Scores and What They Indicate
There are no right or wrong answers, and there are no points for items you left blank, so please go back and answer every question.
If in doubt, take your best guess. A single answer that could go either way will not affect how our advice to you will proceed.
There are 4 different types of learners: Activist, Reflector, Theorist and Pragmatist. None are better or worse than the others, they are just ways of learning, and we are all different in our approach.
The scores will add-up automatically, and the score level will guide you to the type of learner that you are. A high score is no better or worse than a low score.
ACTIVISTS want practical tasks and very little theory.
They learn best from activities where:
New experiences are emphasised;
The focus is on the present and on doing such activities as games, problem solving, simulations;
There is a lot of action and excitement;
They can lead and be in the limelight;
Ideas are generated without any concern about practical constraints;
They have to respond to a challenge and take risks;
The central focus is on team problem-solving.
REFLECTORS want lots of breaks to go off and read and discuss.
They learn best from activities where:
There are opportunities to observe and consider.
There is a strong element of passive involvement such as listening to a speaker or watching a video.
There is time to think before having to act or contribute.
There is opportunity for research and problems can be probed in some depth.
They can review what was happening.
They are asked to produce reports that carefully analyse a situation or issue.
There is interaction with others without any risks of strong feelings coming to the fore.
They can finalise a view without being put under pressure.
THEORISTS want handouts, something to take away and study.
They learn best from activities where:
The learning forms a part of a conceptual whole, such as a model for a theory.
There is time to explore the interrelationship amongst elements;
They can explore the theory and methodology underlying the subject under investigation.
They are intellectually stretched.
There is a clear and obvious purpose to the activities.
There is a reliance on rationality and logic.
They can analyse situations and then generalise their findings.
They are asked to understand complex situations.
PRAGMATISTS want shortcuts and tips.
They learn best from activities where:
There is a clear link back to some job-related problem.
Material is directed towards techniques that make their work easier.
They are able to practice what they have learned.
They can relate to a successful role model;
There are many opportunities to implement what has been learned.
The relevance is obvious, and the learning is easily transferred to their jobs;
What is done is practical such as drawing up action plans or trialling techniques or procedures.