The Nexus Explored: A Generalised Model of Learning Styles

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The Nexus Explored A Generalised Model of
Learning Styles

• Damian Gordon, Gordon Bull
• e-Learning Research Group,
• School of Computing,
• Dublin Institute of Technology,
• Kevin Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.

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Overview

• What is a Learning Style ?
• Criticisms of Learning Styles
• Equivalence of Martinez and MBTI
• The Four-Dimensional Leaning Style
• Gordon-Bull MetaModel
• Addressing the Criticisms
• Questions ???

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Introduction

• Looking at learning styles
• a strength or preference
• Build into a Virtual Learning Environment
• Which model of Learning Styles to use ?
• Are there core or fundamental dimensions of all
  of these models ?

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What is Learning Style ?

• the composite of characteristic cognitive,
  affective, and physiological factors that serve
  as relatively stable indicators of how a learner
  perceives, interacts with, and responds to the
  learning environment Keefe (1979)
• a consistent pattern of behaviour within a range
  of individual variability (Cornet, 1983)
• a student's consistent way of responding to and
  using stimuli in a learning environment (Claxton
  Ralston, 1978)
• how individuals process information and prefer to
  learn (Garity, 1985)
• the way individuals organise information and
  experiences (Laschinger Boss, 1984) and
• an expression of psychological differentiation
  within characteristic modes of information
  processing (Witkin Goodenough, 1971, 1981).

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Criticisms of Learning Styles

• Lack of stability over time
• Lack of stability over skills
• Leads to stereotyping

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Models of Learning StylesCurry (1987)
Instructional Environmental Models
Social Interaction Models
Information Processing Models
Personality Models
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Learning Styles Models
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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
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MBTI
Extraversion
E
Introversion
I
Intuition
N
Sensing
S
Feeling
F
T
Thinking
Perceptive
P
J
Judging
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MBTI
Small group Exercises
E
Chunks of Information
I
Discovery Learning
N
What Must be Known
S
Small group Exercises
F
T
Clear Objectives
Always seeking more Information
P
J
Lectures Essays
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Gordon-Bull Algorithm
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Gordon-Bull Algorithm
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Gordon-Bull Algorithm
Case Study
Mixture of Case Study and Theory
Theory
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Gordon-Bull Algorithm
Martinez
Transforming Learner
Case Study
Mixture of Case Study and Theory
Performing Learner
Conforming Learner
Theory
Resistant Learner
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Keirsey Temperament Sorter
Guardians (SJ)
Idealists (NF)
Artisans (SP)
Rationals (NT)
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What are the core dimensions?
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Keirsey Temperament Sorter
Guardians
Idealists
Artisans
Rationals
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Keirsey Temperament Sorter

• Whatever their field, Rationals set out to
  comprehend the natural world in all its
  complexity.
• Guardians are sensible, down-to-earth people who
  are the backbone of institutions and the true
  stabilisers of society.
• Idealists believe that friendly co-operation is
  the best way for people to achieve their goals.
  They dream of removing the walls of conflict and
  selfishness that divide people
• Artisans are most at home in the external world
  of solid objects that can be made and
  manipulated, and of real-life events that can be
  experienced in the here and now.

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Kolbs Learning Style Inventory
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Kolbs Learning Style Inventory

• Theorists/Assimilator Like case studies, theory
  readings, and thinking alone. Their strengths lie
  in their ability to create theoretical models.
• Pragmatists/Convergers peer feedback activities
  that apply skills self-directed autonomous
  learner. The pragmatist's greatest strength is in
  the practical application of idea.
• Activists/Accomadators like practising the
  skill, problem solving, small group discussions,
  peer feedback trainer should be a model of a
  professional, leaving the learner to determine
  her own criteria for relevance of materials.
• Reflectors/Divergers like lectures with plenty
  of reflection time trainer should provide expert
  interpretation - taskmaster/guide judge
  performance by external criteria. Their strengths
  lie in an imaginative ability.

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Hermann Brain Dominance

• Quad A
• Problem-Solving
• Logical, Analytical
• Quad B
• Controlled
• Conservative

• Quad D
• Holistic
• Imaginative
• Quad C
• Emotional
• Interpersonal

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Gregorc Learning Style
Abstract Sequential
Abstract Random
Concrete Random
Concrete Sequential
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4MAT Learning Model
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Honey-Mumford Model
Activist
Reflector
Pragmatist
Theorist
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Gordon-Bull Learning Styles Model

• Style a Structured Practical
• Style ß Intrapersonal Discussion
• Style ? Imaginative Holistic
• Style d Logical Analytical

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Whats the Added Value ?
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Resistant Learners

• (Like the Avoidant dimension in the
  Grasha-Riechmann Model)
• 1. they may lack the ICT skills to interact
  effectively with e-Learning materials,
• 2. they may lack the self-confidence to use ICTs
  effectively, or
• 3. they may not wish to participate in the
  learning experience because they are apathetic,
  frustrated, unable, discouraged or disobedient.

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What Else ?
Evolutionary Learning Style Models
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Evolutionary Models

• Lewin's Cycle
• Saljo's Conceptions of Learning
• Bloom's Taxonomy
• Gagnes Conditions of Learning

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Criticisms of Learning Styles

• Lack of stability over time
• Lack of stability over skills
• Leads to stereotyping

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Criticisms of Learning Styles

• Lack of stability over time
• Need to retest Evolutionary Models
• Lack of stability over skills
• Leads to stereotyping

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Criticisms of Learning Styles

• Lack of stability over time
• Need to retest Evolutionary Models
• Lack of stability over skills
• Need to retest With different tests
• Leads to stereotyping

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Criticisms of Learning Styles

• Lack of stability over time
• Need to retest Evolutionary Models
• Lack of stability over skills
• Need to retest With different tests
• Leads to stereotyping
• Technological Solution ??
• Educate Learners and teachers

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Coming Soon...

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Other Learning Styles Models
Dual Coding
VARK
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???Questions???