Managing People and Organization Theories

Learning style refers to the various ways that refers to the competing theories that determines the difference in the learning ability of an individual. The idea of individual learning holds great importance in the field of academic learning. As pointed out by Pritchard, (2013), learning ability differs from person to person. Keeping the same concept in mind, it has been recommended that there should be difference in the learning styles as well. This reflective journal will highlight the different learning styles and the impact that it creates in an individual.

Description:

There is ample evidence that suggests that different individuals look for different learning styles to perceive better knowledge of the things that are taught to them. Forced learning does not produce the necessary outcome and a person lacking the availability of a particular learning style has to suffer in the long run (Rohrer & Pashler, 2012). According to the Kolb’s learning theory, there are four distinct learning styles that are based on a four-stage learning cycle (Sternberg & Zhang, 2014). These learning styles can also be interpreted as training models or cycles. Different learning styles and different explanation styles actually helps an individual to undertake experiential learning (Samarakoon et al., 2013). Kolb’s has also proposed that an individual has to be constantly tested on the basis of certain parameter to ascertain their actual ability to perform in the competitive world.

The four stage cycle proposed by Kolb’s:

Concrete Experience: It is not only on the basis of the theoretical learning that an individual gets better knowledge but a concrete experience also helps an individual to understand the situation and attain greater knowledge (Schmeck, 2013).

Reflective Observation: The ability of learning or the impact that one has learned from both theoretical and experiential knowledge is easily observed from the activities done by an individual.

Abstract Conceptualization: The concept about any kind of situation also gets cleared when a person is able to learn and understand the situation (Sternberg & Zhang, 2014).

Active Experimentation: With the help of continuous experimentation, the learning capability increases and a person  becomes more able to face any kind of situation (Yang et al., 2013).

Interpretation:

I have understood the importance of learning and training quite a long time ago. In fact, when I was at the early stage of my academic career, the impact of the learning style has influenced my performance greatly. I used to get confused on various academic topics mainly in mathematics. However, I learnt that there are certain tricks that an individual should understand in order to cope up with any kind of dilemma. I have understood that it is only on the basis of basic training and better learning style that one can achieve the desired result in the examination. In fact, after my early education career the things that I learnt helped me to achieve the goals and target that one needs to achieve in his or her life.

Evaluation:

At this point of my life, I can say that it is only on the basis of the learning style that a person can become eligible to fight extreme situations. In our MBA classes, we are taught in different ways. The teaching style is not only limited to books and lectures but we are taught by means of various case studies to support the arguments of the different topics. In this way, we can easily relate the theoretical knowledge with the practical life. We also have to participate in different activities such as debates or seminars where we get the opportunity to discuss our understanding on certain issues. These things also helped me to enrich my knowledge. I have also developed a great confidence to face people. I faced difficulties while presenting or discussing my point of view on a particular topic to others. The learning processes that have been undertake by the University has helped me to enhance my ability and knowledge.

Plan:

With these understanding, I have made better plans for my future. I have understood that in order to overcome any kind of situation, it is important to understand the situation and learn about it. Learning styles definitely depends on the situation. However, with my personal experience I can say that experience acts as the most impactful mode of learning. In addition to this, the theoretical knowledge that I gained in my academic career at the time of pursuing the MBA degree will definitely help me to perform better in my professional career.

References:

Pritchard, A. (2013). Ways of learning: Learning theories and learning styles in the classroom. Routledge.

Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2012). Learning Styles: Where’s the Evidence?.Online Submission, 46(7), 634-635.

Samarakoon, L., Fernando, T., Rodrigo, C., & Rajapakse, S. (2013). Learning styles and approaches to learning among medical undergraduates and postgraduates. BMC medical education, 13(1), 1.

Schmeck, R. R. (Ed.). (2013). Learning strategies and learning styles. Springer Science & Business Media.

Sternberg, R. J., & Zhang, L. F. (Eds.). (2014). Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles. Routledge.

Yang, T. C., Hwang, G. J., & Yang, S. J. H. (2013). Development of an Adaptive Learning System with Multiple Perspectives based on Students? Learning Styles and Cognitive Styles. Educational Technology & Society,16(4), 185-200.