Analysts – stressors and facilitators
Although Honey and Mumford always advocated that individuals are best equipped to learn from a variety of different experiences if they have more or less equal preferences for all four learning styles, the fact remains that people do favour one or two of these styles above the others.
When it comes to the Analyst Learning Style, the name is a giveaway. Analysts derive comfort and security from data, information, facts. Their ideal way of learning involves organizing and studying data, adopting a structured, methodical approach. They need time – deadlines can be important stressors – and a calm, relaxed surrounding to prepare and think carefully before taking action.
In an ESL classroom, they will be the ones who tend to sit and observe others, letting everyone speak before they venture an opinion or an idea. When they are given an assignment, their impulse is to consider examples, previous instances, the experience of others, in an attempt to collect data that will assist them in making a decision. They tend to be logical, rational and meticulous in their approach to activities and tasks.
As trainers, we need to understand how best to use the positive aspects of this learning style, while at the same time, being aware of possible stressors and obstacles to learning.
Analysts (Reflectors) learn best when:
- they are able to stand back and observe first;
- they are given time to think and investigate before committing or acting;
- they have the chance to review what has happened and take in information from various sources;
- they work in pairs (interviews, for instance) and get feedback from others;
- they can do tasks in your own time, without strict deadlines.
Analysts (Reflectors) learn least when:
- they are made to step into the limelight and take the lead in the group;
- they have to brainstorm ideas and improvise responses to situations (role-playing exercises, for example);
- they have to work in large groups;
- they are required to do things without previous planning and to leap into situations;
- they are not given clear instructions and detailed information;
- they have to work under time pressure.
Analysts need to learn control their anxiety and take more calculated risks, experimenting with possibilities without fear of failure. This will enable them to develop their creative, intuitive side and think outside the box. Since they need to consider all angles and implications, analysts can find it hard to come to a decision and this may lead to missed opportunities; so, learning to become less dependent on facts and data will help them accept uncertainty (an important skills in present times) and take chances. When properly balanced, their care and caution can actually assist the trainer with more impetuous, impulsive learners.
By IC-English 
