by Katy Hillary
I recently came across a rather old (2004) report commissioned by the Learning & Skills Research Centre which suggests that although there is a lot of uncertainty out there when considering adult learning theory, and a distinct lack of coherent and cumulative research, there are some positive outcomes when people start to think about how they learn.
This is very interesting for me as I have been part of so many conversations with our clients about learning styles and the different types of activities that we try to offer learners using our system. Some people are equally interested while others dismiss the notion out of hand and cannot understand the value of giving learners choice about the way in which they tackle their learning.
The first positive outcome cited by the report is that by simply considering and assessing their learning style people can actually enhance their ability to learn. This is because they become more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, and extend their knowledge and understanding of the different learning options that might be available to them. From personal experience I know this to be true, and I’m certainly now aware of what does and does not work for me when someone attempts to explain a new concept or to teach me how to perform a new trick on my PC!
The second factor mentioned by the report was that learning styles can provide people with a vocabulary that they can use to discuss their learning preferences and also to begin to understand any failure to learn, and how the way that they are currently approaching their learning might be affecting their success. This is not necessarily at the forefront of someone’s mind when they sit down to some HR enforced compliance training, for example. However, it can be very valuable when people are engaged in distance learning (working towards a professional qualification, for example) or where clients are attempting to change people’s attitudes.
The simple learning skills diagnostic that we offer as part of our online courses is not designed to be an in-depth assessment of a learner’s preferences. However, it certainly raises awareness of a concept that most people will not have considered, since leaving school.
Comments