��
What nobody seems to have
latched onto is the obvious next phase of the theory.� As a trainer, I am
always careful to point out that individuals do not fall neatly into
pigeon-holed categories � but that each of us employs a complex combination
of learning styles � depending on context, circumstance and the nature of
what we are trying to learn.� Each of us possesses not merely one
clearly-defined learning style but a combination of two or more.� This has
led me to consider how we might designate the various combinations � so as
to provide not merely the �bare bones� four-category model proposed by H&M �
but an additional six combinatorial categories.� Not that I am suggesting we
should adopt such a model wholesale (it would be considerably more difficult
to handle) or attempt to replace the eminently practical traditional model �
but it does set you thinking.
�
Here then, for your
consideration, are my slightly tongue-in-cheek suggestions for the
enhancement of Learning Styles theory.
�
At first glance you might
think that the Activist-Reflector is a most unlikely combination;
they do appear to be situated at opposite ends of the style-spectrum.�
However, I suspect that they are more prevalent than we realise � and that
most of us have been their unwitting victims or apologists.� They are the
type of person who cannot help but acting first � who then realise that they
really shouldn�t have acted that way.� The kind of person who opens their
mouth, puts their foot in it � and then realises what they have said.� The
Activist-Reflector is known in the training trade as a �REGRETTER�.
�
Theorists, as you will be
aware, like to make connections.� They constantly ask �Why?� and then seek
to organise the new information elicited so that it forms a cohesive overall
picture of how things are.� Activist-Theorists, on the other hand,
although they still have lots of questions, generally do not have the time
or inclination to sort or process all the information thus obtained.� They
excel at brainstorming, insofar as they generate new ideas; each new idea
acting as a catalyst for the spontaneous eruption of further progeny.�
Unfortunately they rarely stop to consider the implications of their ideas �
preferring to rely on friendly passing Reflectors to take on that role.� The
Activist-Theorist is technically known as a �SCATTERBRAIN�.
�
Pragmatists are known as
clearly-focused problem-solvers who relish the challenge of devising
solutions to specific tasks.� The Activist-Pragmatist is a slightly
different animal who, typically, solves the problem � but invariably by
means of utilising elastic bands, bulldog clips and the odd piece of chewing
gum.� The Activist-Pragmatist does not so much solve the problem as
improvise a somewhat makeshift Heath Robinson affair � giving rise to them
being known, in technical terminology, as a �BODGER�.
�
Theorist-Pragmatists,
on the other hand, do not merely solve the problem.� They delight in asking
a whole series of �What if?� questions and then providing practical answers
to the difficulties thus envisaged.� They then engage in an ordered
programme of implementing all the necessary safeguards to ensure that such a
problem � or any associated similar or dissimilar problem � is unlikely to
inflict itself in the future.� In essence, the pragmatic �quick fix� is
translated into a fully guaranteed solution that takes into account every
conceivable potentiality for failure in order to ensure against it.�
Theorist-Pragmatists are known as �SAFEGUARDERS�.
�
The Pragmatist-Reflector
also appreciates having a particular problem to address and invariably
manages to devise a down-to-earth settlement.� Unfortunately, they are then
beset with uncertainty whether the solution they initially proposed is the
best one.� Did the original idea fully utilise available resources?� Have
all the implications been thought through?� Maybe there was a cheaper
alternative?� They can often be found checking to make sure that the
original solution is still in place and holding water.� The
Pragmatist-Reflector is known officially as a �TWEAKER�.
�
Pragmatist-Reflectors are
not to be confused with Reflector-Pragmatists.� These latter
individuals can be found wandering aimlessly around garages or garden sheds
at weekends, musing on whether they are properly equipped to rake out the
gutters, mow the lawn or fix the broken gate.� They spend much of their life
�getting around to it� and differ from true Reflectors � who can be found
lounging in the sunshine in padded garden chairs.� Reflector-Pragmatists
are affectionately known as �DITHERERS�.
�
The Theorist-Reflector
is thoughtful and comprehensive; a dotter of i�s and a crosser of t�s.� As
something of a perfectionist, they are rarely able to complete anything to
their own satisfaction.� There is, they believe, always something else to be
added, adapted, appended.� Occasionally dubbed (somewhat unprofessionally) a
�worry-guts�, the official term for a Theorist-Reflector is a
�DOUBLE-CHECKER�.
�
|