2.3 The learning cycle

Our capacity to learn can be improved by:

• analysing how we do things
• being willing to try new things
• recognising what works best for us.

Rather than rushing into study tasks without pausing, it can be useful to devise a strategy that gives you time and space to reflect on what you are doing as you engage in different activities. This can involve:

• stopping to think about what you are learning
• developing an awareness of your feelings and responses as you study
• recognising the choices that you face (such as how to take notes, what evidence you need to collect)
• questioning your assumptions and preconceptions
• reflecting on your progress towards your own study goals.

Figure 1 The learning cycle.

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The learning cycle begins with experiencing: a pragmatist likes to have a go, and tries things to see if they work. It continues with reviewing: an activist prefers doing and experiencing. The next stage is concluding: a reflector observes and reflects. Then comes planning: a theorist wants to understand the underlying reasons, concepts and relationships.

Figure 1 The learning cycle.