What are Learning Styles?

 

What kind of learner are you?

by Donald Clark

 

 

Read each statement carefully. To the left of each statement, write the code that best describes how each statement applies to you.

Answer honestly as there are no correct or incorrect answers. It is best if you do not think about each question too long, as this could lead you to the wrong conclusion.

 

SECTION 1

 

Place either an AE or a RO next to the statement below, depending upon which part of the statement mostly closely describes you.

 

_____ (AE) - I often produce off-the-cuff ideas that at first might seem silly or half-baked. (RO) - I am thorough and methodical.

_____ (AE) - I am normally the one who initiates conversations. (RO) - I enjoy watching people.

_____ (AE) - I am flexible and open minded. (RO) - I am careful and cautious.

_____ (AE) - I like to try new and different things without too much preparation. (RO) - I investigate a new topic or process in depth before trying it.

_____ (AE) - I am happy to have a go at new things. (RO) - I draw up lists up possible courses of actions when starting a new project. 

_____ (AE) - I like to get involved and to participate. (RO) - I like to read and observe.

_____ (AE) - I am loud and outgoing. (RO) - I am quite and somewhat shy.

_____ (AE) - I make quick and bold decisions. (RO) - I make cautious and logical decisions.

_____ (AE) - I speak slowly, after thinking. (RO) - I speak fast, while thinking.


Total of AEs - _____. Total of ROs - _____. The one that has the larger number is your task preference.

 

 

SECTION 2

 

Place either an AC or a CE next to the statement below, depending upon which part of the statement mostly closely describes you.

 

_____ (AC) - I ask probing questions when learning a new subject. (CE) - I am good at picking up hints and techniques from other people. 

_____ (AC) - I am rational and logical. (CE) - I am practical and down to earth. 

_____ (AC) - I plan events down to the last detail. (CE) - I like realistic, but flexible plans.

_____ (AC) - I like to know the right answers before trying something new. (CE) - I try things out by practicing to see if they work.

_____ (AC) - I analyze reports to find the basic assumptions and inconsistencies. (CE) - I rely upon others to give me the basic gist of reports.

_____ (AC) - I prefer working alone. (CE) - I enjoy working with others.

_____ (AC) - Others would describe me as serious, reserved, and formal. (CE) - Others would describe me as verbal, expressive, and informal.

_____ (AC) - I use facts to make decisions. (CE) - I use feelings to make decisions.

_____ (AC) - I am difficult to get to know. (CE) - I am easy to get to know.


Total of ACs - _____. Total of CEs - _____. The one that has the larger number is your thought or emotional preference.

 

 

SCORING PROCEDURES

 

Each preference (high score) from the two above sections are used to determine your learning style:

 

If you are a AE and CE then you are a 


Doer

Concrete Experience and Active Experimentation

If you are a RO and CE then you are a


Watcher

Reflective Observation and Concrete Experience 

If you are a RO and AC then you are a 


Thinker

Abstract Conceptualization and Reflective Observation

If you are a AE and AC then you are a 


Feeler

Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation

 

Note that you learn in ALL four styles, but you normally learn best by starting in and using one style the most. 

 

This survey is based on:

 

Two dimensional behavioral models (task and behavior)
The Managerial Grid
Kolb's Learning Style Inventory

 

 

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