Experiential learning, a term coined by David Kolb, is an educational approach that emphasizes the role of experience in the learning process. It is a hands-on method that encourages learners to reflect on their experiences, and use them as a basis for learning. The diverging style of experiential learning is one of the four learning styles proposed by Kolb, and it emphasizes concrete experience and reflective observation.

Individuals with a diverging learning style are often imaginative and open-minded, with strong emotional responses and a preference for working in groups. They are excellent at viewing concrete situations from multiple perspectives and are adept at brainstorming. This article delves into the intricate details of the diverging style of experiential learning, its characteristics, benefits, and how it can be effectively utilized in various learning environments.

Understanding Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skill, and value directly from the experience. The process is often initiated by a “triggering event,” or an experience that creates an opportunity for learning. This could be a lecture, a reading assignment, a field trip, or any other educational activity that provides an experience with content.

The learner then reflects on this experience, connecting it to previous experiences and knowledge. Through this reflection, the learner constructs new understanding, skills, attitudes, and values. The learner then applies this new understanding in practice, leading to a new experience and the cycle continues. This cyclical process is what makes experiential learning a continuous and lifelong process.

The Four Learning Styles

David Kolb identified four distinct learning styles in his experiential learning theory: Diverging, Assimilating, Converging, and Accommodating. These styles are based on two dimensions: the processing continuum (how we approach a task) and the perception continuum (our emotional response, or how we think or feel about it).

The Diverging style, the focus of this article, is located at the intersection of concrete experience and reflective observation. Divergers are best at viewing concrete situations from many perspectives. They prefer to watch rather than do, and gather information and use their imagination to solve problems.

Characteristics of Diverging Style

Individuals with a diverging learning style are characterized by their ability to generate a wide array of ideas and their preference for brainstorming. They are imaginative and open-minded, often seeing many solutions to a problem. They are interested in people and empathetic, often playing the role of the team player in group settings.

They tend to be more interested in the “why” and “how” of things, rather than the “what”. They enjoy receiving personal feedback and use it to improve their performance. They are also reflective, spending time thinking about their experiences and how they relate to their existing knowledge and beliefs.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Like every learning style, the diverging style has its strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths include creativity, open-mindedness, and the ability to see things from different perspectives. These individuals are excellent at brainstorming and are often the ones to come up with novel solutions to problems.

However, their preference for watching rather than doing can sometimes be a disadvantage in situations that require quick action. They may also struggle with decision-making, as they tend to see too many possibilities. They may also be perceived as lacking focus or direction, as their interests and attention can be quite broad.

Applying the Diverging Style

The diverging style can be effectively applied in various learning environments. In a classroom setting, for example, divergers can benefit from group work, discussions, and brainstorming sessions. They also thrive in situations where they are allowed to observe and collect a wide range of information before making a decision.

In the workplace, divergers can be invaluable in roles that require creativity and team collaboration. They are also well-suited for roles that require empathy and understanding of others, such as in customer service or human resources.

Teaching Strategies for Divergers

When teaching individuals with a diverging learning style, it’s important to provide opportunities for them to work in groups and to engage in brainstorming and discussion. They should be encouraged to reflect on their experiences and to connect new learning to their existing knowledge and beliefs.

Feedback is also crucial for divergers. They value personal feedback and use it to improve their performance. Therefore, providing regular, constructive feedback can greatly enhance their learning experience.

Conclusion

The diverging style of experiential learning is a powerful tool for individuals who are imaginative, open-minded, and empathetic. By understanding and utilizing this style, learners can greatly enhance their ability to learn from experience and to apply their learning in a variety of contexts.

While it has its strengths and weaknesses, like all learning styles, the key is to understand these and to use strategies that play to the strengths while mitigating the weaknesses. With the right approach, the diverging style can lead to a rich and rewarding learning experience.

Expand Your Knowledge:

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• Experiential Learning Benefits
• Academic Learning vs. Experiential Learning
• Experiential Learning Opportunities
• Kolb’s Learning Styles

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