SWOT Analysis Of My Learning Strengths And Weaknesses

I created my own SWOT analysis to identify my own strengths and weaknesses. This is based on my current job role and the job role I am studying for. I found Kolb’s experiment learning theory and Honey and Mumford’s learning styles to be the most interesting, so I am going to use these for my evaluation. Kolb created his theory of learning in 1975. Kolb said about his learning theory “Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it. ” (Van Vliet, 2018) Kolb’s theory suggests that learning is a cycle that never stops and created 4 specific stages of learning. Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualisation and Active Experimentation.

One all these stages have been completed, you have completed a new learning experience. Then the cycle continues. Once I’d read up on this theory I realised that I have applied this theory to my own learning multiple times. For example, in work part of my job is to pitch our company to potential clients. Each client is different so each presentation is different. Before I approach a company with my presentation I show my colleagues so I can get their input, thoughts and any improvements to be made. Once we’ve discussed the presentation, I make changes based on my colleagues advice on what could be improved. One improvement I made was to use less block text so the presentation wouldn’t become tedious. Now, whenever I create a new presentation, I ensure that block text is minimal and automatically use any other improvements I have learnt through previous experiences. A lot of theories have been developed based on Kolb’s theory. One of the most well-known is Honey and Mumford’s learning styles, published in 1972.

This suggests that there are 4 styles of learning, each based on one of Kolb’s cycle of learning. From concreate experience Honey & Mumford created Activist. From Reflective Observation, Reflector. From Abstract Conceptualisation, Theorist. And from Active Experimentation, Pragmatist. In school, we were given tests to determine our own learning style as it is thought that knowing your preferred learning style will enhance your learning experience making you a more effective learner. My preferred learning style is Reflector. Meaning that I learn most when I observe and think about a situation. I would agree with this is some of my learning strengths and weaknesses from my SWOT correlate with being a reflective learner. Such as thoroughly researching my projects. This however is a weakness as well, as it may leave me with less time to actually complete a project. From doing this project, I have gained valuable insight into how I study best and what I need to improve on for my studies. I need to make a conscious effort to be more of an active learner, so that I am not just making deadlines and leave myself with plenty of time to write up my papers.