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David Kolb (1981)
posts that four main processes are used in learning:
- Concrete experience:
learning through direct involvement in a new experience
- Reflective
observation:
learning through watching others or through thinking about our own experiences
or those of others
- Abstract
conceptualization:
learning by creating concepts and theories to describe and explain our
observations
- Active
experimentation:
learning by using the theories and concepts we have derived to solve problems
and make decisions
Kolb’s Four
Learning Styles
Convergers
rely most on abstract conceptualizing and active experimenting.
- They like to find specific,
concrete answers and move quickly to solution.
- They are relatively unemotional
and prefer dealing with things rather than with people.
- Convergers often specialize in
the physical sciences or engineering. They prefer learning tasks that have
specific answers.
Assimilators
rely most on abstract
conceptualizing and reflective observation.
- They like to integrate ideas
and are more interested in theoretical concerns than in applications.
- Assimilators tend to gravitate
toward math and the physical sciences and like research and planning.
- They prefer learning tasks that
call for them to integrate material.
Divergers
rely on concrete experience and reflective observation.
- They like to generate many
ideas and enjoy working with people.
- They often are attracted to
such fields as counseling and consulting.
- Divergers enjoy class
discussion and working in groups.
Accommodators
rely on concrete experience and active experimentation.
- They take risks, are action
oriented, like new experiences, and are very adaptable in new situations.
- They prefer a hands-on approach
and often are attracted to technical or business fields, such as marketing and
sales.
Learning Modalities
Focused on the extent to which
sensory receptors influence learning. Four different types of learners:
- Auditory
learners prefer to
learn by listening. Lecturing is the teaching approach that works best for
them.
- Visual
learners prefer print material. They learn best by reading or responding to
visual cues, such as the chalkboard or overhead transparencies.
- Tactile
learners like to manipulate objects. They prefer laboratory or hands-on
methods of learning.
- Kinesthetic,
or whole body learners, like to learn through experiential activities. They
prefer simulations, exploratory activities, and problem-solving.
As with all of the literature on
learning styles, however, the emphasis with sensory modality preferences is not
on trying only to match learning and teaching styles, but on extending the
strengths of learners and expanding their range of modalities.
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