The Kolb Cycle of Learning

- Learn from specific experiences

Concrete Experience (touching, seeing, etc.)
(CE) ("Feeling") - Relating to people
- Sensitivity to people and feelings

ACCOMODATING

DIVERGING
- Ability to get things
done
- Risk taking
- Influence people and
events through action

Active Reflective
Experimentation (AE) Observation (RO)
("Doing") (“Watching")

- Careful observation
before making a
judgment
- Viewing things from
different perspectives
- Looking for the
CONVERGING meaning of things

ASSIMILATING

- Logical analysis of ideas

- Systematic planning Abstract Conceptualization (AC)
- Acting on intellectual (“Thinking")
understanding of a situation
You will get four scores from the Kolb learning-styles inventory (LSI), which will combine to
paint a picture of the ways in which you prefer to learn. The scores roughly correspond to the
four stages of learning, more widely known as the “learning cycle.” It is vitally important that you
realize that these are preferences, not constraints. A complete (advanced) learner will use all
four stages of the learning cycle, regardless of his/her overall learning preferences.

This information can be useful to you by giving you guidance about the types of learning
situations in which you are likely to thrive easily, and those learning situations in which you are
likely to have to work harder. As with all difficult learning situations, you can either change the
environment or change your approach. Since changing the environment may be challenging or
impossible, we suggest that you try to change your own academic approach. We encourage you
discuss these ideas and any questions you might have with an ASIP instructor.

Briefly, here are some interpretations of the four learning styles:

Diverging Style (preferred learning-cycle stages: CE and RO)

People with this learning style prefer to view concrete situations from many different points of
view. A Diverger may perform better in situations that call for generation of ideas, such as a
brainstorming session. People with a Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and
like to gather information. In formal learning situations, people with the Diverging style prefer to
work in groups, listening with an open mind to different points of view and receiving
personalized feedback.

Assimilating Style (preferred learning-cycle stages: AC and RO)

People with this learning style prefer to understand a wide range of information and put it into
concise, logical form. Assimilators are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and
abstract concepts. Generally, people with this style find it more important that a theory have
logical soundness than practical value. In formal learning situations, people with this style prefer
readings, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think things through.

Converging Style (preferred learning-cycle stages: AC and AE)

People with this learning style prefer to find practical uses for ideas and theories. They have the
ability to solve problems and make decisions based on finding solutions to questions or
problems. Convergers prefer to deal with technical tasks and problems rather than with social
issues and interpersonal issues. In formal learning situations, people with this style prefer to
experiment with new ideas, simulations, laboratory assignments, and practical applications.

Accommodating Style (preferred learning-cycle stages: CE and AE)

People with this learning style prefer to learn from primarily “hands-on” experience. They enjoy
carrying out plans and involving themselves in new and challenging experiences. Their
tendency may be to act on “gut” feelings rather than on logical analysis. In formal learning
situations, people with the Accommodating learning style prefer to work with others to get
assignments done, to set goals, to do field work, and to test out different approaches to
completing a project.

For further questions, please talk to an ASIP instructor at your next appointment.