Kinds of Effective Learning Styles

Learning by doing, Learning by use & Learning from failure

Different people have different learning styles, and differences in learning styles can explain why some individuals are comfortable and successful with some learning approaches. According to Kolb (1984), in his book about “Experiential Learning”, he theorizes that an individual’s learning style is based on that person’s preferred modes of learning. A mode of learning is the individual’s orientation toward gathering and processing information during learning. There are four basic modes of learning such as

 (1) Concrete Experience (CE): It is related to learning through direct experience, emphasizing interpersonal relations and feeling as opposed to thinking.

(2) Abstract Conceptualization (AC): It refers to learning by thinking about an issue in theoretical terms.

(3) Reflective Observation (RO): It focuses on learning by watching and examining different points of view to achieve an understanding.

(4) Active Experimentation (AE): It concerns with learning something actually by doing it and judging its practical value.

Related to these modes of learning, Kolb also identified four learning styles, and these include:

            A. Convergent: It is combination between abstract conceptualization and active experimentation with a focus on problem solving, decision making, and practical application of ideas. In short, it can be concluded that this style is related to “Thinking and Doing”.

            B. Divergent: It is a mix of concrete experience with reflective observation emphasizing imagination, an awareness of values, and the ability to generate alternative course of action. Indeed, it is about “Feeling and Watching”.

            C. Assimilation: It is a combination of abstract conceptualization and reflective observation that stresses inductive reasoning, the integration of desperate observation into explanation, and the creation of theoretical models. In fact, it is related to “Thinking and Watching”.

            D. Accommodative: It is a combination between concrete experience and active experimentation demonstrated by accomplishment, executing plans, and involvement in new experiences. It mainly focuses on “Feeling and Doing”

Sam Aun (Andy)