Individual Learning Styles and the effect they have on the design of Intelligent Learning/Tutoring Systems (ILS/ITS)

Introduction

Although a great deal of research has been undertaken on the subject of "Learning Styles" there are as many individual styles of learning as there are learners. When observing the learning process common factors are evident but the ingenuity of the human mind is such that once individual patterns of learning have been established they can quickly and easily be manipulated and adapted.

Research undertaken by Peter Honey and Alan Mumford (1992) found that although learners had certain preferences and preferred learning "styles" they had no idea of what their learning style was or how they came by it.

By adapting David Kolbs (1984) learning styles inventory Honey and Mumford were able to identify four main learning styles:

• Activist: get in and have a go
• Reflector: stand back and observe/analytical
• Theorist: systematic/structured programme
• Pragmatist: practical application of ideas/common sense

For the designers of ILS/ITS this knowledge can be an invaluable developmental tool.