Theorists:

Theorists adapt and integrate observations into complex and logically sound theories. They think problems through in a step by step way. They tend to be perfectionists who like to fit things into a rational scheme. They tend to be detached and analytical rather than subjective or emotive in their thinking.

Theorists learn best when: 

• they are put in complex situations where they have to use their skills and knowledge 
• they are in structured situations with clear purpose 
• they are offered interesting ideas or concepts even though they are not immediately relevant 
• they have the chance to question and probe ideas behind things 

Theorists learn less when: 

• they have to participate in situations which emphasise emotion and feelings 
• the activity is unstructured or briefing is poor 
• they have to do things without knowing the principles or concepts involved 
• they feel they're out of tune with the other participants e.g. with people of very different learning styles

back

Most of us has elements of more than one learning style.Think about your strongest style and your weakest style to identify how you learn. 

This excerpt has been taken from the Honey and Mumford Learning Styles Questionnaire. A full online version of this questionnaire is available from  www.peterhoney.com on a pay-as-you-go basis for £10. Your results include a full report with suggestions about how to become a more effective learner.