Kinds of Effective Learning Styles

Learning by doing, Learning by use & Learning from failure

Different people have different learning styles, and differences in learning styles can explain why some individuals are comfortable and successful with some learning approaches. According to Kolb (1984), in his book about “Experiential Learning”, he theorizes that an individual’s learning style is based on that person’s preferred modes of learning. A mode of learning is the individual’s orientation toward gathering and processing information during learning. There are four basic modes of learning such as

 (1) Concrete Experience (CE): It is related to learning through direct experience, emphasizing interpersonal relations and feeling as opposed to thinking.

(2) Abstract Conceptualization (AC): It refers to learning by thinking about an issue in theoretical terms.

(3) Reflective Observation (RO): It focuses on learning by watching and examining different points of view to achieve an understanding.

(4) Active Experimentation (AE): It concerns with learning something actually by doing it and judging its practical value.

Related to these modes of learning, Kolb also identified four learning styles, and these include:

            A. Convergent: It is combination between abstract conceptualization and active experimentation with a focus on problem solving, decision making, and practical application of ideas. In short, it can be concluded that this style is related to “Thinking and Doing”.

            B. Divergent: It is a mix of concrete experience with reflective observation emphasizing imagination, an awareness of values, and the ability to generate alternative course of action. Indeed, it is about “Feeling and Watching”.

            C. Assimilation: It is a combination of abstract conceptualization and reflective observation that stresses inductive reasoning, the integration of desperate observation into explanation, and the creation of theoretical models. In fact, it is related to “Thinking and Watching”.

            D. Accommodative: It is a combination between concrete experience and active experimentation demonstrated by accomplishment, executing plans, and involvement in new experiences. It mainly focuses on “Feeling and Doing”

Sam Aun (Andy)

     

Understanding Your Learning Styles

                                                      What is your learning style?

No one was born wise. This concept is accepted by almost all the learners, and this is one kind of motivation that lures the learners to learn better. Since people were differently born, and that is why they have differences of perceiving, adapting, and learning what has happened in the society. Although those people hold many styles of learning, those styles can only be concluded into 4 categories as follow:

            A. Kinesthetic Learner: Kinesthetic means something that is produced by movement. Kinetic or kinesthetic learners refer to every learner who uses his/her movement to learn. These kinds of learners learn something by using the gestures such as walking and learning, singing and learning, or working and learning.  For example, Socheata who is a student at RUPP, University in Cambodia shares this style of learning. When asking her how she can learn and understand the lessons, she said that she learned by movement. She walks and memorizes the lessons, or she sometimes works and memorizes the lessons.

            B. Visual learner: Visual means watching. These kinds of learners learn something by watching. When they want to learn, they watch such as watching TV, Using internets, or E-mail to learn what they want. For instance, Miss Sokim, when asking her, “What is your style of learning?” she said that she likes learning by watching, for example, watching TV to learn to new things.

            C. Auditory learner: Auditory means listening. These kinds of learners like to learn something by listening. They listen to the radio, people or others to learn new things. They do not like reading or watching but listening. For example, Sreyrim who is a clever student at Burapha said that she likes listening to her friends or teachers when she wants to learn. When her friends memorize the lessons, she sits quietly and listens to them, and then she can understand the lessons as those.

            D. Hearted Learner: Heart means something that is learnt by heart. These kinds of learners like to learn something by heart. They sit and read the books quietly and peacefully. They do not like to be participated by the others except living alone. They take their time to mediate and memorize the lessons. For instance, Mr. Puthika said that he likes to sit in a quiet place and memorizes his lessons.

If you want read more texts, please go to: http://specialmanagement.blogspot.com

                                                Sam Aun (Andy)

The Effective Learning Styles

                                          The Greatest danger to our future is apathy. (Jane Goodall)

There are many learning styles that are used by the learners in order to achieve their purposes. Aristotle wrote that “To learn is a natural pleasure, not confined to philosophers, but common to all men.  Although learning may be natural to humankind, all people do not learn in the same way. There are diverse styles of learning that affect that affect the way in which learners learn and processes information. Preferred learning styles differ among people and from one learner to another.  However, there are 4 learning styles that are considered to be the subject for all the learners (Porter, 2004, pp. 242-247).

A. Cognitive style: Learners from different cultures may perceive their environment and information differently. This different way of perceiving and processing the information is known as cognitive style. This cognitive style is included:

1). Field independence versus Field sensitivity: It means the learners perceive the environment and the emphasis by depending on the fields. For example, some learners may tend to see the forest whereas the others see the threes.

