Learning styles

This theory is about how students differ and in what ways they can learn. There were
2 types of learning styles developed from which we can get to know how important it
is to know ours and students styles of learning in order to learn or teach effectively.
Honey and Mumford learning styles based on Kolbs Experiental Learning Cycle
There four learning styles according to Honey and Mumford. These are: activists,
pragmatists, reflectors and theorists. Students should combine using these styles in
order to learn effectively, but the most common combinations are Activist/Pragmatist
and Reflector/Theorist. These styles may change over time, so it is very important to
remember to not prepare activities for particular learner who the teacher thinks has
only one style. These styles can be learned with age and developed. The teacher
should help students to develop them.

Activists learn by doing. They do not like to just listen to what is said. They
need to try it and experience it. They are very open-minded to learning.

Best activities for activists: brainstorming, problem solving, group discussions, roleplay, puzzles, competitions

Pragmatists are down-to-earth and care about things that they are sure will
work. They do not focus on abstract things and ideas.

Best activities for pragmatists: giving time to think about how to apply learning into
real life, case studies, discussions, problem solving

Reflectors like to think about their learning. They need to understand

everything before they try it out. They do not like to rush. First they need to
observe and collect data before they make conclusions.

Best activities for reflectors: interviews, pair discussion, questionnaires, observing

activities, feedback from others, coaching

Theorists need to understand the theory behind the action. They need to base
their knowledge on models, concepts and frameworks. Thy need to fit the new
information into their existing knowledge.

Best activities for theorists: using models, statistics, stories, quotes, background
knowledge, applying theories
Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP)
Neil Flaming categorised learning styles into three different types of learners: visual,
auditory and kinaesthetic. This categorisation is called VAK models of learning. It is
very important for the teacher to understand that some students prefer some types of
learning and it makes their outcomes better and faster. These can be matched with

appropriate learning strategies. Also knowing your students styles make you design
better activities for them. Students who know their style of learning can make their
own learning faster and more effective by choosing tasks, activities and even the
appropriate form of classes for them.

Visual learners tend to remember and learn things in pictorial forms. It means
that they like graphs, charts, pictures and sometimes they prefer to read than
listen. The most accessible information for them is the visible information.
Auditory learners prefer to listen and get information from what they see. They
like lectures and discussions.
Kinaesthetic learners are active and they learn by experience. They want to
experiment and explore using their body. They need movement in order to
learn effectively.
Conclusions:
Teachers should explore students learning styles and try to adapt their lessons to
their needs. They can also expose them to different types of learning when they are
not sure of their preference. It is very important to bear in mind students preferred
styles.
Students should also be aware of their learning style and explore its use. Even if
activists or visual learners take part in lectures, they should try to find their own
solutions to adapt materials for them.
The effective learning has taken place when both students and a teacher know what
styles appear in the classroom and how the materials should be adapted for the
needs of students.