Learning Styles Self-Assessment Questionnaire The Learning Cycle The Learning Process Effective training and development depends

upon understanding and applying the adult learning process. Traditionally learning has been synonymous with listening and watching, increasingly it has been found that individuals have a higher retention level if they have been actively involved in the process. This approach is likely to have involved discussing problems, thinking of solutions and practising skills. This has been referred to as the learning cycle. Experience Any task, activity or experience provides the basis for learning Planning Agreeing what actions need to be taken in going forward Review The process of exploring views, opinions, feelings and thoughts about the way in which the experience was approached and implemented Conclusions The process of drawing conclusions from the discussions of the review In applying this approach to learning, each stage needs to be given equal weight, thereby ensuring that the learning opportunities are fully capitalised upon. However, for some individuals their natural inclination is to short cut the cycle, perhaps moving straight from the experience into planning the next steps, without giving sufficient time and thought to how, why and what happened. Worse still, for many individuals they move from one task to another without examining the quality of learning that has taken place and therefore are unable to make use of it. In summary, when working with adult learners, it is important to build into any training or development, a staged cycle of events which include the whole learning cycle.

Learning Styles : Questionnaire Over the years you have probably developed learning habits" that help you benefit more from some experiences than from others. Since you are probably unaware of this, this questionnaire will help you pinpoint your learning preferences so that you are in a better position to select learning experiences that suit your style. There is no time limit to this questionnaire. It will probably take you 10-15 minutes. The accuracy of the results depends on how honest you can be. There are no right or wrong answers. If you agree more than you disagree with a statement put a tick by it (). If you disagree more than you agree put a cross by it (x). Be sure to mark each item with either a tick or cross. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 I often take reasonable risks if I feel it is justified I tend to solve problems using a step-by-step approach, avoiding any 'flights-of- fancy' I have a reputation for having a no-nonsense direct style. I often find that actions based on feelings are as sound as those based on careful thought and analysis. The key factor in judging a proposed idea or solution is whether it works in practice or not When I hear about a new idea or approach I like to start working out how to apply it in practice as soon as possible. I like to follow a self-disciplined approach, establish clear routines and logical thinking patterns. I take pride in doing a thorough, methodical job. I get on best with logical, analytical people and less well with spontaneous irrational people.

I take care over the interpretation of data available to me and avoid jumping to conclusions. I like to reach a decision carefully after weighing up many alternatives. I'm attracted more to new, unusual ideas then practical ones. I dislike situations that I cannot fit into a coherent pattern. I like to relate my action to a general principle. In meetings I have a reputation of going straight to the point, no matter what others feel. I prefer to have as many sources of information as possible - the more data to consider the better. Flippant people who don't take things seriously enough usually irritate me. I prefer to respond to events on a spontaneous flexible basis rather than plan things out in advance. I dislike very much having to present my conclusions under the pressure of tight deadlines when I could have spent more time thinking about the problem. I usually judge other people's ideas principally on their practical merits. I often get irritated by people who want to rush headlong into things The present is much more important than thinking about the past or future I think that decisions based on a thorough analysis of all the information are sounder than those based on intuition In meetings I enjoy contributing ideas to the group, just as they occur to me On balance, I tend to talk more than I should and ought to develop my listening skills In meetings, I get very impatient with people who lose sight of the objectives I enjoy communicating my ideas and opinions to others People in meetings should be realistic, keep to the point and avoid indulging in fancy ideas and speculations

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

I like to ponder many alternatives before making up my mind. Considering the way my colleagues react in meetings, I reckon on the whole, I am more objective and unemotional In meetings, I'm more likely to keep in the background, than to take the lead and do most of the talking On balance, I prefer to do the listening rather than the talking Most times I believe the end justifies the means. Reaching the group's objectives and targets should take precedence over individual feelings and objectives I do whatever seems necessary to get the job done I quickly get bored with methodical, detailed work I am keen on exploring the basic assumptions, principles and theories underpinning things and events I like meetings to be run on methodical lines, sticking to laid down agenda I steer clear of subjective or ambiguous topics I enjoy the drama and excitement of a crisis