LEARNING STYLES THE KOLB INVENTORY Learning Styles and
LEARNING STYLES: THE KOLB INVENTORY
Learning Styles and Strategies What is measured is PREFERENCE, PREFERENCE not competence Better understanding of how you prefer to learn means a higher quotient for success Understanding your preference and that of others may help in communication, teamwork and future careers 2
Factors that Influence LSI Personality type Education, specialization/experience Professional career choice Current job role (we become more skilled at what we do frequently) Current task or issue (context)
Learning Objectives Describe your personal learning style. Identify strengths and weaknesses of your preferred learning style. Examine strengths and weaknesses of other learners' styles.
Learning cycles 1. Concrete experience: where learning from feelings or reactions to experience influence your learning. 2. Reflective observation: where learning from watching and listening influence your learning. 3. Active conceptualization: where learning from thinking or analyzing problems in a systematic method influence your learning. 4. Active Experimentation: where learning by doing or results driven influence your learning. These four cycles are tied into learning
LSI: Two Main Dimensions How we Perceive or experience new information: Concrete - Abstract dimension How we Process or transform what we perceive: Active - Reflective dimension
What do my scores mean? Your scores indicate how much you rely on each of the 4 learning modes: Concrete Experience Reflective Observation Abstract Conceptualization Active Experimentation
Effective Learners Utilize all 4 Modes: Concrete Experience (CE): Involve themselves fully, openly, and without bias in new experiences
And… Reflective Observation (RO): Reflect on and observe these experiences from many perspectives.
And… Abstract Conceptualization (AC): Create concepts that integrate their observations into logically sound theories.
And… Active Experimentation (AC): Use theories to make decisions and solve problems.
Kolb LSI Learning Cycle Choose a model or goal Concrete Experience Compare it with reality Execute a solution Identify problems Accommodating Diverging Active Experimentation Select a solution Evaluate consequence s of solutions Reflective Observation Converging Assimilating Select a problem Abstract Conceptualization Consider alternative solutions Where will you jump in?
DIVERGING “Facilitator/Motivator” Generates ideas Works well with people Shares ideas Very involved with learning Asks: “Why? ” or “Why not? ”
Diverging (Creating) Combines learning styles of CE and RO. Learners view concrete situations from many points of view. They perform better in “brainstorming” sessions, or situations that call for looking at things from many angles. Approach is to observe rather than take action Prefer to work in teams to gather information. Listen with an open mind and receive feedback.
ASSIMILATING “Theoretical/basic scientist” Theoretical interests Combine diverse ideas Create models Analytical/Inductive Asks: “What do I have here? ”
Assimilating (Planning) Dominant styles are RO and AC. Use inductive reasoning and assimilating disparate observations into an integrated explanation. Theories need to be more logically sound and precise than of practical value. If theory doesn’t fit the “facts” they might disregard or reexamine the facts. Prefer lectures, reading, exploring analytical models. Need time to think things through.
CONVERGING “Applied Scientist” Want concrete answers Prefer to work with things vs. people Like hands-on experiences Want answers quickly Asks: “How does this work? ”
Converging (Deciding) Dominant learning abilities are AC and AE. Knowledge is organized through hypotheticaldeductive reasoning, focus on a problem and converge on an answer. Best at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. Rather deal with technical tasks/problems than interpersonal issues. Prefer experimenting with ideas, simulations, lab assignments and practical applications.
ACCOMODATING “Practitioner” Take risks Focus on doing Adapt well to change Like new experiences Integrate application with experience Asks: ”What will this become? ”
Accommodating (Acting) Dominant styles AE and CE. Interested in doing things, in carrying out plans, and involving themselves in new plans. Risk takers, excel often where one must adapt or accommodate. If the plan doesn’t fit the facts, often will disregard the facts. Rely heavily on others for information than on own technical analysis. Prefer to work with others to get assignments done, set goals and test different approaches.
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