2). Cooperation versus Competition: This depends mainly on whether the learners want to work in groups or individual to compete with one another

 3). Trial & error versus Watch & then do”: Some learners want to try out and then learn from the occurred mistakes, but the others will observe first and then do it.

4). Tolerance versus Intolerance for ambiguity: This depends on the learners themselves. Some may have along tolerance whereas others have short tolerance in doing things.

B. Communication style: Communication is really vital for all learners. They can interact and exchange the information from each other by communication, and these can be:

            1). Direct versus indirect communication: Communication happens in both direct and indirect manner, and it banks on the learners themselves which styles they like in terms of relation.

            2). Formal versus informal communication: Formal communication always takes place in the workplace whereas the informal communication happens freely.

            3). Verbal versus non-verbal communication: Some learners like using gestures in learning whereas the others like talking, chatting, or speaking.

            4). Topic-centered communication versus Topic-associating communication:

C. Relational style: This is related to the relationship between one and another during learning. It can be teachers and learners or learners and mentors. This style of learning can be in the forms of the following:

            1). Dependent versus Independent learning: This can be, for example, students need support, guidance, or explanation from teachers, or they can read the books and learn themselves themselves.

            2). Participatory versus Passive learning: Some learners like joining learning, but the others like being quiet in learning such as staying alone in the room or sitting in the quiet and peaceful place. 

            3). Reflectivity versus impulsivity: This is related to how long will the learners take to consider of the problem. Some learners like to take a deep consideration of the matter, but the others like to do it immediately.  

            4). Oral & visual: This is concerned with learning by reading and watching. Some learners like to read in order to get the information whereas the others like watching to get what they need to know.

            5). Energetic learning versus calm learning: This style of learning focuses on learning by moving or mediating. Some learners want to learn by doing moving back and forth, but the others like learning by heart.

D. Motivation Style: Some learners want to achieve their purposes, and that is why they always motivate themselves, and think positively. They thought that what they do will give them the results and these expected results become the stimuli for them. This style of learning is included:

1). Intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation: The learners have both inside and outside motivation in order to get over the desired goals.

2). Learning on demand versus learning on what is relevant or interesting: This style plays a crucial role for every learner whether he/she learns on what she/he wants now or just for what he/she likes.

Finally, the learners can have any style they like, but what is absolutely necessary for them is that how they can achieve it. They have to learn how to learn, re-learn, unlearn or follow formal, informal, or non-formal.

Sam Aun (Andy)

The Differences between IGO & NGO

The Least You Should Know!!!!!!!!!

To keep peace of the world and to help some developing countries, some non-profit organizations have been established, and those organizations serve different purposes. Some organizations work towards helping exploited children, sexual trade women, but others aim at improving the capabilities of using technology, or guiding the ways of conducting the small scale business. Even though a lot of non-profit organizations have been created, and their main goals are consolidating, enhancing the capacities of the poor countries, and keeping the world peaceful,   there are two categories of organizations which are actively in transcending to do these kinds of jobs, and those are:   

(A). It is IGO. IGO stands for Inter-Governmental Organization, and this organization was established in the 19^th century which its members are included United Nation (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Association of South-East Asian Nation, (ASEAN), European Union (EU), World Trade Organization (WTO), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Organization of American States (OAS), Council of European, and some others. The main purpose of this organization is to

            1-To preserve peace through conflict resolution

2-To better international relation

3-To promote international cooperation

4-To promote human rights

5-To promote social development

6-To render humanitarian aids/economic development

(B). It is NGO. NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. There are about 1083 NGOs estimated by 1914, and its main mission is:  

1- To emphasize humanitarian issues

2- To increase developmental aids

3- To keep sustainable development  

There are two different types of Non-Governmental Organizations:

(a). Operational NGO: Its main policy is to design and implement of development-related projects. For instance, Explosive Ordinance Demolition (EOD) that its crucial mission is to destroy the explosive weapons (Land mine).   

(b). Advocacy NGO: Its main policy is to defend or promote a specific cause. For example, Medical San-Frontier (MSF) is one kind of NGO that serve the people who are living with HIV/AIDs, and tuberculosis.

                                                                                  

Sam Aun (Andy)

Roles in Team working

Team working plays a crucial role in helping all kinds of activities to be successful. It is required for every body to exactly know their roles when they are organized in team work. Working in team means conducting trust, empathy, agreement, mutual benefit, willingness, opportunity, recognition, and knowledge (TEAM WORK) for each other and their roles should be clearly divided. The division should be (Stuart Crainer 1998, p. 238):

(1) The role in team work is a solver. Solvers help the team to solve the problems by coming up with ideas or finding resources from outside the team, and these include innovation, ideas generation, imagination, unorthodox, good networking skills, and negotiation for resources.

