Kolb’s Learning Style Theory
Unlike VARK sensory approach to learning styles, Kolb’s Learning Styles Theory is centered around how individuals process information. It features four main steps in the process including: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation.
These phrases can be broken down into simpler terms: feeling, watching, thinking and doing. These processes can then be used to determine how an individual identifies their learning style. The idea is that a learner pairs two of these terms together.
Determine your Style
There are four different learning styles according to Kolb’s theory:
– Assimilating (watching & thinking): “The assimilating learning preference involves a concise, logical approach. Ideas and concepts are more important than people.” (McLeod).
– Converging (doing & thinking): “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.” (McLeod)
– Diverging (feeling & watching): “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 from several different viewpoints.” (McLeod)
– Accommodating (doing and feeling): “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.” (McLeod)
REVIEW this diagram of Kolb’s Learning Styles Theory
READ McLeod’s article to learn more about Kolb’s theory & effective learning using his model
“Kolb’s Learning Styles and Experiential Learning Cycle” by Sarah McLeod from Simply Psychology
Are Learning Styles Discipline Specific?
In a 2003 study, researchers examined the connection between student learning styles and their approach to study/learning while taking various courses. Using the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, they looked at a group of community college students and found “significant differences in students’ learning style preferences across disciplines” (362).
The results of this study indicate that most community college students’ learning style preferences varied significantly across four different subject-area disciplines: English, math, science, and social studies. Eighty-three (81%) of the 103 participants switched learning style modes for two or more disciplines. These findings suggest that learning styles are subject area sensitive, that a majority of the students perceive different disciplines require different learning strategies, and that they are able to adapt or style-flex to meet the requirements of the learning task. This finding is consistent with previous research confirming that students do have the ability to style flex from their preferred learning styles to meet the learning strategy requirements of other learning situations (Cornett, 1983; Entwistle, 1981; Kolb, 1984; Ornstein, 1977). [Emphasis added]
While questions remain about to what degree the way we learn is innate, studies such as this one point to the fact students are able to use a variety of approaches to processing information. As noted earlier in this section about learning styles, tutors and instructors should be conscious about trying different approaches to helping students. We all benefit from this practice.
To read the entire article about students’ learning styles and discipline-specific study, click here: Are Learning Styles Discipline Specific?
Questions to Think About:
What type of learner are you according to Kolb’s theory and how does your learning style correspond with your personality? Are you more reserved and quiet? A thinker? A doer? Impulsive?
How might student’s behavior in a session reflect their learning style?
