Personal Development and Careers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Personal Development and Careers - Essay Example The process of learning leads to acquiring of knowledge. Learning is commonly defined as the process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing, or making changes in one's knowledge, skills, values, and world views (Illeris, 2000; Ormorod, 1995)’.Learning process focuses on what happens when the learning takes place. There are various Learning Theories which explore the process of learning. A learning theory is attempts to describe how people and animals learn; thereby helping us understand the inherently complex process of learning. Thus, through this process permanent change in the behavior and pattern is observed. The change, which comes through learning, is permanent in the sense that it improves one’s performance in his/her field. Learning theories have two main functions. According to the definition by Hill (2002). â€Å"One is providing us with vocabulary and a conceptual framework for interpr eting the examples of learning that we observe. The other is suggesting where to look for solutions to practical problems. The theories do not give us solutions, but they do direct our attention to those variables that are crucial in finding solutions.† David Kolb’s, a pioneer in the field of learning, developed a model, which he published in the year 1984.Through this model was originated the Kolb’s Experimental Learning Theory. This theory establishes four stage-learning styles which can also be called the Training Cycle. In this four-stage cycle of learning, â€Å"immediate or concrete experiences provide a basis for observations and reflections. These observations and reflections are assimilated and distilled into abstract concepts producing new implications for action that can be actively tested in turn creating new experiences†. Through the entire cycle of learning, the learner touches the basis, that is, a cycle of experiencing, reflecting, thinking , and acting. Immediate and concrete experiences lead to observations and reflections, these reflections are then absorbed or assimilated as abstract concepts which in turn help in creation of new processes. Thus, Kolb’s categorizes learners into four types according to his definition. Convergers, Diverger, Assimilator and Accommodator. A learning process must accomplish all these four responses. Convergers are characterized by abstract conceptualization and active experimentation; they are good at practical application of ideas and proficient at deductive reasoning. Divergers are reflective in observation and they are imaginative. They have concrete ideas. Assimilators are capable of crafting theoretical models by means of inductive reasoning and Accommodators are good at actively engaging with the world. Kolb’s learning style methods are acknowledged by the academicians, teachers, managers and trainers. This model has helped people in learning and understanding human behaviour. Another model of learning is Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory Model that offers simple and accessible methods to understand and explain people preferred ways to learn and develop. It is a classic model to understand and teach many aspects of human behaviour and intelligence, learning style and personality. It is also a widely accepted model in the field of academics and industry though developed initially for psychology. In simple terms this theory is based on cognitive perspective. Gardner discovered seven