The Learning process

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Learning styles
It is helpful to reflect upon learning styles and how these affect
communication.
Although most people learn in a variety of ways there can be
preferences.

Honey and Mumford suggest:

• Activists- enjoy active learning and trying new things

• Reflectors – like to stand back and think before trying
something
• Theorists – tend to be rational, logical and analytical
• Pragmatists – take the common sense approach

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Learning styles

Most people have a preferred learning style although often it is a

mix of more than one.

When working with young people, help them to understand their

preferred learning style.
Adapt your approach and presentations to allow for the different
preferences.

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Learning styles

Gardner suggested different kinds of intelligence –

visual-spatial, bodily kinaesthetic, musical, interpersonal,

intrapersonal, linguistic, logical, mathematical.

Becoming aware of these can help you understand those you are
working with and the best approaches to take.

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This can be linked with intelligences

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Blocks to Learning

You will be working with some people who may have difficulties
with learning even though they have potential. This may seem
unusual to you especially if you have always enjoyed and been
successful in education.

You can recognise such blocks when people say:

• I can’t do this,
• this isn’t for me,
• I’m not good enough,
• It’s not for people like me

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Blocks to Learning

This may be a result of many issues but it is usually to do with

previous failure.

Learners may
•Be disorganised, leading to stress, confusion and failure
•Have behavioural problems
•Lack confidence
•Lack self esteem
•Have had previous negative experiences

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Helping overcome the barriers

If you recognise such ‘limiting beliefs’ and ‘learned

helplessness’ some good strategies are:

• Listen and help clarify.

• Show a genuine interest. Ask for their thoughts and opinions
and gradually build confidence.
• Use praise where due and help them see the best of
themselves.
• Encourage them to dream – nothing is as exciting as hearing
school students talk about their life ambitions.
• Have all the information available to answer questions.
• Tell your story – inspire.

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Helper and Rescuer
Helper Rescuer
Listens for requests Gives when not asked
Presents offers Doesn’t check to see of offers
are welcomed
Gives only what is needed Goes beyond what is needed
Checks with the person being Omits feedback
helped
Checks results Doesn’t check results – feels
good if accepted and bad when
turned down

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Any Questions?

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