EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING STYLES MODEL
Prof David Kolb's ( a pioneer thought leader in learning theory)
sets out four distinct learning styles (or preferences), which are
based on a four-stage learning cycle. (which might also be interpreted as
a 'training cycle'). In this respect Kolb's model is particularly elegant,
since it offers both a way to understand individual people's different
learning styles, and also an explanation of a cycle of experiential
learning that applies to us all.
Kolb includes this 'cycle of learning' as a central principle his
experiential learning theory, typically expressed as four-stage cycle of
learning, in which 'immediate or concrete experiences' provide a
basis for 'observations and reflections'. These 'observations and
reflections' are assimilated and distilled into 'abstract
concepts' producing new implications for action which can
be 'actively tested' in turn creating new experiences.
Kolb says that ideally (and by inference not always) this process
represents a learning cycle or spiral where the learner 'touches all the
bases', ie., a cycle of experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting.
Immediate or concrete experiences lead to observations and reflections. These
reflections are then assimilated (absorbed and translated) into abstract
concepts with implications for action, which the person can actively test and
experiment with, which in turn enable the creation of new experiences.
Kolb's model therefore works on two levels - a four-stage
cycle:
- Concrete
Experience - (CE)
- Reflective
Observation - (RO)
- Abstract
Conceptualization - (AC)
- Active
Experimentation - (AE)
and a four-type definition of learning styles, (each
representing the combination of two preferred styles, rather like a two-by-two
matrix of the four-stage cycle styles, as illustrated below), for which Kolb
used the terms:
- Diverging
(CE/RO)
- Assimilating
(AC/RO)
- Converging
(AC/AE)
- Accommodating
(CE/AE)
KOLB LEARNING STYLES
DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS
Knowing a person's (and your own) learning style enables learning
to be orientated according to the preferred method. That said, everyone
responds to and needs the stimulus of all types of learning styles to one
extent or another - it's a matter of using emphasis that fits best with the
given situation and a person's learning style preferences.
Here are brief descriptions of the four Kolb learning styles:
· Diverging
(feeling and watching - CE/RO) - These people are able to look at things
from different perspectives. They are sensitive. They prefer to watch rather
than do, tending to gather information and use imagination to solve problems.
They are best at viewing concrete situations several different viewpoints. Kolb
called this style 'Diverging' because these people perform better in situations
that require ideas-generation, for example, brainstorming. People with a
Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and like to gather
information. They are interested in people, tend to be imaginative and
emotional, and tend to be strong in the arts. People with the Diverging style
prefer to work in groups, to listen with an open mind and to receive personal
feedback.
· Assimilating
(watching and thinking - AC/RO) - The Assimilating learning preference is
for a concise, logical approach. Ideas and concepts are more important than
people. These people require good clear explanation rather than practical
opportunity. They excel at understanding wide-ranging information and
organising it a clear logical format. People with an Assimilating learning style
are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and abstract concepts.
People with this style are more attracted to logically sound theories than
approaches based on practical value. These learning style people is important
for effectiveness in information and science careers. In formal learning
situations, people with this style prefer readings, lectures, exploring
analytical models, and having time to think things through.
· Converging (doing
and thinking - AC/AE) - 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. People with a Converging learning style are best at
finding practical uses for ideas and theories. They can solve problems and make
decisions by finding solutions to questions and problems. People with a
Converging learning style are more attracted to technical tasks and problems
than social or interpersonal issues. A Converging learning style enables
specialist and technology abilities. People with a Converging style like to
experiment with new ideas, to simulate, and to work with practical
applications.
· Accommodating
(doing and feeling - CE/AE) - The Accommodating learning style is
'hands-on', and relies on intuition rather than logic. These people use other
people's analysis, and prefer to take a practical, experiential approach. They
are attracted to new challenges and experiences, and to carrying out plans.
They commonly act on 'gut' instinct rather than logical analysis. People with
an Accommodating learning style will tend to rely on others for information
than carry out their own analysis. This learning style is prevalent and useful
in roles requiring action and initiative. People with an Accommodating learning
style prefer to work in teams to complete tasks. They set targets and actively
work in the field trying different ways to achieve an objective.
As with any behavioural model, this is a guide not a strict set of
rules.
Nevertheless most people clearly exhibit clear strong preferences
for a given learning style. The ability to use or 'switch between' different
styles is not one that we should assume comes easily or naturally to many
people.
Simply, people who have a clear learning style preference, for
whatever reason, will tend to learn more effectively if learning is orientated
according to their preference.
For instance - people who prefer the 'Assimilating' learning style
will not be comfortable being thrown in at the deep end without notes and
instructions.
People who like prefer to use an 'Accommodating' learning style
are likely to become frustrated if they are forced to read lots of instructions
and rules, and are unable to get hands on experience as soon as possible.
This theory is as practical
as it is deep... every manager aspiring to be a trainer or coach should
understand first how these styles have influenced his learning in the
last few years to make him what he is ... and they use these styles to
help people learn and become what they ought to be ...ie work at their full
potential
With best compliments
Dr Wilfred Monteiro
Mumbai- India
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