14. How People Learn

Question 1

What are the two approaches to learning theory?

Answer 1

• Behaviourist
• Cognitive

Question 2

What is the Behaviourist approach to learning?

Answer 2

• Learn through reward and punishment
• Based on stimulus
• Learn to do the right thing but may not understand why

Question 3

What is the cognitive approach to learning?

Answer 3

• Looks at mental process we go through to gain understanding
• We create logic from sensory information
• Attempt to understand what’s happening and why we’re doing it

Question 4

What are two learning theories?

Answer 4

• Honey and Mumford (styles of learning)
• Kolb (experiential learning)

Question 5

What are the learning styles categorized by Honey and Mumford?

Answer 5

• Theorist
• Reflectors
• Activists
• Pragmatists

Question 6

What is a theorist?

Answer 6

Honey and Mumford learning style

Likes to understand theory before moving on to practical application.

Question 7

What is a reflector?

Answer 7

Honey and Mumford learning style

Observes what’s going on and carefully considers.

Tend to be non-participative, cautious learners.

Question 8

What is an activist?

Answer 8

Honey and Mumford learning style

Go straight into practical application before learning theory.

Excited by pressure and new projects

Tends to rush things without adequate preparation

Question 9

What is a pragmatist?

Answer 9

Honey and Mumford learning style

Inspired to learn if they see a practical outcome

Not interested in learning for learnings sake

Question 10

What is Kolb’s experiential learning theory?

Answer 10

Idea that we go through a number of cycles, gradually learning by our experience.

Question 11

What is the cycle described by Kolb?

Answer 11

• Theory
• Try theory
• Experience
• Reflect

Then repeat

Question 12

What is the difference between training, development and education!

Answer 12

Training
- Specific to current role.
Development
- Less specific
- Provides skills for the future
Education
- Knowledge gradually acquired through learning and instruction
- May or may not be work related

Question 13

How is training usually planned?

Answer 13

• Analysis. Identify gaps in competence and skills
• Agree budget
• Decide how to provide training (formal courses, coaching, mentoring, shadowing, self study, computer based courses etc)
• Provide training
• Measure results to assess success

Question 14

What should effective training do?

Answer 14

• Motivate employees
• Increase productivity and efficiency
• Increase employee initiatives
• Reduce errors
• Improve customer relations and loyalty
• Helps comply with laws and regulations
• Allow more delegation, and therefore flexibility in assigning work