(2) The role in team work is doer. Doers concentrate on the tasks, getting it started, keeping it going, getting it done or making sure it is finished, and these should be included high energy, high motivation, assertiveness, discipline, self-control, systematic approach, attention to detail, and practicality.

(3) The role in team work is a checker. Checkers concern for the whole process, try to ensure full participation, and these included prudence, reflection, critical thinking, shrewd judgments, shared goals, and use of individual talents.

(4) The role in team work is a carer. Carers concern for individuals in the team and how they are developing and getting along, and these are included supportive, social, flexible, and democratic.     

(5) The role in team work is a knower. Knowers are providers of special knowledge or experience, and these are included dedication, standards, and focus.

“That Team Working is growing can not be doubted”

Sam Aun (Andy)

How to Write a Good Thesis

The form for writing a good thesis is different from one faculty to another, and it depends mainly on the advisors. Although the form of thesis is differently advised, it inevitably covers the following crucial criteria:

(A). A good thesis is related a good and attractive topic. A good topic of thesis comprises of these factors: (1). It is about way of writing (short, simple, and easy to understand), and (2). It indicates who the population is, where it will be written and what method will be used. For example, “The Factors Influencing on Learning Organization at NA Company in Cambodia”, the population is employer and employer at NA Company, place is NA company in Cambodia, and the method is quantitative research, but it will qualitative research if the topic started with the words “Attitude or behavior”.

(B). A good thesis is concerned with a good introduction. The introduction is included:  (1). Statement or significance of the problem: why this topic is written, what the main problem is, and it is suggested to written in a form of essay. (2). Research questions, (3). Purposes of the research: The research questions and purposes have to go along well with each other and at least two or three are suggested to be written. The research purposes should be written with “To find out the relation, To find out the effect, To find out the difference, To compare, To study, To evaluate, To examine, To provide, To determine, To demonstrate, and some others. Related to the topic above, the purpose and the question should be “What are factors influencing on learning organization at NA..?And the purpose is “To find out the factors influencing on learning organization in NA Company in Cambodia, (4). Hypothesis plays an important role for every researcher. It is what the researcher has to find out whether it is true as determined or not. For instance, in relation to the above topic, the hypothesis can be “Leadership influences on learning organization in NA Company”, (5). Scope of research is included independent variable (Leadership, management,…), dependent variable (Peter Seng, LO, 1990: System thinking, Mental model, Shared vision, Personal mastery, & Team learning) , research area: population & place and the duration of the research: How long the research will be conducted, (6). Operational definition : It is only related to the main words such as what is leadership, management, Learning organization..), and (7). Expected benefits: What we expect to get from this topic. For example, It will be beneficial to exactly know what factors influence on the organization,….

(C). A good thesis is related to a good literature review. Literature review is included: (1). Meaning of Learning organization, for example. Who defined something related to learning organization is required to include. For example, Peter Senge defined that LO is …., (2). Theories & Concepts: All the theories and concepts that are only related and supported to the topic (LO). For example, According to (Argyris, 1985, p. ..) wrote that LO mainly focus knowledge management…, (3). Research related result: Who have conducted the researches that are relevant to our own topic and hypothesis. For instance, Mr. K conducted the research “Factors …..on LO at….”and the result find that leadership influences on learning organization…, Related research document: Document related to NA company, and (4) Conceptual framework: This is from the summarization of all the theories and concepts. For example, Independent variables: Leadership & Management (influence) Dependent variables: (Peter Senge,1990, System thinking, Mental model, Shared vision, Personal mastery, & Team learning)

(D). A good thesis is related to a good research methodology. It includes (1). Population & sample: For example, Population: 300 workers in NA, but sample is taken only 129 to be studied (use formula to calculate), (2) Research instrument: Questionnaire or interview, (3) Research measurement: Theories & concepts, related research results, Related research document, (4). Pilot study: Trying out to test the reliability of the questionnaire of interview (Always with similar work place & only 30 respondents), (5). Data collection: Distribute the questionnaire to the respondents, (6). Data analysis: Use computer program if quantitative, but discussion if qualitative, and (7). Interpretation: For example, questionnaire is rank with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, what 1, 2, 3.. means …agree, disagree, strongly agree or…..

(E). A good thesis is related to a good result of Data analysis: It is from computer program or discussion and summarization if qualitative research.

(F). A good thesis is related to a good conclusion, discussion & recommendation. All are from summarization of C, E, & E.  

