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David Kolb proposed a 4-stage experiential learning cycle that applies to all learners.  He suggested that immediate or concrete experiences provide a basis for observation and reflection.  These are assimilated and distilled into abstract concepts which can be actively tested, in turn creating new learning experiences.

 

Individual learners will demonstrate differences in the way they think about things and the way they do things.

 

These differences can be plotted on a Perception continuum (along a spectrum that ranges from a preference for thinking about things in a Concrete or Abstract way) and along a Processing continuum (along a spectrum that ranges from Active to Reflective).  This results in identification of 4 Learning Styles.

 

Kolb refers to these as Accommodating - Diverging - Assimilating - Converging.

 

These approximate to the Learning Styles identified by Peter Honey & Alan Mumford.

 

Click here for a fuller explanation.

 

 
 

Kolb, D.A. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of learning and development.  Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall

 

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See also: Learning Styles - the debate