Learning Styles

David Kolb’s Learning Styles By Elizabeth Hartig and Corinne Kuclo

Theorist

David Kolb, PhD ●

Ph.D., Social Psychology with concentration in Personality Research, Harvard University

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Professor of Organizational Psychology and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

David Kolb, PhD ●

Emeritus Professor of Organizational Behavior, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University

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Chairman of Experience Based Learning Systems (EBLS)

Kolb’s Publications

Theory

Active Experimentation

Concrete Experience

Experiential Learning Theory

Abstract Conceptualization

Reflective Observation

Learning Styles Assimilators Converges Accommodators Divergers

Divergers Concrete and Reflective

Active Experimentation

Concrete Experience

Feel and Watch Experiential Learning Theory

Like brainstorming new ideas and approaches to problems More interested in the people the problem might be affecting

Abstract Conceptualization

Divergers

Reflective Observation

Assimilators Abstract and Reflective

Active Experimentation

Concrete Experience

Think and Watch Experiential Learning Theory

Detail Oriented Create new ideas and think big picture Abstract Conceptualization

Reflective Observation

Assimilators

Converges Abstract and Active

Active Experimentation

Concrete Experience

Think and Do Problem solves and decision makers

Converges

More interested in the problem than the people affected by the problem Abstract Conceptualization

Experiential Learning Theory

Reflective Observation

Accommodators Active and Concrete

Accommodators Active Experimentation

Concrete Experience

Feel and Do Experiential Learning Theory

Adaptable and act intuitively Work by trial and error Abstract Conceptualization

Reflective Observation

What is your learning style?

Quick Assessment

Take a few minutes to fill out your handout and assess your learning style.

Quick Assessment

What is your learning style? Read on the back of the handout about your learning style.

Questions? How can you incorporate the Learning Style theory into your own studies? How can you use the Learning Style theory to help the students you serve?

References

References About. (n.d.). Experience Based Learning, Inc. Retrieved from https://learningfromexperience.com/about/ Kolb, D. A. (1976). The Learning Style Inventory: Technical Manual. McBer & Co, Boston, MA. Kolb, D. A. (1981). Learning styles and disciplinary differences. The modern American college, 232-255. Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (Vol. 1). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.