Effective Learning

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Effective Learning
Goldrick, M (2008)

• Workshop 1 How we learn

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How does a person learn?

• Many of us never pause to think how we
  remember facts, let alone how we each learn them.
  However there are specific ways in which each of
  us may learn.
• In this workshop we will go through some of
  these specific ways which you may use to become a
  more effective learner.

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So Am I a Type of Learner?

• In short No. Each person has preferences to
  different types of learning but these preferences
  can change with environment, subject and
  experience.
• There are however distinct types of learning
  experience those acquired through thinking,
  others by doing, some by reflecting and others
  through the experience or repetition.
• Most people however dont fit into just one
  of these preferences, outlined by Honey and
  Mulford (1992) as Pragmatic, Activist, Reflector
  and Theorist archetypes but approach learning in
  a multi-sensory hybrid of each of these.

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What is Multiple-sensory learning?

• Multi-sensory learning strategies originate
  from Neuro Linguistic Programming theories which
  claim that the mind can be fine-tuned to perform
  better (Bandler, Grinder, OStevens 1981). Some
  of the tools we use for this tuning are
• The VARK Questionnaire
• http//www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?pq
  uestionnaire
• Using Visual, Aural, Read/write and
  kenesthetic gauges this test will highlight which
  types of learning styles you favour so that you
  can construct your own effective learning
  strategies (Fleming, 2001).

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Multiple Intelligence Theory

• Another tool that can be used is Gardners
  MIT
• Multiple Intelligences Test
• http//www.businessballs.com/freematerialsinexcel
  /free_multiple_intelligences_test.xls
• This simple test represents Gardners (1993)
  theory of multiple intelligences in the human
  spanning from word and numbers to music, spatial,
  social and emotional. From the test you can gain
  an interesting insight into your minds
  organisation.

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How can this help me learn?!

• Once each of us knows how best we learn and
  remember information we can construct a format of
  study that best suits us..
• Try the tests and see for yourself

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VARK type Activities

• In Workshop 2 we will go through how we can
  apply this information within academic situations
  such as
• Study skills
• Note-taking
• Exam Revising.

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References

• Bandler R, Grinder J, OStevens J. (1981)
  Frogs into Princes Neuro Linguistic Programming
  Moab, Utah Real People Press)
• Fleming N D (2001) Teaching and Learning
  Styles VARK Strategies Honolulu Community
  College
• Gardner H (1993) 10th edition Frames of Mind
  The Theory of Multiple Intelligences  New York
  Basic Books 
• Honey P, Mumford A (1992) The Manual of
  Learning Styles 3rd Ed. Maidenhead

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Bibliography

• Allan, B (1997) Study Skills Guide.
  University of Hull Business School.
• Cottrell, S (1999) The Study Skills Handbook
  Basingstoke Macmillan 
• Northedge, A (1990) The Good Study Guide. The
  Open University. Milton Keynes.
• Riding R, Rayner S (1998) Cognitive styles
  and learning strategies Understanding style
  differences in learning and behaviour London
  David Fulton.