Learning Theories and Styles Essays

Learning Theories and Styles Essays Learning Theories and Styles Essay Learning Theories and Styles Essay Before we choose the appropriate model for a training program, we can take a look in the learning styles and theories, which will help the trainees to be more efficient and capable and the transfer of learning to be more effectve. We will emphasize on three learning theories, adragogy, social learning theory and also experiental learning. A composite of the cognitive, affective, and physiological factors that serve as relatively stable indicators of how a learner perceives, interacts with, and responds to the learning environment. Included in this definition are perceptual modalities, information processing styles, and personality patterns. (www. nwlink. com) Andragogy theory (M. Knowles) is an attempt to develop a theory only for adults learning. This means that adults are self-directed. The most important aspect of this theory is that is expected to take responsibility for all their decisions. In addition, Adragogy in practical terms means that instruction for adults needs to focus more on the process and less on the content that is being taught. The most useful strategies are case studies, role-playing, simulations, and self-evaluation. Instructors usually adopt a role of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer or grader. Andragogy applies to any form of adult learning and has been used extensively in the design of organizational training programs. The assumptions of this theory are that adults need to know the purpose of learning something and also they learn when the topic is of immediate value. It is very important for adults to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction. Another major issue is the experience (including mistakes), which provides the basis for learning activities. In addition adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life and lastly adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. One of the most important theories is the Social Learning Theory of A. Bandura. This theory is based on the importance of observing the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Bandura (1977) states: Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action. Through this theory Bandura tried to explain the human behavior. The social learning theory has been applied extensively to the understanding of aggression (Bandura, 1973) and psychological disorders, particularly in the context of behavior modification (Bandura, 1969). It is also the theoretical foundation for the technique of behavior modeling which is widely used in training programs. In recent years, Bandura has focused his work on the concept of self-efficacy in a variety of contexts (e. g. , Bandura, 1997). The most common (and pervasive) examples of social learning situations are television commercials. Commercials suggest that drinking a certain beverage or using a particular hair shampoo will make us popular and win the admiration of attractive people. Depending upon the component processes involved (such as attention or motivation), we may model the behavior shown in the commercial and buy the product being advertised. The three principles of Social Learning Theory are: (1) The highest level of observational learning is achieved by first organizing and rehearsing the modeled behavior symbolically and then enacting it overtly. Coding modeled behavior into words, labels or images results in better retention than simply observing. (2)Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if it results in outcomes they value. (3) Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if the model is similar to the observer and has admired status and the behavior has functional value. Experiential Learning (C. Rogers) is the last theory that we are going to examine is the Experiential learning theory (C. Rogers). According to C. Rogers there are two types of learning: cognitive (meaningless) and experiential (significant). The first one corresponds to academic knowledge such as learning vocabulary and the second one refers to applied knowledge such as learning about engines in order to repair a car. The key for distinction between of them is that experiential learning is focused on the needs and wants of the learner. Rogers lists these qualities of experiential learning: personal involvement, self-initiated, evaluated by learner, and pervasive effects on learner. According to Rogers in experiential learning theory a trainer has to set a positive climate for learning, clarifying the purposes of the learner(s), organizing and making available learning resources, balancing intellectual and emotional components of learning, and sharing feelings and thoughts with learners but not dominating. In addition, learning is facilitated when: the trainee participates completely in the learning process and has control over its nature and direction, it is primarily based upon direct confrontation with practical, social, personal or research problems, and self-evaluation is the principal method of assessing progress or success. Rogers also emphasizes the importance of learning to learn and an openness to change. An interested example is when someone wants to become rich might seek out books or classes on economics, investment, great financiers, banking, etc. Such an individual would perceive (and learn) any information provided on this subject in a much different fashion than a person who is assigned a reading or class. Learning Styles In order to identify the best learning style a trainer has to consider three main factors, which make up ones learning style. Firstly, the three senses auditory, visual and kinaesthetic, secondly the two reasoning types deductive and inductive and finally the two environments intrapersonal and interpersonal.