Honey & Mumford Model of learning

Honey & Mumford Model of learning

Introduction

Honey & Mumford have extended and modified Kolb's Learning style identifying your predominant axis style.

These style preferences very significantly affect the sort of activities that people learn best from.

Activists

Activists learn best from activities where

there are new experiences/problems/opportunities from which to learn
they can engross themselves in short 'here and now' activities such as business games, competitive tasks, role playing exercises
they have a lot of the limelight/high visibility
they are thrown in at the deep end with a task they think is difficult

Key questions for Activists

Shall I learn something new, ie that I didn't know/couldn't do before?
Will there be a wide variety of different activities? (I don't want to sit and listen for more than an hour at a stretch ! ) .
Will it be O.K. to have a go/let my hair down/make mistakes/have fun?
Shall I encounter some tough problems and challenges?
Will there be other like-minded people to mix with?

Pragmatists

Pragmatists learn best from activities where:

there is an obvious link between the subject matter and a problem or opportunity on the job
they are shown techniques for doing things with obvious practical advantages currently applicable to their own job
they have the chance to try out and practice techniques with coaching/feedback from a credible expert
they can concentrate on practical issues.

Key questions for Pragmatists

Will there be ample opportunities to practice and experiment?
Will there be lots of practical tips and techniques?
Shall we be addressing real problems and will it result in action plans to tackle some of my current problems?
Shall we be exposed to experts who know how to/can do it themselves?

Reflectors

Reflectors, learn best from activities where

they are encouraged to watch/think/chew over activities
they are allowed to think before acting, to assimilate before commenting
they have the opportunity to review what has happened, what they have learned
they can reach a decision in their own time without pressure and tight deadlines.

Key questions for Reflectors

Shall I be given adequate time to consider, assimilate and prepare?
Will there be opportunities/facilities to assemble relevant information?
Will there be opportunities to listen to other people's points of view - preferably a wide cross section of people with a variety of views?
Shall i be under pressure to be slapdash or to extemporise?

Theorists

Theorists learn best from activities where:

they have time to explore methodically the associations and inter-relationships between ideas, events and situations
they are in structured situations with clear purposes
they have the chance to question and probe the basic methodology, assumptions or logic behind something
they are intellectually stretched.

Key questions for Theorists

Will there be lots of opportunities to question?
Do the objectives and programme of events indicate a clear structure and purpose?
Shall I encounter complex ideas and concepts that are likely to stretch me?
Are the approaches to be used and concepts to be explored 'respectable', ie sound and valid?
Shall I be with people of similar calibre to myself?