This report will analyse three learning theories: reflective practice, information processing theory and left brain/right brain, as well as self-analysis of the author. Let me tell you about myself. Electronics have always been in my interest even before I got my first computer; it was a pleasure to dive into electronical world of numbers, so I decided to join computer technical class after finishing high school in IT-mathematical based group. It is always a joy to go to school, meet friends and learn about an endless variety of topics, although I personally disliked the school, chairs, and tables, I loved all of IT classes though, as they were different from other classes. The IT subject was separated into four different modules: computer hardware, computer graphic, programming and Office classes. All those topics were interesting, and I felt very motivated to attend them, though at those times my approach to learning was very different than it is now. I started doing temporary jobs when I was 18 and very often right after school I was heading to work. Additionally, I trained intensively parkour. Both of those factors have impacted my Technical school learning resulting in having low attendance. However, every day brings more experience and now I understand the importance of balance and attendance. In the next paragraphs I will analyse three learning styles that has been presented to me in last course. Learning Styles Analysis It is widely known that not every person approach learning the same way, most of us address learning differently (Honey and Mumford, 1982) and motivation varies for every individual, too(Dolnicar, 2004). There are many learning theories, some of them are: reflective practice, information processing theory and left/right brain theory. Reflective Practice focuses its attention on learning through assessing the past actions/experiences for a better performing in the future (Moon, 2004, p.92). Information processing theory’s basic idea is supported by a human brain behaving like computer or unit for processing information, where it receives data though senses (input), analyse them and store for future use or response (output). Left/right brain theory is a theory in which one side of our brains is dominant, meaning that some people are left or right-brained. Left-brained individuals tend to be analytical with scientific approach and are methodical in their thinking. If one is more artistic, creative type of person they are most likely to be right-brained. Dolnicar (2004) studied why students attend lecturers and divided them into six groups in accordance with their motivations. -Group one was described as “idealists”. Most of them were older students with jobs. Further study discovered that this group enjoyed lectures, as they felt those make knowledge meaningful (Dolnicar, 2005). -Second group were pragmatics - this group would not miss any important information, they studied to achieve not for joy. -Third group was called ‘averagely motivated students’ and they had comparable motivations as pragmatics, though they preferred learning from attending lectures rather than learning alone. -Fourth group was ‘fundamentals-oriented students’ who shared pragmatic motives about lecture attendance but believe that attendance makes them able to learn fundamentals of a topic. -Fifth group of students was ‘minimalists’ who did not want to miss the most important material and that was why they attended lectures. -Last group was called ‘everything but a pleasure’ who gave every reason to come to lectures apart from pleasure. 3
Self-Analysis During my recent business course at London Metropolitan University I did undergo Honey and Mumford learning style test and discovered that my learning style is Reflector. Reflectors are cautious, analytical, and they opt for examining things from all perspectives and take their time before concluding. They are great listeners who don’t have problems with gathering and understanding information, although they prefer to observe from a distance rather than being actively involved in a project or a discussion. According to Dolnicar (2004) I am a pragmatic, as I do not usually enjoy lectures unless they are different than typical ones, my goal is not to enjoy the lectures but to achieve new possibilities for a better and brighter future. In fact, it is my motivation to increase my career opportunities. Pragmatics in general are the youngest on a campus and were reported having the highest marks even though having low attendance. Conclusion The report shows a brief study of learning styles, as well as self-analysis, showing that the author is a reflective type of a learner, which has its advantages mentioned above, and disadvantages like needing time to think things carefully when completing assignments or working on a project. Therefore, if you place too many reflectors on a project it could result in taking to much time to come to a conclusion. Reflectors may complete some academic activities faster than other learners, but it is recommended to give them tasks that go beyond their comfort zone so that they can progress and expand themselves. Word count:815 Bibliography Honey, P. and Mumford, A., (1986).The manual of learning styles. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Peter Honey. Moon, J. (1999) Reflection in Learning & Professional Development. RoutledgeFalmer. Dolnicar, S, (2004). What makes students attend lectures? The shift towards pragmatism in undergraduate lecture attendance, Conference Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy, Wellington, New Zealand, 29 November-1 December 2 4
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Dolnicar, S. (2005). Should we still lecture or just post examination questions on the web? The nature of the shift towards pragmatism in undergraduate lecture attendance, Quality in Higher Education11(2), pp. 103-115 5