3.1.2 The Four Learning Styles
According to David Kolb (1981) people learn differently because they have individual preferences for:
- Learning through doing , or;
- Learning through thinking .
Doers and thinkers differ in the way they perceive (take in) information and the way they process (do something with) information.
Learning through DOING
Doers prefer to learn by being personally involved in learning and putting that learning into action. There are two types of Doers: Pragmatists and Activists
Pragmatists are interested in theories but only if they are able to apply them in a practical way. As a result they are very good at finding technical solutions to problems but may have problems dealing with the people who are meant to implement them. They learn by testing theories, questioning and through hands-on experience. Engineers are good examples.
Activists rely more on instincts than theories and prefer to get things done without worrying too much about the longer term implications. They are very good at dealing with people and adapting to new environments but they may also be impatient and occasionally not be aware of all the relevant facts. Activists learn through trial and error and have a hands-on approach to learning activities. They will want to know how learning will improve their bottom line. Managers are an example.
Pragmatists and activists are different in that they focus on different aspects of information. Pragmatists attend to theories while activists focus on people issues. They are similar, however, in that they learn through putting their knowledge into action.
Learning through THINKING
Thinkers prefer to stand back and consider the meaning of the new information and are drawn to observation and reflection rather than physical experience. There are two types of Thinkers: Reflectors and Theorists.
Reflectors enjoy being presented with ideas that they can be personally involved in and like discussing, brainstorming and group work. They enjoy learning for the sake of developing greater personal understanding of issues rather than putting that learning into practice. They are able to get along very well with other people but may have difficulties making decisions and meeting deadlines. Counsellors fit this category.
Theorists are also interested in new ideas and theories but they like to consider these from an intellectual perspective. They are very good at identifying and defining problems as well as planning and developing their own theories but are less able to apply these in a practical manner and may be prone to criticism. They learn through thinking through ideas and prefer lectures and reading to small group training. Philosophers sometimes fit this description.
Reflectors and Theorists share a preference for thinking about abstract concepts and for discovering the underlying meaning of new information rather than using that information to solve any particular problems. They differ in that Reflectors learn through personal involvement while Theorists learn through intellectual analysis.
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