David Kolb developed a theory of experiential learning that describes a four-stage learning cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Kolb also proposed four distinct learning styles - diverging, assimilating, converging, and accommodating - based on how people combine the processing of information (concrete or abstract) and the acquisition of information (active experimentation or reflective observation). Each learning style has strengths in different phases of the learning cycle and prefers different learning environments.

1. KOLB’S LEARNING Theory
Maryam Kaveh

2. Who is Kolb ?
David A. Kolb (born 1939) is
an American educational theorist
whose interests and publications
focus on experiential learning, the
individual and social change, career
development, and executive and
professional education. He is the
founder and chairman of Experience
Based Learning Systems, Inc.
(EBLS), and a Professor of
Organizational Behavior in
the Weatherhead School of
Management, Case Western Reserve
University, Cleveland, Ohio.

3. KOLB’S LEARNING STYLES

4. Learning Cycle
Kolb's model therefore works on two levels - a four-stage cycle:
• Concrete Experience - (CE, feelings, kinesthetic responses)
• Reflective Observation - (RO, watching, analyzing)
• Abstract Conceptualization - (AC, critical thinking)
• Active Experimentation - (AE, doing)

5. Learning Cycle
• Concrete Experiencers like to learn by experiencing. They like games and
role playing. They learn from and with other people and value discussion
and feedback.
• Reflective Observers learn by reflecting. They like to look at things
carefully from a variety of perspectives. They enjoy lectures and objective
tests where knowledge is demonstrated.
• Abstract Conceptualizers are logical and systematic. They appreciate
deductive thinking based on their careful understanding. They like theory
and appreciate alone study time. They create ideas that are clear and well-
structured.
• Active Experimenters learn by doing. They like to practice and try new
things. They are not afraid of taking risks and are known for getting things
done. They appreciate small group discussions and individual self-paced
projects or activities.

6. Learning Styles
Four-type definition of learning styles, (each
representing the combination of two preferred
styles, rather like a two-by-two matrix of the
four-stage cycle styles, as illustrated below), for
which Kolb used the terms:
• Diverging (CE/RO)
• Assimilating (AC/RO)
• Converging (AC/AE)
• Accommodating (CE/AE)

7. Learning Cycle

8. diverging
• Between “concrete” and “reflective” = diverging
• They tend to :
 recognize problems
 brainstorm options
 gather information
 strong in the arts
 work in groups
 receive personal feedback
 Generate lots of ideas
• And they are
 sensitive.
 interested in people
 open-minded
 be imaginative
 be understanding

9. assimilating
• Between “reflective observation” and “abstract conceptualization” = assimilating
• They tend to:
 plan
 create models
 define problems
 develop theories
 be patient
• And enjoy of:
 Take a concise, logical approach.
 good clear explanations rather than practical opportunity.
 wide-ranging information and organizing it a clear logical format.
 ideas and abstract concepts.
 information and science careers.
 reading, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think
things.

10. converging
• Between “abstract conceptualization” and “active experimentation” =
converging
• They tend to:
 solve problems
 make decisions
 reason deductively
 be logical
 find solutions to practical issues.
 technical tasks
 Find practical uses for ideas and theories.
 experiment with new ideas.
 work with practical applications
 Use deductive reasoning to solve problems
• and are less concerned with people.

11. accommodating
• Between “active experimentation” and “concrete experience” = accommodating
• They tend to :
 get things done
 lead
 take risks
 initiate
 be adaptable and practical
 'hands-on' learning.
 intuition rather than logic.
 take a practical, experiential approach.
 new challenges and experiences.
 learn which involves action and initiative.
 work in teams to complete tasks.
 Uses targets and works in the field.
 Good at actively engaging with the world and actually. doing things instead of reading
about and studying them
•

12. Doing (Active
Experimentation -
AE)
Watching (Reflective
Observation - RO)
Feeling (Concrete
Experience - CE)
Accommodating
(CE/AE)
Diverging (CE/RO)
Thinking (Abstract
Conceptualization -
AC)
Converging (AC/AE) Assimilating (AC/RO)