                                              Sam Aun (Andy)

    

The Difference between Independent Study (IS), & Thesis, and Thesis & Dissertation

Almost all the students always confuse between Independent Study and Thesis or Thesis and Dissertation when they are required to write by their advisors to fulfill their study. In relation to the difference of each factor, the following ideas can be suggested:

(1). Differences between independent study and thesis: This is a type of writing that is suggested by the advisors for master students, and the form of writing is quite similar to thesis. Even though it has the same format, there is a little bit difference between the two, and that is:

(a). Thesis covers many areas than Independent study.

(b). Thesis is required to find more evidence than than Independent Study.

(c). Thesis is more scientific than Independent Study.

(d). Thesis takes longer time than Independent Study.

(e). Thesis needs more money than Independent Study.

(f). Thesis can be used as a guide for Phd degree.

            (2). Differences between Thesis and Dissertation: Many scholars give different definitions about the meaning of Thesis, and those are:

            (a). Webster (1950, p. 753) defined dissertation as (1) discourse, debate, & discussion, (2) an extended treatment of a subject, especially in writing, a disquisition, an essay, thesis, & treatise. He also added that thesis as a dissertation embodying results of original research (p. 2624)

            (b). Davidson (1977, p. 12) defined dissertation as a spoken or written treatment of a subject in which the subject is discussed at length, a written essay, treatise, thesis, especially on written for the degree of doctor of philosophy. As thesis definition reveals, there is no clear distinction between the term thesis and dissertation. In fact, a thesis is dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original research, as one presented for a diploma or degree, especially a master’s degree.

            (c). In universities in United States, the term thesis refers to the work done for a master’s degree and dissertation for doctoral degree. This distinction is not universally accepted. For example, Harvard University and University of Washington refer to thesis as dissertation.     

                                                                        Sam Aun (Andy)

The Difference between Independent Study (IS), & Thesis, and Thesis & Dissertation

Almost all the students always confuse between Independent Study and Thesis or Thesis and Dissertation when they are required to write by their advisors to fulfill their study. In relation to the difference of each factor, the following ideas can be suggested:

(1). Differences between independent study and thesis: This is a type of writing that is suggested by the advisors for master students, and the form of writing is quite similar to thesis. Even though it has the same format, there is a little bit difference between the two, and that is:

(a). Thesis covers many areas than Independent study.

(b). Thesis is required to find more evidence than than Independent Study.

(c). Thesis is more scientific than Independent Study.

(d). Thesis takes longer time than Independent Study.

(e). Thesis needs more money than Independent Study.

(f). Thesis can be used as a guide for Phd degree.

            (2). Differences between Thesis and Dissertation: Many scholars give different definitions about the meaning of Thesis, and those are:

            (a). Webster (1950, p. 753) defined dissertation as (1) discourse, debate, & discussion, (2) an extended treatment of a subject, especially in writing, a disquisition, an essay, thesis, & treatise. He also added that thesis as a dissertation embodying results of original research (p. 2624)

            (b). Davidson (1977, p. 12) defined dissertation as a spoken or written treatment of a subject in which the subject is discussed at length, a written essay, treatise, thesis, especially on written for the degree of doctor of philosophy. As thesis definition reveals, there is no clear distinction between the term thesis and dissertation. In fact, a thesis is dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original research, as one presented for a diploma or degree, especially a master’s degree.

            (c). In universities in United States, the term thesis refers to the work done for a master’s degree and dissertation for doctoral degree. This distinction is not universally accepted. For example, Harvard University and University of Washington refer to thesis as dissertation.     

                                                                        Sam Aun (Andy)

How to Be a Good Teacher

Every teacher tries his or her best to teach his/her major skills to students, and then they strongly hope that the students will altogether understand, and be able to put into practice. At the end, they expected that they will be judged to be good and dedicated teachers by the students. In concern with becoming a good teacher, some ideas have been suggested as following “TEACHERS”:

(1) It is about “Teaching”. In order to be a good teacher, he/she is mainly required to strongly perform their role as teachers, and that is teaching. Teachers do not only prepare the lesson plans for teaching but also being punctual, well-organized, disciplinary, and flexible. During teaching, they are required to perform different roles such as teachers, controllers, observers, leaders, managers, facilitators or problem pointers.   

(2) It is about “Ethics”. A good teacher is required to have suitable behavior, attitude, manner, and character for working and communicating. Teachers are highly judged, dignified, reputed by all the people in the society, and they will be observed by those when they walk outside. Using appropriate words of mouth, and having polite character, teachers will be strongly valued and respected.

