KOLBS THEORY ASSIGNMENT

Kolb (1984, 41) says that “Education is the procedure whereby knowledge is shaped through the transformation of practice”. Knowledge results from the mixture of avaricious skills and converting it. This is called a ‘learning style’. Kolb called this “Experiential Learning” since “knowledge is the foundation of learning and growth” (Kolb1984). Each ends of the nodes in “experiential learning” provide a phase in the learning process. I learnt that according to Kolb’s theory (1984) there are four types of learners which are “the divergers”, “the convergers”,” the assimilators” and “the accommodators”. Therefore, in this essay I am going to concentrate and discuss on the category of learner I am, clarify Kolb’s theory and its in-depth connection to my previous learning experience, refer to the ways of how I could become a superior learner and conclude that ‘learning styles’ are vital for a healthier and efficacious learning.

After a meticulous study of the four learning styles I arose to the assumption that I am a diverger. Kolb (1984) describes divergers as concrete and reflective as they point up the imaginative and creative approach of doing things. They are most likely to View concrete circumstances from many angles and adjusts by observations rather than by actions. Kolb’s (1984) highlights that “. Divergers are Concerned in people and tends to be feeling-oriented”. I strongly believe in this statement as it clarifies why I have always enjoyed to interact with my fellow classmates. In fact, I find it very fascinating to know about other people’s backgrounds, preferences and opinions and their ways of living. My characteristics as a Diverger may be witnessed in the classroom as I always find myself wanting to help a friend with whatsoever they are stressed with, thus, giving myself more acquaintance and practice in the procedure. “Brainstorming is one of the areas where divergers excel” (Kolb’s, 1981, pg238) and I firmly agree with this description because I regularly practice brainstorming before undertaking a set task. With the above given examples I consider that I fall in the diverger ‘learning styles ‘to an excessive amount.

I also realised that in addition to the ‘Divergers’ learning style I also have some of the Accommodator characteristics. Kolb (1984) labels Accommodators as concrete and active as they most likely uses research and development method rather than thought and reflection. Kolb (1984) declares that “individuals with an Accommodating learning style choose to work in groups to complete jobs. They set goals and vigorously work in the field trying diverse methods to accomplish an objective’’. In the past I found it very easy to work with a group of unknown people as I believe that group work builds friendship among people. Moreover, group work can develop one’s delegation skills. It has the power to motivate a student to do a particular work, for example; in high school when my fellow classmates and I had to speak in front of an audience, group support really helped us to overcome our fears of speaking in front of the listeners. All I can say is that being an Accommodator and working with other people has helped me to respect other’s choice and not takes things too personally.

My weaknesses as a learner is that I am the perfectionist or realist type (Cottrell, 2013) of learner. These characteristics

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