Through life experiences we come develop certain styles of learning. When confronted by a problem or conflict, some people will place their emphasis on immediate action, whilst others may focus on reflection to solve the problem. Certain people will be very analytical of an incident, and others will have strengths in assimilating facts into theories. It is these learning differences that David Kolb set about organising, resulting in four separate learning styles.

Its greatest strength lies in problem solving, decision making and practical application. This learning styles dominant focus is abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation. Through the use of practical reasoning this learning style is best suited for problem solving and more technical tasks rather than social issues.

Its strengths are opposite to those of the convergent learner, focusing on practical experience and imaginative reflection. Observation is another strength, and this style will consider many alternative options and create meaningful relationships through this process. It is important that theories are sound and precise, and they are likely to be feeling orientated.

Its dominant learning ability is abstract conceptualisation and reflective observation. Through reasoning and observation, an assimilative learner will be able to create theoretical models, and will be focused more on ideas and concepts than people.

This learning style has the opposite strengths to assimilation, focused greatly upon practical experience and experimentation. Its strength lies in carrying out tasks or plans, and being involved in new experiences. They have the ability to adapt to situational change, and will get rid of theories very quickly if they don’t fit the facts. Trial ‘n’ error methods of problem solving will be used, and this learning style can be very task orientated, as well as being very comfortable with people.