(3) It is about “Academics”. This is very important for them to be good teachers, and it will affect their reputation if they they do not try to sharpen it. Academics mean teachers’ knowledge and skills in their majors. They have to improve their knowledge to come up with the modern technology and movement of society. Knowledge has never ended or been stable but the people have.

(4) It is about “Cultural”. Cultural means the ways of thinking of every teacher towards students. Good teachers should consider that those students could be their relatives, children, or sons and daughters-in-law in the future that is they have to treat those students fairly, valuably, and correctly. Even though they become kings during teaching sessions, they have to forever put into deep consideration that those are their kids, and they have to love them.

(5) It is about “Human”. Teachers are human-being, and good teachers are required have feelings of human.  Punishment, jealousy, rancor, and ridicule toward students have to be avoided by the teachers. Positive thoughts should be rooted in every teacher, and this is required to have daily been practiced by the teachers themselves. Human is fulfilled with good emotions and deeds; these should be unearthed by the teachers.        

(6) It is about “Evaluation”. To be a good teacher, he/she has to put much effort on evaluation of students learning. The result of this assessment can be the guideline or indicator for the teachers to make improvements or to change both strategies and tactics in teaching. A good teacher is required to conduct the evaluation, and it could be daily, monthly, terming or yearly evaluation so as to be convenient to follow up the students’ progress in learning. 

(7) It is about “Research”. A good teacher has to conduct the research and development in order to build up his or her capacity in teaching especially what is related to his or her own major. Research plays very important role in the modern society, and without doing the research, it will be nothing. Nothing is improved, created, or changed. The rule of thumb has to be forgotten, and new capacities should be enhanced by the teachers.

(8) It is about “Service”. To be a good teacher is to have a good service. Service means communication between teachers and students or communities. Teachers and students have to work together during learning and teaching, or they can not achieve their purposes. It is like two sides of the same coin. One part is teacher, and another is student.   

                                              Sam Aun (Andy)

How to be a Good Learner

Almost all the learners come up with the same question, and that is “how to be a good learner. Some said that in order to be a good learner, it is required to learn hard whereas the others said so as to be a good learner, it depends on the learner him/herself. However, the following ideas should be taken into consideration as a head way for laying a bridge to be a good learner, and these are included “LEARNER”:

(1) A good learner is to know how to look. Look means trying to observe the teachers while they are teaching or lecturing. All the learners have to learn how to look or observe the teachers in order to get to know and understand what they are teaching or talking about. Not all the words from teachers are useful, but some really do that is why we have to learn how to look.

(2) A good learner is to know how to ease away. Ease away means doing something step by step. As one saying said “Open window slowly”, and this will help us to achieve our own purposes. Relatively, in order to be a good learner, be kept in mind that “cut your coat according to your cloth”. It is like the way of pumping the air into the flattened ball, too much air the ball will blow off, but too little air the ball will not work. Be sure that you know your own strength, where to go, what to do and how to achieve it.

(3) A good learner is to know how to ask. Learning without positive asking means nothing. Knowing how to ask means that you know what you should ask, and the answers have to be beneficial for your own learning. You may also hear that “A positive problem maker will become a positive problem shooter”, and you do if you want to a good learner. Asking what is beneficial will help you move forward.

(4) A good learner is to know how to read. In order to be a good learner is not an easy job, and it takes a long time and way to go. All the learners have to read whatever books they think that they are useful for them. They are also required to set their own timetables for reading the books and then make this reading into a habit. Taking 15 minutes to read the books every day means you save a hundred dollar for your present and future benefits. You can start to read a story book and then to management or leadership if you think that you are familiar with it. 

(5) A good learner is to know how to note. Note is really necessary for all the learners because no one can forever remember. Taking note for what is helpful from both formal and informal learning, for you will need this one day. Daily practice of taking note what is important does not only assist you to remember, but it will become an archrival for the next generation too.

(6) A good learner is to know how to evaluate. Evaluate means doing the evaluation of his/her studying and learning. Doing the evaluation will help you to know what you are good or bad at, and how to make changes to improve them. The learners themselves have to conduct this evaluation, and then start to find out their own sore spots. Knowing their own weak points, and killing them on time, they will surely become good learners.        

(7) A good learner is to know how to research. It is absolutely compulsory for all the learners to conduct the research. Research will pave the path for them to keep track with the modern world, and fight against the changes in the society. According to Edward Deming, he said that “If the rate of learning is not greater than the rate of changing you gonna fall behind”. You can research on what you are really interested in and then show them up to the world, and you will positively be a good learner.  

                                                                                                          Sam Aun (Andy)