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Convergent Learners

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Week 1: Learning Styles Exercise

Imagine that you have been given the task of planting a rose garden. You do not know anything about rose gardens, and so think about how you would go about learning how to do it. Specifically, what steps would you follow? Jot down some notes so you will remember what steps you would take.

In your discussion, share with the other members of your group what steps you identified that you would follow when learning to plant a rose garden. Do you see any similarities between the ways you and the others in your group would go about this task? Does the description of your learning type relate to the approach you would take in learning to plant a rose garden? What do you think is your greatest strength as a learner? What is your greatest weakness?

1) What is your opinion on the Learning Style Inventory and Brett's Answers to the Questions above?

BRETT'S ANSWERS:

Filling out the learning style inventory made it pretty clear I am a Converger, AC/AE. Although I had at least 1 point in each area, AC & AE were solidly ahead of the others. After reading the explanation of learning styles presented by McLeod it was obvious the inventory was accurate in my case. McLeod (2010) states "People with a converging learning style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues. They prefer technical tasks, and are less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects." I'm not sure planting a rose garden is the most technical task, but my converger style will still result in me doing as much research as possible to figure out the best approach. I'll try to predict as many obstacles as possible and have solutions before they arise.

Since I've never planted a rose garden and only purchased roses for my wife on special occasions (or when I've done something that needs mending), I would use the internet, friends and family and possibly Lowes to do my research. I would find out as much as possible about the requirements, such as location (a lot or little sunlight), type of soil, depth of soil, watering/feeding, pruning, etc. Once I collected all the information I thought I needed, I'd search out the best location for the garden. I'd then prepare the selected area using the preferred type and depth of soil. Once the soil is ready I'd purchase the type of rose best suited for my geographic location and plant the seeds as directed. Once planted I would feed/water as required and continue to research ways to grow the perfect rose garden. If successful, I wouldn't have to purchase roses anymore, I could harvest them from my own garden.

I expect many in the converger group to have very similar thoughts and processes to plant a rose garden, especially if they are like me and have no experience doing so.

My learning type is directly in line with the approach I would take to plant a rose garden. I would want to know as much as possible before beginning my project. The inventory revealed I like to work alone and that's exactly how I would attack this project, other than asking others for advice. Once I started the actual planting process, I would prefer to do so solo.

One of my greatest strengths, according to McLeod (2010) would be "asking probing questions when learning a new subject." I would say another is "wanting to know the right answers before trying something new." Once I set my mind to something, I'm going to complete it.

I feel my greatest weakness is my desire to work alone. I say that for a couple of reasons. First, it keeps others from learning and experiencing along side me. Maybe friends or family would enjoy this type of project as well. Also, it isolates me and shuts down communication with those around me. If I've learned anything at this point of pursuing my MBA it's communication is key.

Reference:
McLeod, S.A. (2010). Kolb - Learning Styles. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html.

2) What is your opinion on the Learning Style Inventory and Michelle's Answers to the Questions above?

Steps to the Rose Garden

1. Research
What types of roses are easiest to plant in my geographical area?
How much will the project cost?
Where should the roses be planted?
How deep do they need to be planted?
What supplies will I need?

2. Shop
What stores have the supplies I need?
How do the prices compare and how far is the travel?

3. Plan
How long with the project take? ( 3 hours, 3 days?)
How far away should the bulbs be planted?
What will I do if the project is a failure?

4. Do
Plant, Water, Maintain

Similarities in the Group
I expect to have some similar ideas of research and planning; however, since I feel like a true,strong converger I may be a little extreme in my process.

Steps of the Process
During my steps of creating a rose garden, I would primarily use the internet for information. I would also inquire with store employees that have expertise in gardening. These individuals generally know what works in the area, what is popular, and the inventory available.

Learning type
I definitely think that creating a rose garden would be bring out the converger in me. I prefer to plan and focus on the task rather than the relationship. I LOVE to try new projects and plan the process down to the details. I am known for working alone on a project and initiate major projects with little to no help. I get excited about the conceptualizing a process and experimenting with innovation (McLeod, 2013).

My greatest strength would be, that I am not afraid to initiate a large project with a complicated path. I agree that my learning type is best for "finding practical uses for ideas and problems" (McLeod, 2013, para. 22).

My greatest weakness, is that I tend to start projects without the complete buy-in from others involved. Because I tend to to be "attracted to technical tasks and problems" I miss some of the interpersonal issues (McLeod, 2013, para.21).

Reference
McLeod S. (2013). Kolb - learning styles. Retrieved September 4, 2014 from TUI website: http://www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html

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Filling out the learning style inventory made it pretty clear I am a Converger, AC/AE. Although I had at least 1 point in each area, AC & AE were solidly ahead of the others. After reading the explanation of learning styles presented by McLeod it was obvious the inventory was accurate in my case. McLeod (2010) states "People with a converging learning style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues. They prefer technical tasks, and are less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects." I'm not sure planting a rose garden is the most technical task, but my converger style will still result in me doing as much research as possible to figure out the best approach. I'll try to predict as many obstacles as possible and have solutions before they arise.
Since I've never planted a rose garden and only purchased roses for my wife on special occasions (or when I've done something that needs mending), I would use the internet, friends and family and possibly Lowes to do my research. I would find out as much as possible about the requirements, such as location (a lot or little sunlight), type of soil, depth of soil, watering/feeding, pruning, etc. Once I collected all the information I thought I needed, I'd search out the best location for the garden. I'd then prepare the selected area using the preferred type and depth of soil. Once the soil is ready I'd purchase the type of ...

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