Learning and Development - Week 3

Learning and Development

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Learning and development play a major role in human life. Human feels confident when equipped with knowledge and this will help people to perform a task confidently and accurately.

Organisations require individuals who have the knowledge to perform the tasks which the organisation demands. In order to prepare the people organisations need to set up a process to train and develop these individuals. To develop these resources organisations need to train the right people and make sure these individuals are learning what is needed. By identifying the style of the learner the organisations will be able to do an effective training plan and the trainee will be able to learn accurately.

Learning helps to create a permanent change in an individual's behaviour. This change will reflect in the individual's knowledge and skills.

Learning cycle

According to David Kolb (1974), there are 4 key stages of the learning cycle and need to go through each cycle to achieve the best results. Following image illustrates the Kolb's Learning Cycle.

Image 2: Kolb's learning cycle

1. Concrete experience – This could be achieved by actually doing a task.

2. Reflective observation – This is about actively pondered on what has been done and achieved by performing the task.

3. Abstract conceptualisation – This is about generalising the idea learnt from experience and observation could put it into a concept or make it as a theory.

4. Active experimentation – This is about effectively planning and testing the concepts or the theory and deriving to conclusions.



Learning Cycle could start at any stage but should follow the sequence to achieve the maximum outcome.

Learning Style

Learning style differs for each individual. Everyone has their unique style of learning. By learning the right style learner will be able to learn more effectively and efficiently.

There are two prominent theories about Learning Styles.

Honey and Mumford learning style and VAK learning style. Each style speaks of different aspects of learning.

Honey and Mumford Style

Image 3: Honey and Mumford learning style

Activists - Prefers to learn by doing things, Believes could learn better with hand on experience and with an open mind. Would prefer to expose themselves fully to the new learning experience.

Theorist - These types of learners prefer to understand the theory behind each action, these learners have the need to know why this is happening and how.

Pragmatist - These people try to apply what they learnt into practice in a real time scenario. They prefer to experiment with new ideas and techniques.

Reflectors - These people prefer to learn by observing. They prefer to collect information from other people's experience.

(Honey and Mumford,1989) 

Video 1

VAK learning style

Image 4: VAK

VAK learning style was developed by Barbe in 1979. This style mainly focuses on the sensory learning styles. According to him, people use different senses to learn effectively. VAK stands for Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic.

Visual - These types of learners are more keen on learning through visuals. They prefer using words, pictures, shapes, graphs, charts, and demonstration.

Auditory - These types of learners are keen on listening. These people prefer to listen to recordings and discussions.

Kinesthetic - These types of people prefer hands-on learning. These learners prefer to touch and learn.

(LMU, 2017/18)

Learning style differs from one individual to another and not necessarily an individual should fit in one of the styles. There are instances where a learner might be using one or more style and identifying the learning style will help the individual to learn more effectively and achieve the desired goal. People learn for themselves or learn from others. By identifying the learning needs and training the right people, organisations will be able to achieve its goals and visions. 

References:

Armstrong, M., 2014. Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, 13th edition, London. KP.

LMU. 2017/18, MN7181 Module guide, People and organisations: Principles and Practices in Global Context

Image 1: www.medicaldaily.com
Image 2: www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html
Image 3: https://community.dpgplc.co.uk/blog/honey-and-mumford-learning-styles-a-simple-picture
Image 4: http://thepeakperformancecenter.com/educational-learning/learning/preferences/learning-styles/vak/vak-preferences/

Video 1: fuse universal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cf-1zx58CU