MN3041QA Development for Success in Business   Assignment 1: Report

Essay question: Write an report analysing your Honey & Mumford (1986) learning style and motivations to attend lectures. Your analysis should incorporate the learning theories you have been learning in class.

Introduction

Since my interest in learning began in the university academy, my attention has focused on analysing anything that I come across. I always read any text with a hint of disbelief, wondering how much of what is written is true and how much is the product of the imagination of the person who has written. In this way, the question also arises that the author is certain about his/her topic. On the contrary, such experiences brought to the present are nothing more than the memories whose feelings for what has been narrated have passed through the filter of time, which modifies and gives new feelings and meanings to the past. However, wondering about the sincerity and veracity of work can become a useless task since it is likely that not even the author will answer such a thing (Mearman et al., 2014) In the course is that part of our existence where personal reconstruction becomes even more difficult, since what we know in the first person is little, and it has also gone through the time filter. 

Learning Styles Analysis

Learning Styles Theory

Alan Mumford and Peter Honey established their learning style’s philosophy to continue works of David Kolb, called empirical culture theory of learning. They recognised four dissimilar learning flairs: "activist," "theoretical," "reflective," and "pragmatic." According to this theory, people normally gravitate towards a specific way of learning style (Mearman et al., 2014).

Experiential Learning

First and foremost, immediate and tangible interactions that serve as the foundation for observation.

The person then mulls through his or her findings and develops a general hypothesis about what the data might mean. The learner then constructs abstract concepts and generalisations based on his theories in the next cycle. Finally, the student puts his theories to the test in new circumstances.

Information Processing Theory

This approach may also become a model of online teaching, with a group of people coordinating their learning based on "problem-solving activities," making it a more encouraging and productive process because the adult is confronted based on a direct concern to a problem or actual situation, for a job or personal life, making it a more motivating and productive process. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this is the student's direct contact with the phenomena being studied, rather than just an abstract explanation or remote contemplation, resulting in the student being a participant in the process of personal reflection that gives meaning to personal experiences. The disparity between theory and practice is then bridged, allowing for the possibility of "learning by doing." 

Self-Analysis

I perform research and present findings from learning point of view. I tend to engage in activities that encourage me to consider the options before acting. I prefer lectures and demonstrations, as well as study and community discussions (ELN.IO, 2016). I appreciate gathering data (both directly and indirectly) and extensively analysing it before reaching a choice. This will cause me to put off making a decision. Rather than leaping into motion, I learn by watching. I do not make snap judgments. I think that I am thoughtful and tend to watch people in action rather than participate in debates. I found that my learning style is reflective; I enjoy taking a step back from a situation. As a substitute of vigorously joining in debate or affair, thoughtful people prefer to take the weight off and listen to see effects from several viewpoints. I am a strong listener who considers all points before expressing my own opinions. According to Dolnicar (2004)  questionnaires, interviews, feedback, and evaluation are the best ways for them to understand. Before concluding, I take time to consider the material. I enjoy reflecting on my past encounters and seeing things from various angles. 

Before, during, and after a course is conducted, critical thinking entails questioning one's underlying beliefs about education and learning, as well as their compatibility with real classroom practice. I am more comfortable in the reflective group if I like teamwork, but I do not like the excessive risk. 

Conclusion

Mumford and Honey indicate that the active and pragmatists are better oriented "doing" and the reflective and theorists "thinking"; This leads to the assumption that students will have a variety of learning interests in the classroom, such as videos, conversations, presentations, visual image readings, and games, among others. Since learning style has its strengths and limitations, which enable students to learn in different ways, knowing learning styles is not a complete solution for student success, but it will allow the instructor to apply various educational tools related to their learning. On the other hand, students perform more effectively when taught using techniques tailored to their preferred learning styles. The diagnosis of learning styles is stated in many publications, but only in a small number. They do say, however, that getting interactions does not guarantee successful learning. The experience should be analysed, conclusions drawn, and steps taken to implement the findings. However, a variety of class techniques is essential to increase all students' success, including those who study differently and maybe in the minority. This emphasises the importance of expanding teaching strategies, which broadens the spectrum of learning in constructing information.

Word count: 848

Bibliography

• Dolnicar, S. (2004). What makes students attend lectures? The shift towards pragmatism in undergraduate lecture attendance.
• ELN.IO. (2016, March 12). Honey & Mumford learner types (1986) online quiz. ELN The e-Learning Network - Online accredited vocational training. https://www.eln.io/blog/honey-mumford-learner-types-1986-questionnaire-online
• Mearman, A., Pacheco, G., Webber, D., Ivlevs, A., & Rahman, T. (2014). Understanding student attendance in business schools: An exploratory study. International Review of Economics Education, 17, 120-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iree.2014.10.002

Due:  3PM via WebLearn

Word limit: 750 - 850 words. You will incur penalties if you exceed the word limit.

Essay template is available on WebLearn > Assessment Details > Assignment 1

Essay question: Write an report analysing your Honey & Mumford (1986) learning style and motivations to attend lectures. Your analysis should incorporate the learning theories you have been learning in class.

Before writing your report, you MUST read the “Literature Review” in the article linked here: “Understanding student attendance’ in Business school – An exploratory study”. 

Your report structure is outlined below:

Introduction (around 200 words)

Write a brief autobiography of your past learning experiences. 

You should write about:

Your highest/most recent educational experience (Primary, secondary/high school, GCSEs, A Levels, GNVQ/BTEC, ESOL, Functional Skills, Access to Higher Education, certificate & diploma)

Which country/language you were educated in and how this has impacted your learning today.

What your learning experiences at these educational institutions was like e.g. enjoyable, challenging etc. Explain why.

Your goals/motivations – what did you want to gain from this experience?

Your attendance – was it poor, okay or 100%? Explain why.

The activities you were often given (games, team-work tasks, role-playing exercises, presentations, problem solving tasks, group/paired discussion, puzzles, observing activities, feedback from classmates, leadership activities, interviews, self-analysis questionnaires, watching videos & listening to lectures, analysing texts like reports and research, question and answer sessions, tests and quizzes, brainstorming/mind-mapping, reading real-life case studies/accounts, debates, evaluating two sides, collecting data/researching, skill and technique development, personality questionnaires, seminars, essay/report writing, descriptive writing, research papers, coursework etc.)

How your past learning experiences have influenced your views on learning

Learning Theory Analysis (around 200-250 words)

In this section, you should:

analyse and synthesise any THREE learning theories you have been introduced to in class. Choose from the list below:

Learning Styles Theory

Experiential Learning

Information Processing Theory

Reflective Practice 

Left Brain/Right Brain

analyse and synthesise the different 6 types of attenders according to Dolnicar (2004) cited in the Understanding Student Attendance by Mearman et al. (2014). 

Self-Analysis (around 200 words)

In this section, you should:

identify and analyse your own preferred learning style according Honey & Mumford’s Learning Styles questionnaire (Click here to take the questionnaire)

identify the type of attender you are according to Dolnicar (2004) cited in the article Understanding Student Attendance by Mearman et al. (2014).

Conclusion (around 200 words)

Identify the weaknesses of your Honey & Mumford learning style and suggest ways to improve each weakness for the future.

Bibliography (not included in the word count)

List at least THREE references (sources) you used to write your essay. Use your formative assessment to help you.