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Understanding Kolb's Learning Styles

David Kolb developed an experiential learning theory that describes how experience leads to learning. His theory defines four learning styles - diverging, assimilating, converging, and accommodating - that are defined by how people perceive and process information. Kolb received his PhD in social psychology from Harvard University and was a professor at MIT and Case Western Reserve University. He developed learning style assessments and founded Experience Based Learning Systems to apply experiential learning concepts.

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135 views19 pages

Understanding Kolb's Learning Styles

David Kolb developed an experiential learning theory that describes how experience leads to learning. His theory defines four learning styles - diverging, assimilating, converging, and accommodating - that are defined by how people perceive and process information. Kolb received his PhD in social psychology from Harvard University and was a professor at MIT and Case Western Reserve University. He developed learning style assessments and founded Experience Based Learning Systems to apply experiential learning concepts.

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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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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

● 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

● Chairman of Experience Based


Learning Systems (EBLS)
Kolb’s Publications
Theory
Active Concrete Experience
Experimentation

Experiential
Learning Theory

Abstract Reflective Observation


Conceptualization
Learning Styles
Assimilators

Converges

Accommodators

Divergers
Divergers
Active Concrete
Concrete and Reflective Experimentation Experience

Feel and Watch


Experiential Divergers
Like brainstorming new ideas and approaches to
Learning
problems
Theory

More interested in the people the problem might


be affecting Abstract Reflective
Conceptualization Observation
Assimilators
Active Concrete
Abstract and Reflective Experimentation Experience

Think and Watch


Experiential
Detail Oriented
Learning
Theory
Create new ideas and think big picture

Abstract Reflective
Conceptualization Observation

Assimilators
Converges
Active Concrete
Abstract and Active Experimentation Experience

Think and Do

Problem solves and decision makers


Converges Experiential
Learning
Theory
More interested in the problem than the people
affected by the problem
Abstract Reflective
Conceptualization Observation
Accommodators Accommodators
Active Concrete
Active and Concrete Experimentation Experience

Feel and Do
Experiential
Adaptable and act intuitively
Learning
Theory
Work by trial and error

Abstract Reflective
Conceptualization 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.

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