Understand the learning process Essay Example

comprehension. The Kolb learning cycle encompasses four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. The first stage, concrete experience, involves engagement in practical actions.

According to Kolb's learning theory, there are four styles, each consisting of two elements of the cycle. Reflective Observation is the stage where one personally reflects on the concrete experience. Abstract Conceptualisation pertains to the decision and planning stage where information from the experience is analyzed and understood. Active Experimentation involves planning Kolb's cycle to learn from the first concrete experience and conduct it again with revisions implemented. The four styles are Diverging (feeling and watching), Accommodating, Converging, and Assimilating.

This learning style attracts individuals who possess sensitivity, imagination, and an open-mind and who enjoy collaborating with others and examining issues from multiple angles. The learning approach involves assimilation via observation and contemplation, as opposed to auditory instruction. Though they can comprehend and systematize data into a rational structure, clear explanations are necessary. Converging involves a combination of reflection and application, leaning on other individuals' evaluations and knowledge rather than relying purely on their own assessment.

According to the Honey and Mumford Learning Styles Theory (1985), individuals tend to act illogically and instead rely on their intuition. This theory builds upon Kolb's learning theory and identifies four distinct learning styles - reflector, theorist, activist, and pragmatist. Each style has its own set of characteristics as well as preferred and less favourable learning situations.

The table demonstrates that individuals who prefer to be actively involved in situations but quickly lose interest are dominated by activists. Activists enjoy challenging and novel experiences, but do not enjoy working alone. Reflectors tend to be

reserved, preferring to think before speaking and view things from various angles while possessing a thoughtful demeanor. Reflectors appreciate having time to think and observe, but they dislike taking the lead or finding themselves unprepared. Theorists are logical and rational in their thinking, enjoying examining things from multiple perspectives. They excel in structured environments where they can apply their knowledge and skills to complex situations, yet they do not like working with others or dealing with a lack of structure or purpose.

Pragmatists prioritize practicality and value working independently while also welcoming input from others. They enjoy experimenting, but only if the outcome is positive, and they dislike unclear guidance or benefits. These four learning style preferences were identified by Honey and Mumford in a workplace questionnaire. They found that individuals tend to use multiple learning styles depending on the environment, but having a preferred style of learning makes it easier. Kolb's learning theory and the Honey and Mumford Theory share a similarity in that their styles correspond.

Activist learners share similarities with Accommodating learners, and Reflectors are equivalent to Diverging learners. Similarly, Theorists demonstrate assimilating learning tendencies while Pragmatists align with converging learners. Understanding one's preferred learning style based on theory can assist in minimizing the impact of external factors on the learning process. However, learning styles constitute just one of numerous factors that can influence learning including study area, social circle, health, work, lifestyle, and funding for education. Each of these six factors has the potential to impact one's ability to learn.

The impact of study space on learning is significant, as a disordered workspace can disrupt concentration and thought processes, while an organized

one facilitates ease in finding and completing work. Aside from organizational skills, noise is another factor that affects study space. Background music can either have a positive or negative effect, depending on an individual's ability to concentrate with background noise. However, distractions such as other people talking can negatively impact learning since it diverts attention. The influence of friends and peers on learning can also be either positive or negative.

Positive influence from friends can be experienced when motivated or competing, but negative influence may arise if they plan a party when there is work or exam preparation to be done. Concentration on studying may be affected by the after effects of the party such as tiredness or hangover. Health can also impact learning as illness affects focus and concentration. Employment can interrupt study time due to work hours or fatigue, especially when balancing part-time work with full-time learning. This requires extra motivation and organization to complete studying in free time outside of work.

Your ability to learn can be greatly affected by the way you live your life. If you spend your time caring for someone, binge-drinking on weekends, or living in an unsupportive environment, it can lead to decreased concentration, increased pressure, and environmental issues that negatively impact your learning. However, a supportive and encouraging environment can positively influence your motivation to study. Another factor that affects learning is funding for education. If you have to work to support your lifestyle or cannot afford transportation or tuition fees for courses such as university, it can create pressure and hinder your ability to study.

Insufficient funds may require you to seek additional employment to meet expenses.

Conversely, access to study funding can have a positive impact on your learning, enabling you to pursue deeper educational experiences without concern for costs. Each of the six factors discussed can have a positive or negative influence on learning, leaving the ultimate decision of how to allow them to impact your education up to you as the learner.