Learning styles

I have recently been doing some research on influential people which are cited in the handbook. I decided to start with Honey and Mumford as I am highly interested in learning styles. Throughout my career I have only been aware of the VAK and VARK model, so delving a bit deeper and furthering my understanding of how we learn as individuals is fascinating.

VAK Learning Styles 

As a teacher I have worked with loads of children who are unique and differ in the way they learn. Some are visual learners and thrive from painting, drawing, reading books and looking at images. Others are auditory learners and progress their knowledge through listening to audio, watching videos and taking part in group discussions; which is why I started every day with morning circle for my early years students. Finally, there are kinesthetic learners who learn best whilst doing things, being active and participating in activities. It was always important for me to set up the classroom to be accessible for children with different ways of learning. The EYFS framework helps a child develop in all areas of learning and allows them to learn through play. Allowing children to choose the activities they are interested in and free flow in and out of the five centers during certain periods of time of the day helps support all types of learners in an effective way.

Centers:

1. Literacy 
2. Art 
3. Science 
4. Maths
5. Role-play

additional spaces included a quiet space for children struggling emotionally. I always had a safe place box which was filled with sensory toys, soft toys, threading, books and other items which helped children calm down.

I always thought that only one or two of these styles applied to me, but in fact I believe all of them do. I'm able to learn more through images, face to face discussions and can recite key information (the same as memorising a script). I can absorb more knowledge through writing things down and highlighting important details. I prefer using mind maps, taking notes, reading aloud, watching videos and listening to short audio. Lastly, I love hands on experiences, being pro-active and getting involved. 

My weaknesses are listening to long lectures and doing things without preparation. I struggle with tight deadlines and I have a fear of failing which is why it takes me so long to write or post something. There are many other things that I could add to that list!

Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles

Honey and Mumford were inspired by Kolb's learning styles model and developed it further in 1986. 

Here is an example of Kolb's learning cycle:

Here is an example of Honey and Mumford's learning styles model: 




Honey and Mumford developed a questionnaire which was produced to find out what peoples learning styles are. Understanding the way we learn is important as it helps us to progress and develop our knowledge. If we are aware of the way we learn then we can gear our learning in a way which will be more beneficial and effective to us as individuals. As you can see in the model there are four distinct learning styles: Activists, Reflectors, Theorists and Pragmatists.

I completed the online questionnaire to find out what my preferred learning style is and if the questionnaire worked. My results were quite accurate and what I believe I relate to the most.

My scores:

Reflector: 15
Activist: 12
Pragmatist: 10
Theorist: 9

As a reflector and activist I enjoy learning through group discussions, being pro-active, role-playing, brainstorming, problem-solving, observing, feedback and taking my time to understand a concept or topic. This made me laugh as I seem to be posting a lot of brainstorms in my blogs. Yes, you've guessed right! I have created more brainstorms, this time of the four learning styles...

If you're intrigued by what your learning style is then I urge you to take this test. It is short, quick and easy and will hopefully help you to understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie ---> https://www.mint-hr.com/mumford.html