David Kolb studied learning and noticed that everyone in a learning situation goes through a cycle of four phases. However, Kolb also noticed that each individual generally preferred two phases of this cycle.
The cycle of learning phases.
- Having a concrete experience about an action/idea. (I am painting a kitchen wall.)
- Observing it in a reflective, thoughtful way. (How does it look? Do I like it?)
- Thinking about it in an abstract, theoretical way. (Could I have used a better method - paint brush vs. roller?)
- Experimenting with the idea/action based on the original experience. (I try a different method.)
Where do you fit? Kolb gave names to different types of learners, based on their favourite phases in the learning cycle.
- Diverger:
Prefers phases: (1) having a concrete experience; and (2) reflecting on that experience. Divergers are imaginative and interested in people and emotions.
- Assimilator:
Prefers phases: (2) reflecting on an experience; and (3) thinking about the experience in an abstract, theoretical way. Assimilators like to create theoretical models and tend to be less interested in people and practical applications of knowledge.
- Converger:
Prefers phases: (3) thinking about the experience in an abstract, theoretical way; and (4) experimenting with the idea/action. Convergers like to be practical and tend to be unemotional and prefer to deal with things rather than people.
- Accommodator:
Prefers phases: (1) having a concrete experience; and (4) experimenting with the idea/action based on that experience. Accommodators are good in adapting to new experiences and tend to be intuitive at solving problems.
Develop your learning strategies.
Now that you have identified yourself according to your preferred phases, find out about learning strategies that can help you learn more effectively.
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