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David Kolbs Learning Cycle

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Submitted By omarhaddad
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Middlesex university

What type of learner am I?

Some people say that to learn is to practice, others may argue that learning is visual, and that our brains’ photographic memory is what really makes learning more memorable. In some occasions you can get a better grasp of what you want to learn by hearing it a number of times. David Kolb examined these theories and developed what he called the learning cycle. In this essay I am going to introduce David Kolb's learning cycle theory and then identify the four learner types that he mentioned. Furthermore I will explain how I think all of Kolb’s learning types apply to me by giving examples of my past learning experiences. In 1984 David Kolb published his learning cycle’s model which contains information about the theory he came up with (the experiential learning theory) (http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm), and also lists the stages of what he called the learning cycle.
In his learning theory Kolb lays down four diverse learning styles, which are constructed on a four –stage learning cycle. With the formation of that cycle the four learner types are;

1- Diverging: People with a Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and like to gather information. They are able to look at things from different perspectives. They are sensitive. They prefer to watch rather than do, tending to gather information and use imagination to solve problems.
(http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm)

2- Assimilating: People with an Assimilating learning style are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and abstract concepts. They are more attracted to logically sound theories than approaches based on practical value.
(http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm)

3- Converging: People with a Converging learning style can solve problems and will use their

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