David A. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory
Learning Styles and the Learning Cycle
According to Businessballs.com, "David A. Kolb published his learning styles model in 1984," after "having developed the model over many years prior" ("Kolb's Learning Styles"). In Kolb's publishing, he discussed the fact that there people learn in different ways, and that each way is related in some fashion. He also believed that there is a way to maximize the way one learns. Kolb expressed that there are two nearly opposing ways in which a human can learn experience: having concrete experiences, or having abstract conceptualization. Learning from concrete experience happens when one learns by simply having a specific experience. Conversely, learning by abstract conceptualization happens when one learns by thinking about what is happening and analyzing it. Kolb also expressed that there are two nearly opposing ways in which a person can deal with each experience: by actively experimenting, or by reflective observation. Actively experimenting occurs when people physically involve themselves directly in the experience. On the other hand, reflective observation occurs when people merely observe some experience and reflect on that observation. Below is a visual diagram, created by Kolb. This diagram was designed to create a learning cycle, as Kolb believed that the most effective way to learn is to visit each phase of the learning cycle for during the experience.
The Learning Cycle and its Relationship to Learning Preferences
The learning cycle depicted above can be utilized to determine a person's learning style preference. Kolb created a Learning Style Inventory (LSI), where a person fills out a questionnaire based on learning situations. Each response is closely related to a phase of the learning cycle, and after the questionnaire is finished the person can tally each response to determine the level of preference for each phase. The person plots their scores on the learning cycle and thus creates a kite shape. Each quadrant of the circle will include a different portion of the kite. Since these quadrants are created by the joining of two phases of the cycle, the resulting combination creates a learning style signifying the way a person can perceive and process an experience. The quadrant with the largest percentage of the kite would be the individuals preferred approach to the learning process. Below is a visual diagram of the learning cycle with and overlay of the learning preferences in each quadrant accompanied by the strengths of each preference.
Learning Styles Exposed
The following brief descriptions of each learning style are quoted from the Businessballs website.
The Diverging Style... These people are able to look at things from different perspectives. They are sensitive. They prefer to watch rather than do, tending to gather information and use imagination to solve problems. They are best at viewing concrete situations several different viewpoints. Kolb called this style 'Diverging' because these people perform better in situations that require ideas-generation, for example, brainstorming. People with a Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and like to gather information. They are interested in people, tend to be imaginative and emotional, and tend to be strong in the arts. People with the Diverging style prefer to work in groups, to listen with an open mind and to receive personal feedback.
The Assimilating Style... The Assimilating learning preference is for a concise, logical approach. Ideas and concepts are more important than people. These people require good clear explanation rather than practical opportunity. They excel at understanding wide-ranging information and organising it a clear logical format. People with an Assimilating learning style are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and abstract concepts. People with this style are more attracted to logically sound theories than approaches based on practical value. These learning style people is important for effectiveness in information and science careers. In formal learning situations, people with this style prefer readings, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think things through.
The Converging Style... People with a Converging learning style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues. They prefer technical tasks, and are less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects. People with a Converging learning style are best at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. They can solve problems and make decisions by finding solutions to questions and problems. People with a Converging learning style are more attracted to technical tasks and problems than social or interpersonal issues. A Converging learning style enables specialist and technology abilities. People with a Converging style like to experiment with new ideas,
to simulate, and to work with practical applications.
The Accomodating Style... The Accommodating learning style is 'hands-on', and relies on intuition rather than logic. These people use other people's analysis, and prefer to take a practical, experiential approach. They are attracted to new challenges and experiences, and to carrying out plans. They commonly act on 'gut' instinct rather than logical analysis. People with an Accommodating learning style will tend to rely on others for information than carry out their own analysis. This learning style is prevalent and useful in roles requiring action and initiative. People with an Accommodating learning style prefer to work in teams to complete tasks. They set targets and actively work in the field trying different ways to achieve an objective.
Balanced styles... Not everyone has a particular preference for learning style as Kolb has outlined. Some people have balance between all of the learning phases and therefore utilize the learning styles in a more even manner. To develop a balanced style, it would take practice in learning in opposing ways.
The Diverging Style... These people are able to look at things from different perspectives. They are sensitive. They prefer to watch rather than do, tending to gather information and use imagination to solve problems. They are best at viewing concrete situations several different viewpoints. Kolb called this style 'Diverging' because these people perform better in situations that require ideas-generation, for example, brainstorming. People with a Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and like to gather information. They are interested in people, tend to be imaginative and emotional, and tend to be strong in the arts. People with the Diverging style prefer to work in groups, to listen with an open mind and to receive personal feedback.
The Assimilating Style... The Assimilating learning preference is for a concise, logical approach. Ideas and concepts are more important than people. These people require good clear explanation rather than practical opportunity. They excel at understanding wide-ranging information and organising it a clear logical format. People with an Assimilating learning style are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and abstract concepts. People with this style are more attracted to logically sound theories than approaches based on practical value. These learning style people is important for effectiveness in information and science careers. In formal learning situations, people with this style prefer readings, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think things through.
The Converging Style... People with a Converging learning style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues. They prefer technical tasks, and are less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects. People with a Converging learning style are best at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. They can solve problems and make decisions by finding solutions to questions and problems. People with a Converging learning style are more attracted to technical tasks and problems than social or interpersonal issues. A Converging learning style enables specialist and technology abilities. People with a Converging style like to experiment with new ideas,
to simulate, and to work with practical applications.
The Accomodating Style... The Accommodating learning style is 'hands-on', and relies on intuition rather than logic. These people use other people's analysis, and prefer to take a practical, experiential approach. They are attracted to new challenges and experiences, and to carrying out plans. They commonly act on 'gut' instinct rather than logical analysis. People with an Accommodating learning style will tend to rely on others for information than carry out their own analysis. This learning style is prevalent and useful in roles requiring action and initiative. People with an Accommodating learning style prefer to work in teams to complete tasks. They set targets and actively work in the field trying different ways to achieve an objective.
Balanced styles... Not everyone has a particular preference for learning style as Kolb has outlined. Some people have balance between all of the learning phases and therefore utilize the learning styles in a more even manner. To develop a balanced style, it would take practice in learning in opposing ways.