1. EDU4UL: Understanding Learning (Group E)
Assessment One: How I learn Best
Date: 15 March 2010
For this task, in order to comment on how I learn best, I have decided to look at and
comment on my second language acquisition. I will assess learning tasks in relation to VARK
learning theory, and the learning style models of Honey and Mumford and Kolb. I will also mention
how lhis is related to Anderson and Krathwohl’s taxonomy of learning.
To start, I am a visual learner. According to the VARK model, I would be a V learner, as I
learn best by seeing and memorising (Fleming 2010). However, based on Anderson and
Krathwohl’s taxonomy of learning, this is relevant for basic information recall tasks only (Killen 90).
Applied to language learning, this type of learning would have been helpful for simple learning
tasks such as memorisation of verb conjugations or new vocabulary. However, language learning
requires more than just remembering. In order to move up in the hierarchy to understanding, I
would read my notes and make new study notes.(Kllen 90) Therefore, I am a Reading/Writing (R)
learner for tasks that require more complex understanding (Fleming 2010). However, this method
of analysis is not helpful with regard to the higher learning elements, what Anderson and Krathwohl
refer to as analysis, evaluation and creation.
Honey and Mumford’s model deals more with higher order learning. The theorist typology
applies, as I am always asking questions, analysing, and I like structured theories. I am only
comfortable with subjective, application, once I have completely analysed the theory (LMS 2010).
My favourite French assignment involved choosing an interesting word and making a web of
semantically and morphemically similar words. These words were defined and their usage and
relationship to one and other was to be explained in a presentation. The problem with the theorist
typology is that concrete, black and white heory, only exists in the classroom. This brought me to
question how I learn outside of a formal schooling.
For both my exchanges in Quebec and France, I was learning outside of a school and was
not exposed to theory. In a non-institutional setting, Kolb’s basic experiential learning model
applies (Smith 2001). For example, I was exposed to new phrases or words, which would serve as
a new learning experience. Then, I would hypothesise a new linguistic rule based on the context. I
would observe and reflect to prove or disprove my rule.. If my hypothesis were proved, then it
would be generalised into a new rule, which I would use in my new linguistic productions.
Therefore, I would analyse and,evaluate experiences to create new rules to guide linguistic
creation (Killen 90).

2. EDU4UL: Understanding Learning (Group E)
Assessment One: How I learn Best
Date: 15 March 2010
Therefore, analysis shows that universal categorisation based on one learning style is
erroneous, as there is variation within an individual, which can change depending on the purpose,
material or type of learning and the environment within which it occurs. Simpler learning tasks will
entail different learning behaviour and strategies than higher learning tasks. The learning
environment, being formal or informal, will also dictate which learning models apply. Different
learners may also have different learning styles in the same environment with the same material.
The inference is that there is and must be variation in teaching style according variation in learning
style.
References
Atherton, J S. (2009) Learning and Teaching; Experiential Learning. Retrieved March 06, 2010,
from, Web site: http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/experience.htm
Fleming, Neil. (2010). The VARK Questionnaire. Retrieved March 06, 2010, from, Web site:
http://www.vark-learn.com/english/results.asp
Killen, R. (2009). Effective Teaching Strategies: lessons from research and
practice (5th ed.) Melbourne: Cengage 90 -91
Learning Styles and Theories: Kolb’s Theories. (2010). Retrieved March 06,
2010, from La Trobe University, Learning Management System –
Department of Education Web site,
http://webct.latrobe.edu.au/webct/urw/lc9140001.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct
Learning Styles and Theories: Honey and Mumford’s Learning Styles. (2010).
Retrieved March 06, 2010, from La Trobe University, Learning
Management System – Department of Education Web site,
http://webct.latrobe.edu.au/webct/urw/lc9140001.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct
Learning Styles and Theories: Other ways of Looking at Learning Styles - VARK. (2010).
Retrieved March 06, 2010, from La Trobe University, Learning
Management System – Department of Education Web site,
http://webct.latrobe.edu.au/webct/urw/lc9140001.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct
Smith, M. K. (2001). David A. Kolb on experiential learning,
Retrieved March 06, 2010, the encyclopedia of informal education, Web site,
http://www.infed.org/b-explrn.htm.