Kolb Learning Styles

David Kolb, the developer of Kolb Learning Styles, based his theory on the research of Jung, Rogers and even Piaget. Kolb believes that learning styles were developed or emerged through:

• Genetics

• Life Experiences

• Demands of the Environment

The Kolb Learning Style Model is divided into four different styles which derive from a four stage learning cycle. This learning theory provides an understanding not just of individual learning styles based on the four quadrants but also explains a cycle of learning that can be applied to all learners. 

Kolb’s Learning Styles are split into four general types including diverger, assimilator, converger and accommodator with two dimensions.

Diverger

The Diverger is located at the intersection of Concrete Experience and Reflective Observation on the Kolb Learning Cycle. The opposite learning style to the Diverger is the Converger.

The diverger takes an original and creative approach to learning. They are going to look at a variety of perspectives. They particularly enjoy activities that allow for collaboration and brainstorming, generating many ideas.

Their learning strengths lie in feelings and taking interest in other people. They are emotional and creative. The Diverger is more sensitive and prefers to watch than do. They also have broad interests, always looking for something new rather than specializing.

The Diverger will see things from a variety of aspects that will allow them to use their imagination, allowing them to see the whole picture. They enjoy organizing smaller pieces into a large and manageable whole.

The Diverger is also an information gatherer, working best in groups. They will enjoy personal feedback. 

David Kolb called this learning personality as a Diverger because this type will perform best in situations where they can have a variety of options and viewpoints, not one black/white solution.

Best Learning

The best learning options for the Diverger are opportunities to work in teams or groups. They will excel in learning options that will allow them to listen, like a lecture. They will prefer to observe.

Best Occupations

The Diverger tends to lean toward occupations that will be aligned to the humanities and fine arts. They are artists, musicians and counselors.

Assimilator

The Assimilator is located at the intersection of Abstract Conceptualization and Reflective Observation on the Kolb Learning Cycle. The opposite learning style to the Assimilator is the Accommodator.

The Assimilator leans on facts and reviews the learning experience as a whole. They prefer abstract ideas and not practical application. They love to think and watch.

The Assimilator enjoys creating experiments and completing them. They like to work on projects from start to finish. They also prefer independent learning experiences. They like to explore and analyze their findings.

The Assimilator is more interested in facts and figures than they are in people and feelings or emotions. Their greatest strength is to lean on theoretical models. 

Assimilators prefer to look at theories but also to have clear explanations. They like their information arranged in a clear and logical manner. They excel at gathering a lot of information and then applying it in that logical manner. 

Best Learning

The best learning environment for the Assimilator is reading, lectures, exploring analytical models and participating in independent exercises. They enjoy private opportunities for exploration.

Best Occupations

The Assimilator is found most commonly in occupations that are related to math and the sciences. They also enjoy any occupation related to planning and research.

Converger

The Converger is located at the intersection of Abstract Conceptualization and Active Experimentation on the Kolb Learning Cycle. The opposite learning style to the Converger is the Diverger.

The Converger is the problem solver prefering to search for technical solutions. They are decision makers. They need solutions but enjoy getting to the solution through experimentation on new ideas and arriving at the best solution. 

They will tend to avoid people and theory as well as any interpersonal applications or interactions.

The Converger will lean toward practical applications. They prefer to have one best solution to a problem instead of a variety of options. They are a think and do learning personality. They are technically minded. 

Kolb called this learning personality the Converger because they will converge on answers through active exploration of knowledge, information and practical application.

Best Learning

The best learning options for the Converger is to have hands-on options. They like interactive learning options that lead to problem solving. They will enjoy a problem-based learning model.

Best Occupations

The Converger is found most often in careers with titles of specialists or technicians.

Accommodator

The Accommodator is located at the intersection of Concrete Experience and Active Experimentation on the Kolb Learning Cycle. The opposite learning style to the Accommodator is the Assimilator.

The Accommodator is the most adaptive and intuitive learning personality of the four Kolb learning personality types. They prefer to learn through the trial and error method with a vibrant desire to discover knowledge for themselves. They like an experiential approach to learning, being attracted to anything that is new – new challenges, new knowledge.

The Accommodator tends to have great people skills and lives through a lens of the ‘gut feeling’. They enjoy analysis and thinking but from information that comes from other people, meaning they rely on others to obtain their knowledge. 

They are practical and like to have new challenges and experiences. They are doers. They like to perform and see their plans in true life, real-world applications.

The Accommodator is a risk taker. This means, of course, that they are also quick at thinking on their feet. They are spontaneous and will swiftly change directions, plans and even their viewpoint based on new information and knowledge. 

Best Learning

The Accommodator prefers a learning environment that is actively engaged with activities that will permit them for a hands-on experience. They prefer independence.

Best Occupations

The Accommodator is found in occupations that are related to sales, marketing and technical fields. They will lean toward action-oriented fields.

Sources:

Experiential Learning. (2021). What is Experiential Learning. Retrieved from: https://experientiallearninginstitute.org/resources/what-is-experiential-learning/ 

Kolb, D.A. (1984).  Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development.  Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

McLeod, S. A. (2013). Kolb – Learning Styles. Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html

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By Tracy Atkinson

Tracy Atkinson, mother of six, lives in the Southwest with her husband and spirited long-haired miniature dachshunds. She is a teacher, having taught elementary school to higher education, holding degrees in elementary education and an EDS in higher education. Her passion is researching, studying and investigating the attributes related to self-directed learners and learning styles. She has published several titles, including MBTI Learning Styles: A Practical Approach, The Art of Learning Journals, Calais: The Annals of the Hidden, Lemosa: The Annals of the Hidden, Book Two, Rachel’s 8 and Securing Your Tent. She is currently working on a non-fiction text exploring the attributes of self-directed learners: The Five Characteristics of Self-directed Learners.