self-managed-learning>.